Navy Barges
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.
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
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Navy Barges
Dive shops near Navy Barges
Aqua Marine
Adventure Scuba & School
Admiralty Dive Center
Red Fish Underwater LLC
Coral World Ocean and Reef lnitiative, Inc.
Low Key Watersports
Reviews for Navy Barges
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)
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 GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in St. Thomas & St. JohnPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near St. Thomas & St. John.
Search stays in St. Thomas & St. JohnDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner 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.
