BARGE 201 - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

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.

Location
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.668333, 54.917667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Wreck History - BARGE 201

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.

Best Time to Dive in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The warmest water temperatures in Dubai & Abu Dhabi occur in January, averaging 23.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.3°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • February: 23.3°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • March: 23.3°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • April: 23.3°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • May: 23.3°C (air: 30.3°C)
  • June: 23.3°C (air: 33.5°C)
  • July: 23.3°C (air: 35.4°C)
  • August: 23.3°C (air: 35.1°C)
  • September: 23.3°C (air: 32.9°C)
  • October: 23.3°C (air: 29.8°C)
  • November: 23.3°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • December: 23.3°C (air: 22.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Nearest Dive Centres to BARGE 201

Marine Life in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Home to 25 recorded species including 7 reef fish, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BARGE 201

Based on average water temperature of 23.3°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • 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