Adolphus Busch Sr. Wreck Dive Trip - Special Edition

FOR LAST MINUTE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL AT (305) 872-9863.

Overview

Descend into history on our Special Edition Adolphus Busch Sr. Wreck Dive!

Join Captain Hook’s Dive Team for an unforgettable underwater adventure exploring one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic wrecks.

The Adolphus Busch Sr., a 210-foot island freighter, now rests upright and completely intact in about 110 feet of crystal-clear water off Big Pine Key. Her wheelhouse rises to roughly 70 feet, making this dive ideal for Advanced Open Water and Nitrox-certified divers seeking a deep-dive challenge.

Originally launched from Scotland in 1951 as London, she later sailed as Windsor Trader and Ocean Alley before being purchased by the local dive community in 1998 with the support of Adolphus Busch IV. After thorough cleaning, the ship was intentionally sunk on December 5, 1998 within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, creating a thriving artificial reef that helps protect natural coral formations while offering a world-class wreck-diving experience.

Today, the Busch Sr. teems with life—massive Goliath Groupers (250–350 lb), sleek barracuda, reef sharks, and colorful schools of reef fish surround the wreck’s hull. Bright sponges and soft corals adorn her steel structure, and carefully prepared penetration points let qualified divers explore cargo holds, passageways, and the wheelhouse for an exhilarating glimpse into maritime history.

Join us for this Special Edition Busch Sr. Wreck Dive and experience why this majestic ship remains one of the Florida Keys’ most unforgettable underwater adventures.

Included

• Tanks, NITROX, Weights & Weight Belt

• In-Water Dive Guide (optional to follow)

• Freshwater showers at dock

• On-board fresh water & safety equipment

Gloves and underwater lights are recommended.

Additional rental gear available upon confirmation of your dive dates.

Requirements

• Advanced Open Water Certification (proof required)

• Nitrox Certification

• If it has been over 1 year since your last dive, you must be accompanied on your first dive by one of our in-water dive guides at no additional charge.

• If it has been over 2 years since your last dive, a Scuba Refresher Course is required.

• Minimum of 5 divers required for trip to depart.

If booking within 48 hours of departure and fewer than five divers are confirmed, please call (305) 872-9863 between 8 AM and 5 PM so our team can update you and assist in meeting the minimum requirement.

Schedule

• Check-in Time: 8:00 AM

• Duration: Approx. 4 hours

• Check-in Location: Captain Hook’s Looe Key Reef Adventures

  29675 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

• Departure Details: Your confirmation email includes Google Map, parking info, and dock instructions.

What to Bring

• Confirmation email (print or digital)

• Bathing suit & towel

• Reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses

• Personal scuba equipment (if preferred)

Considerations

• Gratuities: Optional (but always appreciated)

• Weather Notice: Trips may be cancelled or rescheduled due to wind, weather, or sea conditions. If cancelled, you may reschedule (subject to availability), receive a full refund, store credit, or future trip credit.

• Health & Safety: Participants must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and must be medically fit to dive.

Before You Dive

We recommend stopping by Captain Hook’s Looe Key Reef Adventures upon arrival in Big Pine Key to meet our crew, get to know your dive team, and ask any questions before your trip.

Booking & Confirmation

• Advance booking recommended to secure space.

• Upon booking, you’ll receive an email confirmation and receipt.

• Bring your email confirmation with you on the day of your activity.

Photo sources from Scuba Diving Magazine article: https://www.scubadiving.com/diving-adolphus-busch-sr-on-big-pine-key