MG-111 barge - Florida Keys

The MG-111 barge doesn't get the same buzz as some of the Keys' bigger wrecks, but we think that’s part of its charm. It’s a fantastic little find if you’re looking for a relaxed wreck dive without the crowds. You'll find it fairly broken up, sprawled across the sand in manageable sections, which makes it perfect for a leisurely explore. We love poking around the scattered metal plates, where grunts and snappers school up, darting in and out of the shadows. It's not a wreck you penetrate, but the way the current has worked on it means there are plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. Look closely for those tiny cleaner shrimp waiting for a customer, or a shy moray peeking from under a steel beam. Visibility here is often better than you might expect, especially on an incoming tide, giving you a really clear view of the structure and the fish life that calls it home. This site really suits divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of an artificial reef taking hold, rather than those chasing a deep, intact wreck.

Location
Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates
26.977830, -80.024830
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

Best Time to Dive in Florida Keys

The warmest water temperatures in Florida Keys occur in July, averaging 31.5°C (up to 34.8°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 19.3°C (air: 18.5°C)
  • February: 20.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • March: 23.1°C (air: 22.4°C)
  • April: 25.5°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • June: 30.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • July: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • August: 31.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 30.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • October: 27.3°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • November: 24.1°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • December: 20.9°C (air: 19.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Florida Keys

Nearest Dive Centres to MG-111 barge

Marine Life in Florida Keys

Home to 91 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for MG-111 barge

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 1 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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