BARGE 208
Why dive here
BARGE 208 is a wreck dive where divers can encounter blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 23-34°C, warmest July, August, September.
Barge 208, sitting deep at 50 metres, is one of those Fujairah wrecks we keep coming back to. It’s not just a big chunk of metal; this 45-metre long vessel feels like a proper old workhorse, now very much part of the seabed. When you drop down, the sheer scale of it against the dark blue is immediately impressive. We love the way the light plays on the deck, catching the clouds of fusiliers that swirl around the structure. This isn’t a wreck for a quick poke around. It’s a decompression dive, no doubt, but the reward is worth the effort. The interior is largely open, allowing for some great swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments and your buoyancy is dialled in. We’ve found barracuda often patrolling the bow, and stingrays like to settle in the sand just off the stern. Our favourite part? The engine room. It’s well-preserved, and the way the ambient light filters in creates an almost ethereal atmosphere. Look closely at the superstructure; there are nudibranchs and flatworms clinging to the metal, tiny bursts of colour against the rust. Come with a technical mindset and a good torch, you’ll want to explore every nook.
Typical BARGE 208 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 50m 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 208 Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown
Resting on the seabed at 50 metres, Barge 208 is a challenging and rewarding technical dive off the coast of Fujairah. While the specific history of this 45-metre-long workhorse vessel is unknown, its purpose has been transformed from industrial to ecological. Today, it serves as a magnificent artificial reef in the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Oman. Dropping down the shot line, divers will see its distinct rectangular shape emerge from the depths. The wreck is often visited by large pelagic species taking refuge from the currents, and its structure provides a perfect habitat for a variety of moray eels, schooling snappers, and colourful nudibranchs. Due to its depth, this dive is reserved for experienced technical divers with the proper training and equipment for decompression dives.
Reviews for BARGE 208
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BARGE 208
BARGE 208 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BARGE 208, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (26.05, 56.06) (1km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
32°C
89°F · Range: 30.6–33.5°C
Air Temperature
29°C
85°F
Wind Speed
4.07 m/s
7.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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