Scuba Diving at Gimrock 504 Barge

Diving atGimrock 504 Barge (United States)

The Gimrock 504 Barge presents a significant underwater landscape, a substantial steel structure deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef environment. Resting at a maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft), its form offers divers a complex topography of beams, plates, and open spaces. This sunken vessel has steadily integrated into the marine ecosystem, providing both shelter and substrate for colonizing organisms.

Current morning readings from Gimrock 504 Barge indicate an air temperature of 27.5°C. Surface wave heights are averaging around 0.2 m at this time. These local measurements provide a baseline for your daily dive planning.

Dive Site Location & Key Facts

Everything you need to know about this dive site.

Max Depth--
Entry Type--
Water Typesalt
Dive Types
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Dive Site Overview

Approaching the Gimrock 504 Barge, divers are greeted by a silhouette emerging from the blue, a testament to its purposeful submersion as an artificial reef. While precise details on its original cargo or exact sinking date are not consistently reported, the barge's robust steel structure remains discernable, attracting a diverse array of marine life.

Its large, rectangular form lies mostly intact on the seafloor at a maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft). Exploring the barge primarily involves navigating its exterior, where marine growth has significantly begun to soften its industrial lines, transforming rusted metal into vibrant habitat. Expect to find sections of its deck, hull plates, and perhaps remnants of a superstructure, all offering nooks and crannies for exploration.

Visibility at the site can vary, often influenced by recent weather patterns and tidal movements, impacting the overall perception of the wreck's impressive scale. Without specific current data, divers should be prepared for potential mild to moderate currents which might dictate the flow of the dive, making a drift along its length a possibility.

This site provides an accessible wreck dive primarily within recreational limits, inviting thorough exploration of its surfaces and larger open areas rather than complex interior penetration. Its consistent maximum depth generally maintains conditions well-suited for certified divers who appreciate structure-oriented dives and the evolving ecosystem of a sunken vessel.

Gimrock 504 Barge

Conditions are Excellent

9/10
Confidence: 8/10
Indicates meteorological model agreement and data availability.

Best Dive Window

07:00 - 14:00

Optimal conditions expected

06:12
18:45
H: 10:45
L: 16:20
Air / Sea Temp
28° / 30°
Wave Height
0.2 m
Wind Speed
19 km/h SE
Rain Chance
0%

Current conditions near Gimrock 504 Barge show 28° air, 30° sea temperature, 0.2 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.

Radius: ~12km
Updated: Jun 12, 2026, 12:10 local time
MARINE: OPEN-METEOWEATHER: YR.NO

Best Time to Dive

Optimal diving at the Gimrock 504 Barge tends to fall between May and September, where dive scores are consistently rated 'Good'. During these months, average air temperatures range from 27-28.5°C (81-83°F), accompanied by lower average wave heights of 0.5-0.7 m (1.6-2.3 ft) and moderate wind speeds. Conversely, colder months like December through March, while still offering 'Good' or 'Moderate' scores, see air temperatures drop to 20-23°C (68-73°F) and typically experience higher wave action and increased rainfall, potentially influencing surface conditions and underwater visibility. Specific water temperature data for the site is not consistently reported, but warmer air periods generally correlate with more comfortable water conditions.

PEAK SEASON SCORE

86/100
Very Good

Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.


BEST MONTHS TO DIVE

MAY
JUL
AUG
DIVE SCORE
(0–100)
74
JAN
77
FEB
75
MAR
78
APR
85
MAY
81
JUN
90
JUL
84
AUG
83
SEP
74
OCT
75
NOV
72
DEC
AIR TEMP (°C)
20
21
23
24
27
27
28
29
27
26
24
22
WAVES (M)
1.1
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.7
0.7
0.5
0.7
0.7
1.1
1.1
1.2
WIND (KM/H)
20
19
21
22
19
18
16
17
16
20
20
20
RAIN (MM)
2.0
1.4
4.0
2.7
3.6
9.4
4.0
6.0
7.1
5.0
3.8
4.3
DIVE SCORE GUIDE (0–100)
Excellent (90–100)
Very Good (80–89)
Good (70–79)
Moderate (50–69)
Poor (30–49)
Not Recommended (0–29)

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

Entering the water at the Gimrock 504 Barge, divers should anticipate conditions that, while generally favorable during peak season, can shift. Water temperature data is not consistently reported, suggesting variability depending on the season and local upwellings. Visibility also varies, often influenced by recent weather and surge, which can range from moderate to excellent. Divers will find themselves exploring the large, relatively intact structure of the barge. Experience navigating around a sizable artificial reef at a recreational depth is beneficial. The site generally allows for methodical exploration, following the contours of the vessel and observing marine life that congregates around the wreckage.

Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines

Diving the Gimrock 504 Barge requires adherence to standard wreck diving safety protocols, even for its recreational depth. While no specific hazards are reported, all artificial reefs carry potential risks such as entanglement from fishing lines, sharp edges, or unstable components. Divers should maintain appropriate buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate marine growth or stirring up sediment. Given that specific current and visibility data are not readily available, it's prudent to check local conditions immediately prior to the dive and plan accordingly. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended to comfortably explore this environment down to its maximum depth.

Recommended Equipment

  • Dive Computer

This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Gimrock 504 Barge, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.

Recommended Dive Suit

Current diving conditions indicate water temperatures around 30°C (85°F) at Gimrock 504 Barge. Surface air temperatures are resting at 28°C (82°F).

The next few days appear likely to bring similar environmental conditions.

Most divers exploring waters at this temperature rely on dive skin or rash guard for effective insulation. Water temperature is only one factor influencing overall comfort during a dive.

Gimrock 504 Barge conditions last reviewed: 12:10 local time (UTC-5), Jun 12, 2026

Due to technical issues with our weather providers, live updates are temporarily delayed. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.

Emergency & Medical Support

Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Gimrock 504 Barge.

Hyperbaric Chamber

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
24/7 Available

Divers Alert Network

Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.

+1-919-684-9111
  • 24/7 emergency hotline
  • Diving medical assistance
  • Evacuation coordination
View official DAN emergency contacts

Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.

Marine Life at Gimrock 504 Barge

Although specific species highlights are not consistently reported for the Gimrock 504 Barge, artificial reefs commonly attract a variety of local marine life. Expect to observe schooling fish seeking shelter within the structure. Bottom dwellers, such as various crab and invertebrate species, typically colonize the barge's surfaces. The presence of such a substantial structure usually draws in a cross-section of fish and benthic organisms, contributing to a localized increase in biodiversity.

Image contributors:Hans Hillewaert
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Dive Centers Near Gimrock 504 Barge

ACE DIVING
13.7 km away

ACE DIVING

4.9| 1333 reviews
Today: 08:00 - 17:00
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Wed08:00 - 17:00
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Sat08:00 - 17:00
Delta's Splash Dive Center

Delta's Splash Dive Center

5| 28 reviews
39 km
Coral Diving Club, LLC

Coral Diving Club, LLC

4.7| 31 reviews
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Divers Cove

Divers Cove

4.7| 208 reviews
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Nearest Airports

Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.

Miami International AirportMIA
24 km
Miami-Opa Locka Executive AirportOPF
30 km
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International AirportFLL
41 km
💵Currency:USD

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Gimrock 504 Barge?

The Gimrock 504 Barge rests at a maximum recreational depth of 30 m (100 ft). This makes it accessible for divers with Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent training.

Is the Gimrock 504 Barge suitable for beginner divers?

While parts of the site may be shallower, the maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft) generally recommends this site for advanced certified divers. Beginners with sufficient training and experience in similar conditions might find it manageable, but careful planning is essential.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see on the barge?

As an artificial reef, the barge attracts various schooling fish, smaller invertebrates, and possibly some larger predatory fish. Specific marine life reports vary, but wrecks generally become focal points for local aquatic species.

What are the common water conditions at the site?

Specific data on water temperature, visibility, and currents is not consistently reported. Conditions can vary with seasons and local weather. It's advisable to consult local dive operators for the most current information before planning your dive.

Are there any specific hazards associated with diving the Gimrock 504 Barge?

No specific hazards are consistently reported for this site. However, as with all wreck dives, divers should be aware of potential entanglement from fishing lines, sharp edges, or unstable structural elements. Proper training and equipment are always recommended.

Is interior penetration of the barge possible or recommended?

Information regarding safe interior penetration of the Gimrock 504 Barge is limited. Generally, interior penetration of wrecks should only be attempted by divers with specialized wreck diving certification and appropriate equipment, regardless of the wreck's perceived intactness.

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