floridakeys.noaa.gov · Official Site
Official sanctuary page for wreck placement, depth profile, and history
Dive Spot Guide•
USCG Duane (Wreck)
Historic Key Largo wreck with a dramatic vertical profile and dense marine life.
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Local operator required
Local operators are the normal way to time the boat, mooring, and current conditions.
Advanced Key Largo wreck dive on an upright artificial reef with mooring buoys, strong Gulf Stream exposure, and abundant fish life.
About USCG Duane (Wreck)
The Duane is a historic Key Largo wreck that lies upright offshore as an artificial reef. Its intact structure and mooring-buoy access make it a rewarding advanced wreck dive, with big marine life on the wreck and enough current to demand careful buoyancy and timing. The wreck's vertical profile and blue-water exposure reward steady descent control, good gas planning, and a relaxed pace around the superstructure.
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Research Estimate At USCG Duane (Wreck)
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessSimple entry
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentStrong current
Where Is USCG Duane (Wreck)?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
USCG Duane (Wreck) Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
18m - 38m
Depth Note
The crow's nest and radar tower start around 60 ft, the bridge is around 70 ft, the deck is around 100 ft, and the sandline is around 120-125 ft.
Best Season
Year-round, with calmer weather and lighter current offering the easiest days.
Typical Conditions
Deep wreck diving with strong variable current and clear-water windows on calm days.
Safety & Access At USCG Duane (Wreck)
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environmentDangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
This site is described as suitable for advanced to expert divers only.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only, with mooring-buoy entry inside sanctuary waters.
Legal Notes
Follow Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules and verify conditions with a local operator before departure.
Local Intel For USCG Duane (Wreck)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Advanced wreck diving is the practical baseline, with limited penetration only for trained wreck divers when conditions allow.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target because the main structure sits well beyond comfortable breath-hold depth.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site; the wreck is too deep for reliable surface viewing.
Wildlife at USCG Duane (Wreck)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At USCG Duane (Wreck)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At USCG Duane (Wreck)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
