15m
    Beginner
    St. Thomas & St. John, US Virgin Islands
    Buck Island

    Navy Barges

    Best months: Dec–Apr

    Protected Area

    Buck Island

    Why dive here

    With 476+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and humpback whales - Navy Barges offers some of St. Thomas & St. John's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeDec–Apr
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Humpback Whales · 476+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterWreck dive · max 15m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Navy Barges off St. Thomas are a mellow, rewarding dive. We’re talking about a collection of four sunken landing craft, the kind used in WWII, scattered across a sandy bottom at a comfortable 15 meters. It’s ideal for newer divers looking to get comfortable with wrecks, but frankly, we always enjoy a relaxed drift over these too. What we love here is the sheer amount of resident life that’s made these barges home. You’ll weave in and out of the open cargo bays, spotting schools of sergeant majors darting through the rusted frames. Look closely, and you’ll often find nurse sharks napping under the overhangs or a green moray peeking from a pipe. Our favourite part? The way the sunlight filters through the open decks, creating these shimmering shafts as you explore. It’s a calm, easy dive, usually with minimal current, letting you take your time examining the corals and sponges that have totally encrusted the metal. We’d suggest going early if you can, before any crowds, as the light is just beautiful then.

    Typical Navy Barges Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m15m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:1318:0211h 49m daylightGolden hour 17:33

    Nearest Dive Centres to Navy Barges

    Dive shops near Navy Barges

    View all dive centres in St. Thomas & St. John

    Reviews for Navy Barges

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Navy Barges

    Navy Barges Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Navy Barges, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (18.3, -64.89) (1km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 28.9–31.1°C

    Air Temperature

    27°C

    81°F

    Wind Speed

    7.65 m/s

    14.9 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1013 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive St. Thomas & St. John, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in St. Thomas & St. John

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near St. Thomas & St. John.

    Search stays in St. Thomas & St. John

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Navy Barges

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to St. Thomas & St. John