Diving at Captain Patrick Price Reef (United States)
Providing essential marine habitat, Captain Patrick Price Reef stands as an artificial structure with a dual mission. It functions as a dedicated memorial reef while actively fostering biodiversity. Deployed at a substantial depth, this significant underwater landmark attracts diverse marine life, offering specific dive opportunities. Visibility around the structure varies with local conditions; calm days often reveal its contours clearly.
Tonight's objective overview for Captain Patrick Price Reef shows an air temperature of 28.5°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.4 m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Dive Site Overview
An intricate project culminated on May 15, 2022, with the intentional sinking of the 98-foot-long steel-hulled Benetti motoryacht 'Last One', forming the Captain Patrick Price Reef. Renamed in honor of Captain Patrick Price, a local fishing charter captain who passed in 2021, the site now functions as both a permanent memorial and a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Resting at a maximum depth of 55 m (180 ft), this substantial vessel is positioned approximately two miles south of the USS Muliphen artificial reef. Its creation represents a broader initiative by the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program and the MCAC Artificial Reef Fund to enhance marine habitats off the St. Lucie County coast, involving extensive planning for proper permitting and meticulous vessel preparation. A deep-water site, it is designed to support a wide array of reef fish species, providing both spawning and feeding grounds.
Over time, the structure is expected to continue evolving into a complex habitat, with local divers annually monitoring its development as a marine sanctuary.
Conditions are Good
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Captain Patrick Price Reef show 29° air, 29° sea temperature, 0.4 m waves, and 28 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving conditions at Captain Patrick Price Reef generally align with periods of reduced wave action and lighter winds. The late spring and summer months, particularly May through August, tend to offer the most favorable window. During these months, average wave heights are at their lowest, ranging from 0.6 m (2.0 ft) in July to 0.9 m (3.0 ft) in August, contributing to better underwater visibility. Wind speeds also decrease significantly, with July averaging 24.89 km/h (15.5 mph) and May 27.79 km/h (17.3 mph). Air temperatures during this period are warm, consistently above 25°C (77°F), reaching a high of 28.5°C (83°F) in August. Rainfall varies, with some months like July having lower averages around 2.42 mm (0.09 inches), indicating generally stable weather patterns for dive planning.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Approaching Captain Patrick Price Reef by boat requires navigating to its offshore location, approximately 12 miles northeast of the St. Lucie Inlet. Upon entry, divers descend to a substantial maximum depth of 55 m (180 ft) where the 98-foot steel yacht rests. Visibility can vary, often depending on recent weather and local currents. Divers can expect to explore the full structure of the motoryacht, observing how marine growth has begun to transform the vessel into a living reef. Currents may be present, requiring divers to be proficient in drift diving techniques or comfortable with potentially strong flows. Given its considerable depth, this site is primarily suited for experienced divers with advanced certifications, including those qualified for technical diving operations.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving at this artificial reef demands a thorough understanding of deep diving protocols. Resting at 55 m (180 ft), the site requires divers to hold appropriate advanced certifications and potentially technical dive training. Always plan your dive thoroughly, including gas management, decompression procedures, and emergency contingency plans, especially considering the depth.
Surface conditions, which have previously caused deployment delays due to 'windy sea conditions,' can shift, so always assess weather and sea state before and during your dive. As with any offshore artificial reef, boat traffic in the area is possible.
Maintain vigilance when surfacing, and deploy a surface marker buoy. Regular monitoring by organizations like the MCAC Artificial Reef Fund ensures the reef's structural integrity over time.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Captain Patrick Price Reef, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Forecast trends indicate little change in overall diving conditions during the next few days.
Divers who prefer a balanced level of warmth often select dive skin or rash guard in water temperatures like this.
Current dive conditions indicate that water temperatures around Captain Patrick Price Reef are sitting at roughly 29°C (84°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 29°C (83°F).
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Captain Patrick Price Reef.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Captain Patrick Price Reef
Actively cultivating a dynamic underwater landscape, Captain Patrick Price Reef attracts a wide range of species to its structure. An artificial reef like this is designed to provide critical spawning and feeding habitats.
Divers frequently observe various reef fish, including snapper, grouper, triggerfish, and porgy. Larger pelagic species such as cobia and king mackerel are also known to frequent the area, drawn by the abundance of bait fish that gather around the sunken vessel.
The evolving ecosystem around the 98-foot motoryacht contributes significantly to enhancing local fisheries.
Dive Centers Near Captain Patrick Price Reef
Today: 10:00 - 18:00
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of Captain Patrick Price Reef?
The reef serves as both a memorial to Captain Patrick Price, a local charter boat skipper, and an artificial habitat. It was designed to enhance marine biodiversity by providing spawning and feeding grounds for various fish species.
What kind of vessel is the Captain Patrick Price Reef?
It is a 98-foot-long, steel-hulled Benetti motoryacht, formerly named 'Last One.' It was meticulously cleaned and prepared before being sunk to ensure environmental compliance and safety as an artificial reef.
How deep is Captain Patrick Price Reef?
The reef rests at a maximum depth of approximately 55 m (180 ft). This makes it a deep dive site, generally requiring advanced diving certifications.
When was the Captain Patrick Price Reef deployed?
The Capt. Patrick Price Reef was deployed on May 15, 2022, after several months of planning and an initial delay due to unfavorable weather conditions.
What types of marine life can be seen at the reef?
The reef attracts a diverse array of marine life, including snapper, grouper, triggerfish, porgy, cobia, and king mackerel. Numerous species of bait fish also utilize the structure as a habitat.
What are the best months for diving this site?
The best time to dive Captain Patrick Price Reef typically falls between May and August. These months generally offer the calmest sea conditions, with lower wave heights and lighter winds, which contribute to better diving visibility.
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Conditions are Good
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Captain Patrick Price Reef show 29° air, 29° sea temperature, 0.4 m waves, and 28 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.