20m
    Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    محمية جبل على الطبيعية

    DERRICK BARGE NO 1

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    محمية جبل على الطبيعية

    Why dive here

    DERRICK BARGE NO 1 is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-35°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Whale Sharks
    Water22-35°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 20m

    Diving a wreck in the UAE is a different beast, and the Derrick Barge No. 1 is one of our favourites. It’s not just a collapsed pile of metal; this is a proper derrick, a lifting vessel that went down, and it’s still very much a recognisable shape at 20 metres. We love dropping onto the massive structure, the sheer scale of it hitting you as you descend. You can spend a whole dive just circling the main crane arm, watching the schools of yellowtail snapper weave through the girders. What makes this special for us isn't the history – though it’s a dangerous wreck, apparently – it’s the way the light filters through the framework on a sunny day. It makes for incredible photographs. Nudibranchs cling to the rusty plates, and we often spot moray eels tucked into crevices. This wreck is perfect for those who enjoy exploring an intact structure, not just a debris field. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, it's clear enough to appreciate the full outline, making navigation easy, even for less experienced wreck divers.

    Typical DERRICK BARGE NO 1 Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m max~30 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

    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.

    Today06:1717:5811h 41m daylightGolden hour 17:27

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for DERRICK BARGE NO 1

    DERRICK BARGE NO 1 Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for DERRICK BARGE NO 1, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (25.03, 53.72) (18km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    33°C

    91°F · Range: 30.1–34.3°C

    Air Temperature

    30°C

    86°F

    Wind Speed

    6.23 m/s

    12.1 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.4 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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