BARGE 201
Why dive here
BARGE 201 is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water sits around 23°C.
Barge 201 sits deep, a proper technical dive at 43 metres, so it’s one for the experienced crowd, no doubt about it. We love this wreck not just for its depth, but for the way it lies mostly intact, a ghostly rectangle on the seabed. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale, 45 metres of dark steel emerging from the gloom. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits. On our last trip, we spent a good chunk of time exploring the hold, a vast open space now home to schools of snapper that swirl like silver confetti. Look closely at the deck machinery and you’ll spot nudibranchs, their colours surprisingly vivid against the rust. Our favourite spot is the bow, where a substantial resident grouper often lurks, unperturbed by divers. Current can be a factor here, so we always suggest checking conditions with local operators before heading out. The visibility can vary, but even on a slightly murkier day, the wreck itself provides enough structure and life to make it a worthwhile dive.
Typical BARGE 201 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 43m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
BARGE 201 Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
scuttled
Resting in the warm waters off the coast of Dubai, Barge 201 is a purpose-sunk artificial reef. While its operational history is unknown, its final mission is clear: to create a vibrant underwater habitat. At over 45 meters long, this barge provides a substantial structure for marine life to colonize. It was intentionally scuttled to provide a new destination for the region's diving community and to foster a healthy marine ecosystem.
At a depth of 43 meters, Barge 201 is a dive for advanced and technical divers. The wreck's simple, open design makes navigation straightforward, allowing divers to focus on the prolific fish life that has taken up residence. Schools of snapper and fusiliers often swarm the structure, while moray eels peer out from sheltered crevices. The flat deck and open hold provide an excellent platform for underwater photography, capturing the contrast between the industrial object and the thriving natural world that now calls it home.
Reviews for BARGE 201
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BARGE 201
BARGE 201 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BARGE 201, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (25.19, 55.22) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
23.29°C
74°F
Air Temperature
35.15°C
95°F
Wind Speed
6.81 m/s
13.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
998.5 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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