Key West Morning 2-Tank Vandenberg Wreck SCUBA Dive

84 Reviews4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 84 diver reviews collected by Key West Scuba Diving and TripAdvisor |
Divemaster Award |Divemaster Award This package is highly rated by divers and has been consistently rated five stars.
Key West

Loading Options

4.5 Hours
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Try one of the top Key West dive trips – A morning 2-tank wreck dive on the 525-foot USNS Vandenberg, a WWII-era troop transport & missile-tracking ship.

Highlights

  • Dive from the M/V Phoenix 46′ custom-configured Newton Dive Boat
  • Work with an experienced on-board dive support team and professional dive guides
  • Make two descents to 100' max depth on the 525-foot Hoyt S. Vandenberg
  • Bring an Advanced Certification card and dive computer to explore the wreck independently
  • Enjoy clean restrooms, two freshwater showers & ample gear storage

Description

Start the day with an unforgettable Key West scuba diving adventure – Morning wreck diving on the 525-foot USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg.

The Vandenberg is a WWII Squier-class troop transport ship built in 1943 by the Kaiser Company at the Richmond, CA shipyards. Originally named the General Harry Taylor, the ship was ferried north for completion and fitting as a transport at the Kaiser Company’s Vancouver, WA shipyards. She was commissioned in May of 1944 at Portland, OR and after shake-down work off San Diego sailed out of San Francisco in June of 1944 bound for Milne Bay, New Guinea and the Pacific Theater.

After finishing the war ferrying troops and supplies in the Atlantic and then seeing post-war service throughout the 1950s as a refugee evacuation and transport vessel, the Taylor was retired in 1958 and placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. In July, 1961 she was transferred to the U.S. Air Force. Renamed the USAFS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg in 1963, she was converted to a missile-tracking ship and went on to successfully carry out missile and spacecraft tracking duties in both Atlantic and Pacific waters through the Cold War years until her retirement in 1983.

After a successful campaign by Key West scuba diving enthusiasts and local dive captains, the Vandenberg was acquired for use as an artificial reef and dive site, prepared for sinking, and towed to Key West. She was sunk on May 27, 2009 and now sits upright on a 140-foot-deep sand bottom 6 miles SSE of Key West. The massive size of the Vandenberg puts her main deck at 100 feet of depth while the upper decks and super structure rise to within 47 feet of the surface.

The Vandenberg is the second largest artificial reef in the world and is now home to hundreds of species of fish, coral, and other marine life forms. Signature features of interest include her giant missile-tracking radar dishes, bridge, com-rooms, and crown nest with many mounted antennae. Advanced divers can descend to the main deck and access the bridge compartments for some classic wreck diving and encounters with a variety of marine life.

The Vandenberg is rated as an advanced dive because of the depths of the main deck and hull, but the shallower superstructure elements are fine for Open Water-level divers. It’s a good wreck dive for mixed ability groups, and any diver who is at least 15 years old and has been diving in the past year may join a Vandenberg wreck diving trip.

Rated as the number 1 wreck dive in the world by a Scuba Diving Magazine reader poll, the Vandenberg represents a rich repository of American and U.S. Naval History and is a must-see for wreck diving buffs. Among the many wrecks scattered along the Florida Keys, she is the star – A perfect adventure dive for beginning and advanced divers alike.

Come aboard our Key West Scuba Diving Morning 2-Tank SCUBA Dive trip and run out to the General Vandenberg for two amazing dives on one of the world’s biggest divable shipwrecks.

Read more

What's Included

  • Full equipment package includes tanks, weights, weight belt, BCD, regulator, fins and mask
  • Tanks and weights package includes tanks, weights and weight belt
  • First tank at the Vandenberg, second tank is captains choice: Vandenberg, Cayman Salvage Master, Joe's Tug or a reef spot
  • A dive guide is required for Open Water Divers (Advanced Divers with computers are not required to have a guide)
  • Food and drinks (feel free to bring your own)
  • Gratuities
See 1 moreSee 1 more

What To Expect

Our morning excursion brings you to the Vandenberg, the world’s second-largest artificial reef. Though classified as an advanced dive, it is accessible to Open Water Certified divers aged 15 and older who have been actively diving within the past year, regardless of their experience level.

