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Morning 2-Tank Dive: Vandenberg Wreck

Guided

Duration: 4.5 hours

Features

Free Cancellation
On the Water
Kid Friendly
Wildlife
Instant Book
Locally Owned
$149 Certified Diver with Gear Package
(Tanks, weights, BCD & regulator (wetsuit if need))
$113 Certified Diver tanks/weights only
(Option to add gear piece by piece)
$55 Rider

Description

Florida Keys Vandenberg Wreck Dive - Certified Divers Only!

Explore the world’s second largest artificial reef doubled as a shipwreck on our Morning Vandenberg Dive! The USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg was a retired naval ship intentionally sunk in 2008 to create Key West’s newest and largest artificial reef!
The wreck at 520 ft (159 m) in length sits on a sandy bottom at 140 ft (43 m)! The maximum depth on this dive will be 100 ft (30 m), which is the approximate depth of the ship’s deck. For ease and maximum safety, the crew will set up a line descent system using a traverse line to the main mooring line and then to the wreck!
Certified divers only are allowed and while considered an advanced dive, it is accessible to divers of all skill levels who have been diving in the past year and are at least 15 years old. Guides are highly recommended for all levels of diving but only required for Open Water divers.

Duration of Adventure

  1. 4.5 hours
  2. Each dive will depend on NDL and air consumption
  3. There is a 45 minute surface interval between both dives
  4. Both dives are at the wreck

Location / Where to Meet

  1. Shop Address: 606 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
  2. You will meet right at the store and then walk over to the boat that docks directly across the street from the shop at the Hyatt Resort and Marina. There is no free parking nearby but there is street side and paid parking available. Paid parking can be located at 700 Front St, Key West, FL 33040.

Ages & Requirements

  1. 15+ years old, ages under 17 years old and under must have a parent sign an emergency consent to treat form
  2. All divers must be CERTIFIED
  3. All divers must have been diving in the past year
  4. Open Water certified divers must be guided for an extra fee
  5. Advanced Open Water certified divers may choose to be guided for an extra fee
  6. There will be a medical questionnaire that must be filled out ahead of the dive. If you answer yes to certain questions, you may be asked to obtain a signed doctor's note clearing you for the activity. The questionnaire often used can also be searched as the PADI/DAN Medical Scuba Statement/questionnaire. 
  7. You must be able to climb a ladder back into the boat
  8. Gear sizes range from XS to 3XL with children’s sizes as well

What’s Included

  1. Rental scuba equipment (BCDs, wetsuits, regulators, etc.) - if this option is selected
  2. Rental tank & weights only - if this option is selected and you can add gear piece by piece for extra cost
  3. 2 tank wreck boat dives
  4. Boat ride to locations
  5. Water is available on the boat and a cooler if participants want to bring their own snacks

Not Included

  1. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides and captain!
  2. Professional scuba guide - can be added for an extra fee but required for Open Water certified divers
  3. Nitrox can be added for an extra fee - you must show proof of certification for this
  4. Certifications - this is solely 2 dives for already certified divers
  5. No prescription masks are available for rent, please rent these from another shop ahead of the dive date.

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Swimsuit
  2. Towel
  3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
  4. Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
  5. Dry bag
  6. Snacks & Water
  7. Certification card (plus nitrox certification card if applicable)
  8. Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
  9. Waterproof & Pressure Proof Camera (e.g. GoPros NEED the special DIVE case) - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
  10. Seasickness medications - If you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled boat time. It is too late to take the medication if you are already sea sick on the boat.
  11. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get caught by the equipment or damaged by the water and pressure.

Wildlife Guidelines

Please refrain from touching, feeding, or harassing any wildlife you come across such as dolphins, manatees, shellfish, turtles, etc. Calmly watch from a distance! Also, please be aware of your body placement and equipment when around the reefs and wrecks. There is fragile coral, and many wrecks are rusting and breaking down, therefore to avoid damaging them further, please don't knock into them!

Check out an aerial view of our tours!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Southpoint Divers

FAQs

Are there any approvals for wreck penetration if I’m certified?

Wreck penetration (with caution) is allowed ONLY if you are already WRECK CERTIFIED. You will have to show proof of this to the shop and discuss this option ahead of time.

Can I fly after diving? **ANY elevation above 1000FT (305m) is DANGEROUS

Flying directly after scuba diving is incredibly dangerous and could result in a life-threatening illness called the Bends/Decompression Sickness. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines for flying after diving include:

  1. A single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 12 hours suggested.
  2. Multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 18 hours is suggested.
  3. Dives requiring decompression stops are recommended to have longer than 18 hours.

Please discuss with your dive guide ahead of time what is suggested!

Can I bring a camera?

You are welcome to bring a camera but it is your responsibility to ensure it is in a DIVE safe case. Pressure increases when you are diving down and although it doesn't feel all that different to you, it will impact your camera. To be safe, a case certified to 60 feet or 18 meters is a good idea!

GoPros for example have a specific clear dive housing that is rated to bring them to depth. The case must be more than just waterproof, also depth and pressure proof. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost equipment.

Cancellation Policy

ALL CANCELATIONS MUST BE EMAILED TO CANCELLATIONS@SOUTHPOINTDIVERS.COM

  1. Any reservation canceling within 24 hours of dive will not receive a refund
  2. All excursions require a minimum number of participants or may be subject to cancellation.
  3. Southpoint Divers is not responsible for any lost or stolen goods.
  4. All minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times!

NO REFUNDS IF YOU DO NOT SHOW UP

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Availability

January 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

606 Front St

Key West, FL, 33040

US

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