Adolphus Busch Sr. Wreck Dive Trip — Big Pine Key

There is a reason advanced divers plan entire Keys trips around this wreck. The Adolphus Busch Sr. is 210 feet of steel standing completely upright and intact in 110 feet of water — one of the most photogenic and biologically rich wreck dives in the entire Florida Keys. Formerly known as The Ocean Alley, this island freighter was purchased by the local dive community in 1998 with the generous support of Adolphus Busch IV and intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef that has been growing in complexity and marine life ever since.

Massive Goliath Grouper — some pushing 250 to 350 pounds — have claimed the wreck as their territory. Barracuda hang in formation above the superstructure. Sharks patrol the surrounding water. Pelagic and reef species fill every level of the wreck from the sand at 110 feet to the shallowest point of the hull. This is a dive that stays with you.

How We Run the Busch Sr.

The Busch Sr. is not a fixed daily trip — it’s an on-request dive that we build around the divers who want it. When you express interest, our team goes to work filling the trip to the minimum of three advanced divers. Most of the time, we make it happen.

The standard approach: wreck first, then a second dive on a shallower reef for surface interval and a completely different perspective on the Keys underwater. Two locations, two dives, one unforgettable morning on the water. For divers who want to go deeper into the wreck, we also run Double Busch Sr. dives — two dedicated dives on the wreck itself with appropriate surface time between. It’s the best way to truly get to know her.

Tell us when you’re in the Keys and how long you’re here. We’ll work the schedule to get you on this wreck.

The Wreck at a Glance

•       Length: 210 feet

•       Depth: 110 feet to the sand, corridor at 108 feet

•       Orientation: Standing completely upright and intact

•       Difficulty: Advanced — depth, potential current, and wreck environment require experience

•       Marine life: Goliath Grouper (250–350 lbs), barracuda, sharks, eagle rays, pelagic and reef species

Requirements

The Busch Sr. is an advanced dive. Depth, current, and the wreck environment demand experience and sound judgment underwater.

•       Advanced Open Water Diver certification required — bring your certification card

•       No junior divers — the depth of this wreck exceeds junior diver limits

•       Minimum 3 advanced divers required for the trip to operate

•       If it has been more than one year since your last scuba dive, your first dive will be accompanied by one of our complimentary dive guides

•       If it has been more than two years since your last scuba dive, a Scuba Refresher course is required before joining this trip

Schedule

•       Departure times: 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM

•       Duration: Approximately 4 hours

•       Check in 60 minutes before departure (Important)

•       Location: 29675 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

What’s Included

•       Tanks, air fills, weights, and weight belt

•       Complimentary in-water dive guide

•       Freshwater showers at the dock

What to Bring

•       Bathing suit and towel

•       Sunglasses

•       Reef-safe sunscreen — strongly recommended to protect our reef ecosystem

•       Gloves and underwater light recommended for wreck exploration

•       Dive equipment (available to rent at the shop if needed)

What Divers Are Saying

The Busch Sr. is one of our most requested dives. Here’s what divers say about diving with Captain Hook’s at Big Pine Key:

“We went on a dive trip today and had a wonderful time. The crew was friendly, efficient and helpful. It had been 10 months since our last dive so our divemaster made sure we were doing everything correctly. We felt very comfortable in the water and enjoyed exploring the reef.”

— Carol H.

“What a fantastic trip! It was about 50/50 on the boat with snorkelers and SCUBA divers. The reef was beautiful! The crew and trainers were personable yet professional. I’ll definitely be back!”

— Heidi J.

Ready to Dive the Busch Sr.?

Call us at 305-872-9863 to tell us when you’re in the Keys. Our team will work to schedule your Busch Sr. dive and confirm availability. You can also book online — this is an on-request product and we will confirm your reservation as quickly as possible after booking.

Advance booking is strongly recommended. The Busch Sr. fills from divers who plan ahead — don’t miss it.

Notes

•       Gratuities for our dive crew are greatly appreciated but entirely optional.

•       This activity may be cancelled due to wind, weather, visibility, or sea conditions. You will be offered a reschedule, full refund, store credit, or credit toward a future trip.

•       Minimum of 3 advanced divers required. If the minimum is not met, the same options apply.

•       Guests cannot participate if under the influence of drugs or alcohol or with medical conditions that put themselves or others at risk.

•       You are responsible for confirming you are medically qualified to participate in this activity.