Morning Double-Wreck Dives

Our crew offers a line descent system with a traverse line connecting to the main mooring line that leads directly to the wreck. Guides are highly recommended for all divers and mandatory for those without an Advanced Open Water Certification or higher.

Read more

Two Wreck Dives Included • Gear & Guide Available

USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg

Sunk in 2009, this impressive 520-foot-long, 100-foot-tall shipwreck rests on a sandy seabed at a depth of 140 feet, with its deck approximately 100 feet below the surface. Exploring this wreck offers a truly unique scuba diving experience.

Read more

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Near public transportation
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Travelers should have a moderate fitness level

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to divers by the Key West Scuba Diving customer support team.

Are there lockers available?

There are no lockers at the shop. However, there is a section on the boat that won’t get wet where you can leave your belongings, or you can ask the staff at check-in to keep them for you while you dive.

Do we need certification if we want to go with a guide?

Yes, you have to be a certified diver to go on diving. What level is your certification and when was the last time you have dived?

And if I come by myself how can I find a buddy?Cause I can't dive alone of course

It is optional to book a dive guide for Advanced divers. We do a buddy-up system if you prefer to dive without a guide. Divers without a guide can go together.

Do you offer any double tank decompression dives to the Vandenburg?

While we don’t offer double tank decompression dives to the Vandenberg, you can enhance your dive experience by opting for a nitrox upgrade for the tanks, provided you are nitrox certified. Nitrox allows for extended bottom time and shorter surface intervals, which can be particularly beneficial when exploring the Vandenberg.

Do you allow customers to bring their own cylinders (Helium and Staged O2)?

You may bring your own cylinders; however, we do not permit decompression diving tanks and do not recommend the use of helium, as the Vanderberg is too shallow for that type of dive.

How soon can I fly in an airplane after Scuba diving?

Participants in the Key West Morning 2-Tank Scuba Dive cannot fly in an airplane within 24 hours of their dive.

The main concern with scuba diving and flying is decompression sickness (DCS). Your body needs adequate time during an ascent to off-gas excess nitrogen, or you can form bubbles in your bloodstream, possibly leading to DCS.

What is the weather cancellation policy?

If the Key West Morning 2-Tank Scuba Dive must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day or time, you will be issued a refund by Key West Scuba Diving.

Where can I park my car?

If required, parking instructions for the Key West Morning 2-Tank Scuba Dive will be included in your confirmation email.

Where is the meeting point for this activity?

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Key West Morning 2-Tank Scuba Dive will be included in your confirmation email from Key West Scuba Diving. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the key west scuba dive for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-293756

Reviews

4.86
84 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 84 diver reviews collected by Key West Scuba Diving and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
73
4 stars
10
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Similar Scuba Dives

Key West Scuba Diving Refresher Course & Dive
Special Offer

Key West Scuba Diving Refresher Course & Dive

 8 Hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
$229
$225

Key West Afternoon 2-Tank Reef Scuba Dive

Key West Afternoon 2-Tank Reef Scuba Dive

 4.5 Hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
Best Rate
$99

Key West Night 1-Tank Night Scuba Dive
Special Offer

Key West Night 1-Tank Night Scuba Dive

New To The Site!
 2.5 hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
$169
$149

Divers Who Booked This Key West Scuba Dive Also Booked

Key West Afternoon 2-Tank Reef Scuba Dive

Key West Afternoon 2-Tank Reef Scuba Dive

 4.5 Hours (approx.)  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
Best Rate
$99

Key West Dive in a Day PADI® Discover Scuba Resort Course
Likely to Sell Out

Key West Dive in a Day PADI® Discover Scuba Resort Course

 9 Hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
$269
$229

Key West Scuba Diving Refresher Course & Dive
Special Offer

Key West Scuba Diving Refresher Course & Dive

 8 Hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
$229
$225