P. C. Barge - Florida Keys

The P.C. Barge is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in the Keys. It’s not some grand ocean liner, but a sturdy, working vessel, and that’s precisely its charm. Down at around 20 metres, the barge lies broken in half, the two sections listing away from each other. We always feel a bit of melancholy dropping onto it, seeing the twisted metal and thinking about its working life cut short. What you get here is a masterclass in artificial reef development. The metal plates are completely encrusted; we’ve seen patches of orange cup coral so thick they look like velvet blankets. Look closely in the nooks and crannies – the Band Cusk-eels love it here, often peeking out with those curious faces. We’ve also spotted some surprisingly big Red Scorpionfish, masters of camouflage, tucked right into the rust. Our favourite has to be watching the resident Honeycomb Moray slinking through the debris field between the two halves of the wreck, always on the hunt. This wreck is fantastic for macro photographers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a well-colonised structure and for divers who enjoy a relaxed exploration without strong currents.

Location: Florida Keys, United States, North America
Coordinates: 30.183733, -87.235435
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: USS Massachusetts (BB-2) Underwater Archaeological Preserve

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 P. C. 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

Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) - Sharks & Rays
Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) - Sharks & Rays
Cowfish (Rhinoptera bonasus) - Sharks & Rays
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
Blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) - Sharks & Rays
Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Sharks & Rays
Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) - Reef Fish
Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) - Reef Fish
Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) - Reef Fish
Florida Cone (Conus anabathrum) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Bream (Lagodon rhomboides) - Reef Fish
Common mojarra (Eucinostomus gula) - Reef Fish
Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) - Sharks & Rays
Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera) - Reef Fish
Lined Sole (Achirus lineatus) - Reef Fish
Inshore Lizardfish (Synodus foetens) - Reef Fish
Freshwater Flounder (Trinectes maculatus) - Reef Fish
Herring (Harengula jaguana) - Reef Fish
American Gulf Pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for P. C. 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