Vandenberg Artificial Reef
Barracuda on the Vandenberg Artificial Reef
The Vandenberg Artificial Reef is the newest spot to dive, although the longer you wait to dive this incredible sunken ship, the more marine life you’re apt to see. Sunk May 2009, this 522 foot former Navy transport ship from World War II features large satellite dishes that come up to within 50 feet of the surface. When the water is clear, even snorkelers can see them!
The beam is 72.5 feet and she has eight decks. Now resting in about 150 feet of water, she makes an excellent choice for you next Key West diving vacation. There are access openings cut into the sides of the ship, and all doors and hatches have been removed. In fact, there are lots of access openings:
Second deck – 46 access openings
• Upper deck – 50 access openings
• Superstructure deck 34 access openings
• Between bulk heads interior 60-80 access openings
Access openings are 79 inches in diamter. In addition, all vertical passageways have been cleared of covers, which helped the sinking of the Vandenberg, but also contributes to safety for advanced divers who penetrate the wreck.
A Conch Republic Flag was raised on the Vandenberg once the ship was sunk, and within a few days giant barracuda were already lurking all around the ship. Most Key West dive companies run trips out to the Vandenberg. The dive can be combined with a stop at either Nine Foot Stake or Cayman Salvage Master wreck.
Tags: dive Key West, diving in Key West, Key West Dive Spots, Key West dives, Key West Diving, Key West Scuba Diving, scuba diving in Key West, Vandenberg Artificial Reef
