Dive-site story
Located off the coast of Marco Island in the Gulf of Mexico, the Double Barges artificial reef site consists of two sunken steel barges resting upright on a sandy sea floor. The structures provide vertical relief that attracts coastal pelagic species as well as resident bottom dwellers. Soft corals, encrusting sponges, and hydroids coat the steel plates, creating an established habitat across both wrecks.
Congregations of massive Atlantic goliath grouper sheltering under the steel overhangs
Schools of snook and sheepshead hovering near the deck edges
Frequent encounters with resident sea turtles resting on the wreckage
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn brings the calmest seas and warmest water to southwest Florida.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Goliath GrouperEpinephelus itajara | Common | ||||||||||||
| Common SnookCentropomus undecimalis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great BarracudaSphyraena barracuda | Common | ||||||||||||
| SheepsheadArchosargus probatocephalus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta caretta | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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