Florida Keys, United States
    Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

    Delta Shoal The Barge

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preserva Sanctuary

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and sea turtles - Delta Shoal The Barge offers some of Florida Keys's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 19-32°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBull Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 87+ species recorded
    Water19-32°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    We love the Delta Shoal Barge for its sheer accessibility and the way it’s become such an artificial reef. This isn't some deep, dark, advanced wreck; it’s a relatively shallow dive, perfect for knocking out two dives in one tank, really. The visibility here is usually pretty decent, letting you take in the entire structure, which is more of a broken-up debris field than a pristine wreck. What you'll find here is a classic example of a working barge, now completely overtaken by the ocean. As you descend, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of schooling fish – we're talking big schools of grunts and snappers, circling the larger sections of the wreckage. We've seen some impressive Goliath groupers lurking in the shadows, particularly in the deeper, more intact sections. Look closely, and you'll spot lobsters tucked into every crevice, along with the occasional moray eel peeking out. It’s a great spot for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed dive with plenty of life without the challenge of strong currents or extreme depths.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today06:2118:0211h 41m daylightGolden hour 17:32

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Delta Shoal The Barge

    Delta Shoal The Barge Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Delta Shoal The Barge, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL (28km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 20.9–31.1°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Current Speed

    0 cm/s

    Direction: S (180°)

    Salinity

    35.98 PSU

    Wind Speed

    2.7 m/s

    5.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1014.5 hPa

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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