Dive Review of Subtropic Dive Center in
The Continental USA/Key West - Vandenberg

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Subtropic Dive Center, Sep, 2009, by Jack Kelly, FL, USA ( Reviewer 5 reports). Report 5186.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations	N/A	Food	N/A
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation	N/A	Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	The Vandenberg is just one awesome wreck. Subtropic does a "double-dip" two-tank dive with a long surface interval to off-gas in-between. Plan on as many dives as you can do because you'll only see a tiny slice of this 524 foot wreck on each dive. The radar dishes are just incredible to see under water and the growth on the wreck is really quite amazing considering its just been down a couple of months. Subtropic has a very friendly and laid back dive crew while very professional and safety-conscious. Divemasters James, Randy, Jack, Jesse and captain Shane are all happy and friendly people and very competent and experienced. Divers without Advanced certifications have to take a guide with them but no age restrictions as with some other dive op's in Key West. And, frankly, taking a guide is advisable if it's your first or second dive on the wreck, regardless of certification level. Currents can be challenging but, when they are, use the wreck for a shield and the railings to pull yourself along. Great penetration access into holds and stairwells and always daylight to swim to once you're inside. Subtropic's loads are usually less than 8 or 10 people, so no cattle. It's going to be fun seeing this wreck get taken over by the sea.
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	501-1000 dives
Where else diving	All over the Caribbean. Hawaii, Mexico, Micronesia, etc., etc.
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny	Seas	choppy, currents
Water Temp	82-89°F / 28-32°C	Wetsuit Thickness	1
Water Visibility	40-60 Ft/ 12-18 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	Varies depending on experience but generally stay under 120 feet. Back on deck with at least 500. Dive own profile with computer and Advanced certification.
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	N/A
What I Saw
Sharks	None	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	None	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals	N/A	Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	Crew very protective of cameras and photographers. Camera tank on board.

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Dive Review of Subtropic Dive Center in The Continental USA/Key West - Vandenberg

Subtropic Dive Center, Sep, 2009,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Subtropic Dive Center in
The Continental USA/Key West - Vandenberg