Our Key West Wreck Diving
Key West is home to two of Florida’s signature shipwrecks: the colossal USS Vandenberg and the history-rich Cayman Salvager. Our wreck diving trips consist of morning or afternoon trips that last approximately 4 hours long.
| Trip | Price (from) | Duration | Depth to Deck | Check-in | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vandenberg Two-Tank | $95 USD | ≈4 hrs | 95-100 ft; 145 ft to sand | 8:00 am (depart 9:00) | Advanced + recent deep dive |
| Cayman Salvager + Reef | $109 USD | ≈4 hrs | 90-95 ft; 100 ft to sand | 8am or 1pm (depart 9am or 2pm) | Advanced |
USS Vandenberg
- Departure time: 9:00AM
- Duration: ≈ 4 hours
- The wreck: Former 520-ft missile-tracking ship, now the second-largest artificial reef on the planet, resting in 145 ft of water just seven miles offshore.
- What makes it special: Ten-story superstructure, massive radar dishes, and broad deck areas that attract clouds of schooling fish and curious marine life.
- Trip format: Briefing → boat ride → single 2-tank dive on the wreck (surface interval conducted on board).
Cayman Salvager
- Departure times: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM
- Duration: ≈ 4 hours
- The wreck: 187-ft steel-hulled buoy tender, intentionally sunk in 1985. It now sits upright in ~95 ft and famous for resident goliath groupers.
- Why divers love it: Moderate depth, intact structure, and photogenic touches (look for the deck bicycles and an old payphone!).
- Trip format: Briefing → boat ride → single 2-tank dive on the wreck (surface interval conducted on board).
WRECK DIVE TRIP OVERVIEW
- Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
- Check-in: Please arrive 60 minutes before departure.
- Departure times: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM for the Cayman Salvager trip; 9:00AM for the Vandenberg.
- Location: Captain Hook’s Dive Key West
- 1708 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, FL 33040
- Price: From $109 USD per diver (plus tax).
- Trip options:
- USS Vandenberg: 520-ft former missile-tracking ship, now the world’s second-largest artificial reef at 145 ft.
- Cayman Salvager: 187-ft buoy tender sunk in 1985; noted for frequent goliath-grouper encounters.
- Booking: Reserve your seat directly through our quick, secure online booking system—limited spots per departure.
Why Choose Dive Key West for Your Wreck Diving Experience?
All-inclusive gear basics: Air, tanks, weights, and weight belt are built into the trip price, so there are no surprise rental add-ons at checkout.
Free parking steps from the boat: Pull into the dive shop lot on Stock Island and roll your kit straight to check-in. No downtown parking hunt required.
Half-day convenience, twice daily: 4-hour charters depart at 9 AM and 2 PM, giving you morning or afternoon options that fit any Key West itinerary.
Seasoned local dive team: Every charter is run by Captain Hook’s experienced crew. Key West locals, CPR certified divers + decades of experience.
Book in seconds, instantly confirmed: Real-time availability and secure online checkout mean your wreck seat is locked in with just a few clicks.
Read Reviews from Happy Customers
Customer Reviews
Had 2 amazing dives at the Vandenberg this morning! Sam, our dive master was awesome and the crew was fun, knowledgeable and super helpful. Anytime we’re in Key West we schedule a dive with them!! It’s our go-to dive shop in Key West!
Had a great dive with the crew at captain hooks. We dove the cayman salvage wreck which was incredible. Was originally bummed we couldn’t dive the vandenberg wreck but what a pleasant surprise how cool the cayman was. Our Divemaster Sam was great, funny and very personable. He showed us some cool marine life and guided two super enjoyable dives. Great dive operation, professional, well organized, great gear, great staff and a nice spacious dive boat operated by cpt Rick who was great to talk to. Will definitely dive with this crew again.
Really great dive shop and crew! Max took us for deep dive to the Vandenberg ship wreck. It was a fantastic double tank dive. Highly recommend!
Top Rated Wreck Diving
Blue Star Operater
Dive Key West, Inc. was the first dive facility in the Lower Keys to quality as a Blue Star Operator. This designation is awarded to operators who are dedicated to coral reef education and preservation. Bob Holston and Cece Roycraft the owners of Dive Key West have been involved in many initiatives for the preservation of the Florida Keys coral reefs for the past 44 years. They had the honor of being the citizens to go before Congress requesting the Keys be designated a National Marine Sanctuary. As Captain Hook’s Dive Key West, we hope to carry on that tradition as new the owners.
FIND THE BEST WRECK DIVES IN KEY WEST
Just minutes from Old Town, our Key West Dive Shop puts you closer to the USS Vandenberg and Cayman Salvager than any downtown operator. Check in at our waterfront shop on North Roosevelt, gear up, and you’ll be cruising past the harbor markers toward two of Florida’s most celebrated wrecks in no time.
- Free on-site parking available for all guests
- Check-in: 1 hour before departure (8am or 1pm EST)
- Accessible via the Duval Loop and city bus lines
Captain Hook’s Dive Key West
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What certification do I need for the Vandenberg?
The Vandenberg is a deep wreck (95–145 ft). Advanced Open Water plus a recent deep dive (within 12 months) is required. If you don’t have a recent deep dive, we recommend opting for the Cayman Salvager first to become eligible for the Vandenberg.
How long is each trip?
Both the Vandenberg and Cayman Salvager charters run about four hours from check-in to return.
Where does the boat leave from?
All wreck charters depart directly from Captain Hook’s Dive Key West, 1708 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Simply check in at the retail counter and our crew will escort you to the boat.
What if the weather looks bad?
We monitor radar constantly. If conditions aren’t safe, we’ll cancel and let you reschedule or receive a full refund, no questions asked.
What are the daily departure times?
Cayman Salvager departs at 9 AM and 2 PM. Vandenberg times vary—select your preferred slot when booking online. We also offer daily scuba dive trips at 9am and 2pm to the reef.
Top Rated Wreck Diving in Key West