Eight divers took part in an afternoon dive with Horizon Divers to explore one of our favorite wrecks the Spiegel Grove in Key Largo.
From Left: Rudy Lopez, Aaron Brooks , Leah Bamford, Marisol B, Jean Gruss, Russell Levene , Vittorio Lacagnina , Eduardo Lacagnina
Dive 1&2 – Spiegel Grove(Max 135ft, 82o): Under brilliant blue skies and over crystal-clear aquamarine seas, divers descended for a double-dip adventure on the legendary Spiegel Grove. Conditions were nothing short of exceptional, with 80 feet of visibility and virtually no current greeting the group as they explored one of the Florida Keys' most iconic wrecks.
The massive vessel was alive with activity. A pair of sharks patrolled the crane structure and made slow, deliberate passes around the bow superstructure, keeping watch over their domain. Several Goliath groupers also made appearances—one navigating the ship's tight interior passageways while others blended effortlessly into the wreckage, concealed among the towering crane arms.
Above the decks, schools of jacks and permit flashed through the water column, weaving between divers and steel structures alike. Some teams circumnavigated the wreck's immense exterior, taking in its sheer scale, while others ventured into the labyrinth of hallways below deck. Their mission: to find "Snoop," the famous beagle hidden along a corridor connecting the port and starboard sides of the ship. As always, the Spiegel Grove delivered an unforgettable combination of history, marine life, and exploration.
Photos by Marisol B, Leah Bamford, and Rudy Lopez