Diving atEternal Reef #19 (United States)
Diving at Eternal Reef #19 offers a uniquely profound experience, blending marine conservation with a meaningful tribute. This site provides certified divers with an opportunity to explore a living memorial, fostering an appreciation for both ecological restoration and remembrance. It's a dive that transcends typical recreational exploration, inviting reflection amidst a thriving, human-made underwater habitat.
As evening covers Eternal Reef #19, the local air temperature is measured at 24.5°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.48m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
25.9631, -80.0978
Dive Site Overview
Eternal Reefs establishes permanent, environmentally beneficial tributes on the ocean floor, serving as both memorials and vital marine habitats. Reef balls, composed of environmentally-safe cast concrete, are the core components. 'On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef' is a significant part of this initiative, comprising 67 individual reef balls, each weighing approximately 816 kg (1,800 pounds).
Memorials honor lost American submarines and their crews, with two additional reef balls dedicated to the USSVI and others lost in submarine service. Arranged meticulously in rows and columns, structures are spaced about 1.2 m (4 ft) apart, all oriented to face west towards the open sea, mirroring protocols found in national veteran cemeteries.
Initial deployments occurred in May and August 2019, with an underwater ribbon-cutting ceremony in November 2019 confirming their establishment. Within a few months of placement, dive teams observed significant marine growth on these structures, including early colonization by algae, sponges, and various sessile invertebrates, indicating their success in attracting and supporting sea life at recreational depths.
Fish populations quickly began utilizing the reef balls for shelter and foraging, enhancing the ecological function of the site. This demonstrates a successful fusion of environmental restoration with a deeply respectful remembrance, providing divers a unique exploration opportunity.
Best Time to Dive
Optimizing a dive to Eternal Reef #19 involves considering seasonal variations in weather and ocean conditions. July stands out with an 'Excellent' dive score, largely due to warmer air temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F), lower wave heights, and reduced wind speeds. Conversely, months like January through April, and October through December, typically see air temperatures ranging from 19.6-25.5°C (67-78°F). During these periods, wave heights and wind speeds tend to be higher, which might result in choppier surface conditions and potentially reduced visibility at the site. Rainfall varies, with June and September often experiencing more precipitation, while February is considerably drier. Planning for the calmer, warmer months generally provides a more comfortable experience, though good diving is reported year-round, conditions permitting.
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
Exploring this site provides a distinctive sensory experience, immersing divers in an evolving artificial reef ecosystem. Water temperatures, while not consistently reported, generally follow the region's air temperature trends, which range from a comfortable 19.6-28°C (67-82°F) throughout the year. Visibility can vary with local conditions, but observers have noted healthy marine growth and active fish populations, suggesting generally clear water conducive to reef development. Descending upon the reef balls, divers can observe the structures supporting a burgeoning community of marine organisms. Mild currents are generally expected, allowing for comfortable exploration of the arranged memorial reef balls. The sensation is one of discovering a new, vibrant habitat that simultaneously serves as a respectful tribute.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
While specific hazards for Eternal Reef #19 are not consistently reported, safe diving practices remain paramount when exploring this artificial reef. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the delicate, growing marine life on the reef balls and to preserve the integrity of the memorial structures. It's essential to respect the site's primary function as a permanent memorial, ensuring no disturbance or removal of any components. Always dive within your certification limits and stay aware of your surroundings. Proper planning, including checking weather and sea conditions, contributes to a secure and enjoyable dive at this unique tribute site.
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
2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit usually provides adequate warmth in water around this temperature. Water conditions at Eternal Reef #19 are currently measured at approximately 26°C (79°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 25°C (76°F).
Weather models currently point toward consistent diving conditions over the next several days.
Conditions can vary slightly across different parts of the same dive site.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
Check local United States medical facilities.
Entry Requirements
View United States Visa Hub
Currency
USD
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Marine Life at Eternal Reef #19
Eternal Reef #19's underwater landscape, alongside the broader 'On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef,' actively supports diverse marine life by providing essential habitat. These concrete reef balls, designed to mimic natural structures, offer immediate shelter and substrate for growth. Observations shortly after deployment revealed significant marine growth on the structures. Fish species clearly gravitate to new formations, using them as 'playgrounds' and foraging grounds. Divers often spot various crustaceans, such as crabs, peering from beneath the protective overhangs of the reef balls, indicating successful colonization and the establishment of a developing ecosystem.
Dive Sites Near Eternal Reef #19
View all dive sites in United StatesDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Eternal Reef #19
No Dive Centers Local To Eternal Reef #19
Are you a dive center visiting this location? Get listed to reach divers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Eternal Reef?
An Eternal Reef is a permanent, environmentally-safe concrete structure designed to serve as a memorial for a loved one. It combines cremation urn placement with burial at sea, creating a living legacy that also helps to preserve and protect the marine environment.
What is the 'On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef'?
This is a specific project within the Eternal Reefs initiative, honoring 65 American submarines lost since 1915 and over 4,000 lost officers and crew members. It consists of 67 reef balls, each dedicated to a lost submarine or submarine service members, arranged on the ocean floor.
Who founded Eternal Reefs?
Eternal Reefs was founded by Don Brawley and Todd Barber, two college friends from the University of Georgia. Their shared love for diving and environmental conservation led them to develop the 'reef ball' concept after witnessing significant reef degradation in the Florida Keys.
What is a 'reef ball'?
A reef ball is a designed, environmentally-safe cast concrete structure used by Eternal Reefs for memorialization and marine habitat restoration. These structures are built to replicate natural reef elements, supporting coral and microorganism development.
How many reef balls are at the 'On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef' site?
The 'On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef' is composed of 67 individual reef balls. Each reef ball weighs approximately 816 kg (1,800 pounds), with 65 dedicated to lost submarines and two honoring the USSVI and other lost submarine service members.
When were the 'On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reefs' deployed?
The first six reef memorials were deployed on May 22, 2019. Remaining 61 reefs followed between August and October 2019, with an official underwater ribbon-cutting ceremony held on November 8, 2019, to open the site.
Liveaboards Sailing to Eternal Reef #19
Explore highly rated liveaboards visiting this dive site and discover the best routes in United States.
Resorts & Accommodation
Find partner hotels and dive resorts directly accessing the reef.
Around This Area
Explore top-rated restaurants, activities, and attractions near Eternal Reef #19 reviewed by travelers.
Planning to dive Eternal Reef #19?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.