Diving atCCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef (United States)
CCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef finds its final resting place off the coast, commemorating a legacy while serving as a vibrant artificial reef. Sunk on July 28, 2016, this upright and intact barge quickly became encrusted with marine growth, concealing the original Guy Harvey paintings. It lies at a maximum depth of 16.2 m (52 ft), with significant relief extending 8.5 m (28 ft) from the seabed. Dedicated for divers, the site blends remembrance with ecological purpose.
Recent updates for CCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef show an air temperature measuring 23.1°C. Overall water conditions reflect the typical seasonal state for United States. Please exercise standard safety precautions before entering the water.
Dive Site Coordinates
29.6610, -84.5002
Dive Site Overview
More than just a single structure, this memorial reef is part of a broader artificial reef initiative, creating habitat in areas that might otherwise be barren. CCA Billy's Barge itself was purposefully sunk on July 28, 2016, to a maximum depth of 16.2 m (52 ft).
What started as a vessel adorned with Guy Harvey's artwork has transitioned into a living canvas, its surfaces now thoroughly covered by various marine organisms. Divers explore an upright and intact barge, which features a vertical relief of 8.5 m (28 ft). A rich tapestry of other artificial structures surrounds the barge, each contributing to the local ecosystem.
For example, the Hog Heaven barge, a 180-foot vessel sunk in 1986, lies upside down in 21 m (70 ft) of water, attracting a notable population of hogfish. Nearby, the old Pacific Reef Lighthouse, often called the "Jungle Gym," was deployed in 1986 and acts as a beacon for numerous reef fish, nurse sharks, and even goliath groupers.
Further north, the 70-foot Wayne wreck provides swim-throughs and a frequent resting spot for nurse sharks. Other components scattered across the area include bridge beams, airplane wings, mine carts, and construction piping, making each dive a potential new discovery.
Collectively, these artificial reefs, including Billy's Barge, play a crucial role in diverting diving pressure from natural reefs while fostering marine life.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a dive to CCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef involves considering the seasonal variations in weather and water conditions. Dive scores generally remain "Good" throughout the year, ranging from 7 to 8, indicating consistent opportunities. Air temperatures range from a cooler 12.96°C (55.3°F) in January to a warmer 28.86°C (83.9°F) in August, affecting surface comfort and exposure suit choice. While specific water temperature data for this site is not consistently reported, local conditions typically mirror air temperatures to some extent, with warmer waters from late spring through early fall. During July, wave heights tend to be lower, averaging 0.57 meters (1.9 feet), potentially offering calmer surface conditions. Conversely, January often sees higher average wave heights around 0.96 meters (3.1 feet) and wind speeds reaching 32.02 km/h (19.9 mph). Rain activity peaks in September at 7.87 mm (0.31 inches) on average, while October experiences the lowest rainfall at 1.67 mm (0.07 inches) and higher wind speeds around 32.11 km/h (19.9 mph). For optimal conditions combining calmer seas and pleasant air temperatures, the late spring through early autumn months might offer a more comfortable experience.
Climate Historical Averages
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
Descending to Billy's Barge, divers will encounter a structure that has fully integrated into its marine environment since its sinking in 2016. It sits upright and generally intact, presenting a clear outline against the sandy bottom. Barge surfaces are now thoroughly encrusted with a diverse array of organisms, including spiny oysters, sponges, and various hard and soft corals. Vibrant growth effectively covers any original artwork, transforming the wreck into a natural reef. Divers reach a maximum depth of 16.2 m (52 ft) at the barge, making it accessible for recreational divers. Visibility here varies depending on currents and recent weather events, but can often be excellent, allowing clear views of the structure and its inhabitants. Currents, while not always strong, should be monitored, as they can sometimes create drift opportunities, linking Billy's Barge with other nearby artificial reefs. Surrounding structures, like the former radio tower pyramids or other barges, extend the potential exploration of this dynamic underwater landscape.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Safe diving at memorial reefs like Billy's Barge requires adherence to standard diving practices, especially given the presence of varied structures. Suitable for certified open water divers due to its recreational depth range, the site demands divers assess their comfort and experience levels for current conditions. While the barge is largely intact, wreckage can always present entanglement hazards, so maintaining buoyancy and situational awareness around the structure is essential. Divers should carry appropriate cutting tools and a dive knife, preparing for potential interactions with fishing lines or other debris that might accumulate on artificial reefs. Always dive with a buddy and plan your dive, considering the possibility of currents that could lead to drift opportunities towards other components of the extensive artificial reef system. Ensure you have adequate gas planning if considering extended dives or exploring multiple nearby structures. No specific site-reported hazards are noted for Billy's Barge, reinforcing the importance of general safe diving protocols.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers planning deeper dives may feel cooler than those staying in shallower areas.
Based on regional estimates and current weather, the likely required exposure protection is a 3-5mm wetsuit. Note that local currents and upwellings can alter this. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Due to unpredictable weather patterns, conditions may change rapidly.
Because recent water temperature readings are not available for CCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef, the guidance below is based mainly on current air conditions and seasonal expectations. Current surface air temperatures are roughly 23°C (74°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at CCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef
Artificial reefs demonstrate their purpose vividly at CCA Billy's Barge, where the structure acts as a magnet for a diverse array of marine species. Since its sinking, the barge has transformed into a thriving habitat. Its encrusted surfaces provide shelter and feeding grounds for numerous reef fish, including various snapper and grunts. Spotted goatfish are often observed foraging along the bottom. Larger inhabitants are also a regular sight. Nurse sharks commonly rest within or near the structures, and the occasional goliath grouper might be seen patrolling the area, especially around the taller relief sections. While not explicitly detailed for Billy's Barge itself, similar artificial reefs in the vicinity, like the "Jungle Gym" lighthouse, are known for attracting nurse sharks and goliath groupers, suggesting similar patterns here. Lobsters, though not specifically tied to Billy's Barge in the excerpts, are frequently found hiding in the nooks and crannies of nearby artificial structures, indicating their likely presence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth at CCA Billy's Barge Memorial Reef?
Billy's Barge's main structure sits at a maximum depth of 16.2 m (52 ft). This recreational depth makes the site accessible for most certified open water divers.
What kind of structure is Billy's Barge?
Billy's Barge is an artificial reef made from a sunken barge. It was specifically deployed on July 28, 2016, to serve as marine habitat and a memorial. It lies upright and intact on the seafloor.
Is Billy's Barge part of a larger reef system?
Yes, Billy's Barge is an integral part of an extensive artificial reef program. The surrounding area includes other notable artificial structures like the Hog Heaven barge, the Pacific Reef Lighthouse ("Jungle Gym"), and numerous other scattered wrecks and reef components.
What kind of marine life can be seen at Billy's Barge?
Divers can expect to see various reef fish such as snapper, grunts, and spotted goatfish utilizing the barge for shelter. Nurse sharks are often found resting nearby, and occasional goliath groupers might also be present.
Are there any unique features on the barge itself?
Upon sinking, the barge featured Guy Harvey paintings. However, marine growth has thoroughly encrusted the structure since 2016, transforming it into a living reef where the original artwork is now covered.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions?
Visibility can vary depending on local weather and currents, but is often good. While currents can be present, they sometimes offer opportunities for drift dives to other nearby artificial reef structures. Divers should always monitor conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Billy's Barge?
While dive scores are generally good year-round, late spring through early autumn often provides warmer air temperatures and potentially calmer seas. October typically sees the lowest rainfall, though winds can be higher.
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