Spiegel Grove

The USS Spiegel Grove: A Manmade Reef and Diving Destination

The Sinking of the USS Spiegel Grove

In June 2002, a retired Navy ship named the USS Spiegel Grove was deliberately sunk 6 miles off the coast of Key Largo. This effort aimed to support the underwater ecosystem by creating a manmade reef. As one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk for this purpose, the 510-foot vessel immediately began attracting fish and other marine life.

The Spiegel Grove Today: A Dive Spot and an Ecosystem

Fast forward to today, the USS Spiegel Grove serves not only the environment but also the diving community. It has become a favorite dive location among recent reviewers. Divers are drawn to its unique features and the abundance of colorful fish that inhabit the reef. However, due to its massive size and unique positioning—having resettled nose-up in 2005 after Hurricane Dennis, with its deepest point at 130 feet—diving instructors advise that only experienced divers should attempt dives here. In fact, some sections of the vessel are deemed too hazardous even for those with high-level diving certifications.

Planning Your Dive

If you're ready to tackle the challenge of diving the Spiegel Grove, contact a tour company such as Rainbow Reef Dive Center for more information. For those interested in snorkeling, several of the best Key Largo snorkeling tours also include stops at this extraordinary manmade reef.