Diving atEternal Reef #22 (United States)
Divers approaching Eternal Reef #22 engage with a site that transcends typical underwater experiences. It forms part of a dedicated artificial reef system in the United States, serving as both a living memorial and an ecological enhancement project. Interacting with a landscape specifically designed to foster marine life, divers also honor loved ones. This underwater environment combines purposeful structure with evolving natural growth, creating a distinctive dive beneath the surface. Each 'Reef Ball' contributes to a larger initiative, making every dive a tribute to both marine conservation and remembrance.
Tonight's objective overview for Eternal Reef #22 shows an air temperature of 22.1°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.44m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
25.9629, -80.0982
Dive Site Overview
Descending onto Eternal Reef #22 reveals a submerged landscape meticulously structured to both honor memory and foster marine ecosystems. Forming a component of the broader On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef, this site incorporates 67 substantial reef balls.
Each artificial structure weighs approximately 1,800 pounds (816 kg) and serves a dual purpose. They are arranged thoughtfully in rows and columns, with each memorial facing west, a deliberate design choice mirroring protocols found in national veteran cemeteries. Strategically placed at recreational depths, reef balls quickly establish themselves as foundations for new marine habitats.
Early observations from deployments, including an underwater ribbon-cutting ceremony, confirm significant marine growth developing on the structures within just a few months. Navigating this area, divers observe the deliberate spacing of the memorials, typically four feet apart, which helps create distinct corridors for fish movement and allows for careful exploration.
Initially conceptualized by Don Brawley, founder of Eternal Reefs, the entire system stands as a testament to sustainable memorialization. It actively contributes to the replenishment of dwindling natural reef barriers by providing stable substrates for coral and other sessile organisms.
Exploring this site allows divers to witness conservation in action, alongside experiencing a powerful, living tribute beneath the waves.
Best Time to Dive
Optimizing your dive for clear conditions is key at Eternal Reef #22. Dive scores are consistently rated "Good" for most of the year, with July often marked as "Excellent." During these favorable periods, air temperatures typically range from around 26-28°C (79-82°F), making surface intervals comfortable. Water temperatures generally track with these conditions, offering a pleasant diving environment, often between 22-27°C (72-81°F). The calmer summer months, particularly July, tend to exhibit lower average wave heights, around 0.40 meters, and reduced wind speeds, about 14.45 km/h, which typically translates to better underwater visibility. Rain activity is also generally moderate during these times, decreasing runoff that can impact water clarity. Conversely, months like October through March show slightly higher wave heights, occasionally exceeding 1 meter, and increased wind speeds up to 20 km/h, which might lead to more variable visibility. Planning for the calmer periods maximizes the chances of an unhindered view of the memorial reef structures and their developing marine life.
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
Diving Eternal Reef #22 provides divers an interaction with an evolving artificial reef. While specific depth details for Reef #22 aren't consistently reported, artificial reef deployments like this typically fall within common recreational diving limits, often reaching a maximum depth of 15 to 30 m (50 to 100 ft). This makes the site accessible to open water certified divers. Currents can vary depending on local weather patterns and tidal influences, so assessing conditions before entry is always advisable. Underwater, divers will find the reef balls resting on a sandy bottom, providing a stark contrast that highlights the structures. The clarity of the water fluctuates, but often allows for good visibility, enabling appreciation of the marine growth and the precise arrangement of the memorials. Water temperatures generally mirror surface air temperatures, ranging from 22-27°C (72-81°F) during optimal diving seasons, ensuring a comfortable dive experience without requiring extensive thermal protection.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Eternal Reef #22 demands adherence to respectful protocols due to its dual role as a marine habitat and a memorial site. Divers should exercise precise buoyancy control to avoid contact with the fragile marine growth on the reef balls and to prevent disturbing the underlying sandy bottom. Given the solemn nature of a memorial, approaching the site with reverence is essential. While no specific hazards are reported, general artificial reef diving precautions apply; divers should be mindful of potential entanglement with fishing lines or debris, though the area is regularly monitored. Always dive within your certification limits. A dive plan should account for potential currents, which can fluctuate. Maintaining a safe distance from the structures, observing without touching, ensures the preservation of both the memorial and its developing ecosystem for future visitors.
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
Forecast trends indicate little change in overall diving conditions during the next few days.
Two divers in the same water temperature may experience very different comfort levels.
Many divers find that 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit offers the right level of insulation for conditions like these. Surface intervals may feel cooler. Divers preparing to enter the water at Eternal Reef #22 will likely find temperatures around 26°C (79°F) today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 22°C (72°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 Eternal Reef #22
Upon reaching Eternal Reef #22, rapid colonization by marine life is evident. Artificial structures quickly become bustling 'playgrounds' for various fish species, often seen schooling around the reef balls. Divers frequently observe crabs peering from under the reef structures, along with other crustaceans finding shelter. Surfaces of the reef balls show significant marine growth, including nascent corals, sponges, and anemones, which are instrumental in transforming the barren ocean floor into a vibrant ecosystem. An evolving habitat here supports a diverse array of smaller reef inhabitants, making it a dynamic site for observing ecological restoration firsthand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eternal Reef #22?
Eternal Reef #22 is a specific section within a larger artificial reef system located in the United States. It's designed to serve as both an environmentally enhancing marine habitat and a permanent living memorial for cremated remains. The site helps to replenish natural reef barriers while honoring loved ones.
What is the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef?
The On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef is a significant part of the Eternal Reefs initiative, honoring lost American submariners. It consists of 67 large reef balls, each commemorating one of the 65 missing submarines and two additional memorials. These structures are thoughtfully arranged and face west, mimicking military cemetery protocols.
What kind of marine life can be seen at the reef?
The reef balls quickly attract a variety of marine life, including numerous fish species that use the structures for shelter and foraging. Divers have observed significant marine growth, such as corals and sponges, along with crustaceans like crabs. It's a dynamic environment for observing ecosystem development.
What are the best months to dive Eternal Reef #22?
Diving conditions are generally "Good" most of the year, with July often rated "Excellent." These months typically offer calmer seas, lower wave heights, and moderate rain. This translates to improved underwater visibility and more comfortable surface conditions.
How deep are the Eternal Reef memorials?
Specific depths for individual Eternal Reef sites like #22 are not consistently reported. However, these artificial reefs are typically deployed within standard recreational diving limits. Divers can generally expect depths ranging from approximately 15 to 30 m (50 to 100 ft), making them accessible to certified open water divers.
Why do the reef balls face west?
The reef balls for the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef are specifically oriented to face west. Such an arrangement follows the protocol of national veteran cemeteries, providing a consistent and respectful alignment for the memorials. It adds a symbolic layer to the underwater tribute.
Is this a difficult dive?
Eternal Reef #22 is generally considered accessible for certified recreational divers, given its typical depths. However, divers should be prepared for potentially variable currents and maintain good buoyancy control. Respect for the memorial and the marine environment is always paramount.
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