Vandenberg Magic

Making the long and beautiful journey along the Overseas Highway to Key West is always and enjoyable adventure, and our dive on the Vandenberg Wreck was the perfect way to cap off our Active Divers annual Key West weekend. 

At 522 feet, the Vandenberg is the second-largest vessel ever intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef and is my favorite wreck in all of Florida. And while the swim through satellite dishes have unfortunately rusted away over time, there are still many interesting rooms and passageways to explore. 

We were moored on Ball 2 for our double dip, perfectly positioned to explore bow to stern. With the line tied high up on the superstructure, it was a great place to see the abundant swirling schools of fish including giant barracudas (with big teeth!), dancing horseeye jacks, and sergeant majors defensively protecting their purple egg patches.  

Ever wonder what those egg patches look like up close? Wonder no more thanks to underwater photographer extraordinaire Jean Gruss. 

A perfect day to dive an amazing wreck. 

-- Active Divers President and Safety Officer Rachel Davis

Underwater photos by Jimmy Cornett, Jean Gruss and Rodolfo Lopez. 

Our Vandy group (from left): Jimmy Cornett, John Wall, Ralph Doerner, Jean Gruss, Angelica Cookson, Rachel Davis, John Davis, Rudy Lopez.