Explore the famous Vandenberg wreck!
Duration
**4.5 Hours**
About
During our morning wreck dive we explore the USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the world’s 2nd largest artificial reef.
This retired naval ship was intentionally sunk in 2008 to create Key West’s newest and largest artificial reef. She lies in 140 feet of water approximately 6 miles SSE of Key West in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS).
Our a max depth is 100ft which is the approximate depth of the deck.
For ease of diving and maximum safety, we set up a line descent system using a traverse line from the main mooring line to the wreck.
This is an Advanced Dive so it requires Advanced Certification and/or a Guide.
Requirements
- **All Scuba Divers must have been diving within the past year and are at least 15 years old**
- **Divers with Open Water certification must be guided ($50 per person)**
- **Advanced Open Water Divers and higher may choose to be guided ($50 per person)**
What to Bring
- **Please bring your certification card**
Address
606 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Booking Notes
#VANDENBERG WRECK DIVE - ADVANCED DIVE (READ CAREFULLY)
**This is an advanced, high risk dive. Not for beginners.**
Please read everything below carefully before arrival.
#CHECK-IN LOCATION
*Southpoint Divers*
- [606 Front St, Key West, FL 33040](https://goo.gl/maps/LDskY2AXDky), Our 46' custom dive boat, The Phoenix, docks at the Hyatt Marina, across the street from the shop.
**Arrival Time: 8:00am SHARP**
-Boat departs from Hyatt Centric (across the street) at 8:30am
-We do not wait for late arrivals
**Late arrivals = missed dive, no refund**
#Required Experience
**The Vandenberg is a deep, advanced wreck dive with potential for:**
-Strong currents
-Limited visibility
-Depth and overhead environments
**To participate, you must,**
-Be Advanced Open Water certified (or equivalent)
-Have dived within the last 12 months
-Be comfortable in deeper water and variable conditions
-Open Water Certified **MUST** have dived within the last 6 months and **REQUIRES** a guide ($50)
#MEDICAL (FOR REFERENCE)
**[PADI Medical Form](https://www.padi.com/sites/default/files/documents/2022-12/Diver_Medical_Participant_Questionnaire_10346_EN_English_2022-02-01.pdf)**
- This is provided as reference for general dive fitness
- if you have any medical concerns, you are responsible for obtaining Doctor clearance prior to arrival
#WHAT TO BRING
- Certification card **(required)**
- Towel & swimsuit
- We encourage you to use mineral-based reef safe sunscreen and use Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear.
-**Recommended**
- motion sickness prevention
- surface marker Buoy
#OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
- **Guide ($50)** - Strongly recommend if unfamiliar with the Vandenberg
- **Dive computer (required if you do not have one)**
- GoPro Rental
#DIVE CONDITIONS
- 2-tank wreck dive
- Conditions vary daily
- This is a serious dive profile
#IMPORTANT REMINDERS
**No flying within 24 hours after diving**
*Ocean conditions are unpredictable- plan accordingly*
#CREW GRATUITY
**If you had a great experience**
- Typical gratuity: 15-20% per person
*Always appreciated, Never required*
#Please watch this short video
Please watch this short [video](https://nmsfloridakeys.blob.core.windows.net/floridakeys-prod/media/videos/reef-etiquette.mp4) to learn more about diving and snorkeling in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and how you can help to protect this special place!
Cancellation Policy
#ALL CANCELATIONS MUST BE EMAILED TO CANCELLATIONS@SOUTHPOINTDIVERS.COM
**48+ hour notice required**
- within 48 hours: no refund, no changes
**No call / no show = no refund**
- Late arrival = no refund
*Seasickness, conditions, or discomfort = no refunds*
* All excursions require a minimum number of participants or may be subject to cancellation
* Southpoint Divers is not responsible for any lost or stolen goods.
