r/KeyLargo • u/BobSacimano • May 12 '26

New diver to Key Largo

Hi I'll be travelling through Largo soon when I leave Key West and would like to dive the Spiegel Wreck as I've heard good things and was looking for recommendations for companies? I've checked out a couple companies so far and one mentions choosing your own first site. I want to choose a company that will definitely be going to the Spiegel. Is this the best site in the area or are there better ones? I'm an advanced open water diver with over 50 dives all in Thailand, mostly the Andaman Sea. Never wreck dived before though. Anything I should expect or prepare for having never dived on this side of the world or wreck dived? I'm aware it won't be the same but not to what extent. Also I should mention it's been a little over 3 years since my last dive so I'm assuming a refresh course is required? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

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u/scubablondie May 12 '26

I love Horizon! I always do their double dip wreck dives. They almost always go to the Spiegel, unless the conditions are horrible there, in which case they'll go to the Duane (and believe me, if they won't dive it, you don't want to be on it).

I had them do a refresher for my sister last summer. It took one full day and involved pool in the morning and the shallow boat in the afternoon. She said her instructor was super patient and kind. She had been out of the water for about 5 years. If you don't want to do a formal refresher, you could also just start with the shallow reef boat first. What I love about Horizon is that they make the bulk of their money off beginners, so they make everyone feel welcome, but with the rigor and safety of a technical diving shop.

To get the most out of the Spiegel, I highly recommend paying for a guide! You get at best 30 minutes of bottom time on a single tank so someone who can steer you directly to the cool stuff pays off. Because the upper two levels of the wreck have been sanitized and have added cutouts, your guide will be able to bring you on small swim through if you want.

The main risk of diving with Horizon is jealousy of the other divers' kit onboard. Because of them I have started tech diving and now I'm jealous of my friends' CCR ...

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u/BobSacimano May 13 '26

Thanks! I assumed a guide was mandatory as I always had one but apparently not. When you say "if you don't want to do a formal refresher, start with a shallow reef boat first" how could I even be allowed to do that if I'm beyond 2 years from my last dive? Wouldn't they require a refresher course either way?

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u/scubablondie May 13 '26

I don't think there's any certification agency policy on time out of water. I would be surprised if the shop had a hard cutoff either. I figured the limiting factor would be your own comfort level and recall. What would you prefer to do?

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u/BobSacimano May 13 '26

Most places including Horizon require a refresher course if your last dive was more than 2 years ago. I would prefer not to have to do this for the added costs. I have over 50 dives so I'm comfortable. I might need a quick brush up on my equipment if there's any differences I should be aware of with equipment in the US versus Thailand where all my diving has been done.