Wreck Alley - Salt Island & Cooper Island

The Baby Barge isn't just another sunken boat; it's a bona fide time capsule, resting in about 20 metres of water off Oahu. We love how approachable this wreck is, perfect for divers wanting a proper penetration without needing extensive tech training. Inside, the light filters through the openings, illuminating schools of snapper that have made the hold their home, darting between the decaying machinery. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs clinging to the bulkheads and a resident frogfish, if you have the eye for it. What makes the Baby Barge shine is the sense of discovery. You can spend a good chunk of your bottom time here, weaving through the superstructure, exploring the nooks and crannies where eels often hide. The bow section is our favourite, with its dramatic profile and the way the coral has started to encrust the metal, transforming it into an artificial reef. Visibility here is usually decent, often 20 metres plus, making it easy to appreciate the full scope of the wreck. It’s a fantastic dive for anyone keen on wreck exploration, offering enough complexity to be interesting but staying within recreational limits.

Location
Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.370700, -64.510400
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Wreck Alley

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
scuttled

The Baby Barge is a classic Hawaiian dive site and a perfect introduction to wreck diving. While its specific history is not well-documented, it is widely believed to have been intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, a common practice that enhances the marine ecosystem and provides fantastic opportunities for divers. Its simple, open structure and relatively shallow depth make it an ideal training ground for those new to exploring underwater structures, allowing them to hone their buoyancy and navigation skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Despite its humble origins, the Baby Barge is teeming with life. Its metal framework has become a thriving habitat for Hawaii's iconic marine creatures. Divers frequently encounter green sea turtles (honu) resting on its deck, while schools of reef fish swarm around its edges. White-tip reef sharks are often found sheltering underneath the barge, making for an exciting and memorable encounter. It’s a testament to how quickly the ocean can transform a simple structure into a vibrant and bustling underwater neighborhood.

Marine Protected Area: Cooper Island

Best Time to Dive in Salt Island & Cooper Island

The warmest water temperatures in Salt Island & Cooper Island occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Salt Island & Cooper Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck Alley

Marine Life in Salt Island & Cooper Island

Home to 504 recorded species including 410 reef fish, 39 hard corals, 13 sharks & rays, 9 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Wreck Alley

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories