Barges

The Barges dive site in Subic Bay is recognized as one of the area's more unusual and captivating underwater attractions, offering a distinct experience compared to the region's prevalent wreck diving sites. Located just outside the northwest shore of Grande Island, the site gets its name from numerous pontoons strategically placed there by American Forces, originally serving as floating piers during the Vietnam War for transporting troops and refugees. These barges and pontoons are scattered and divided into sections, creating an artificial reef habitat. The site's layout forms a rough 'T' shape, with different sections varying in depth. The first section lies about 40 meters north of Grande Island's west end at a depth of roughly 6 meters. Moving further, another section is approximately 20 meters away at about 10 meters depth. The right portion of the 'T' drops to 32 meters, while the left side reaches 18 meters, with the barges themselves extending as deep as 35 meters. This varied topography makes it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers, offering easy and enjoyable penetration possibilities. The Barges are also considered the second-best coral reef site within Subic Bay, providing a vibrant alternative to the often deeper and more advanced wreck dives. The site is highly recommended for underwater photography, discovery dives, and night diving due to its abundant marine life and relatively good visibility for Subic Bay. Divers can expect to see a continuous flow of aquatic life, with several species often present in large numbers. The sandy areas around the barges also contribute to the picturesque underwater scenery. The enclosed nature of Subic Bay generally provides protected conditions, shielding dive sites from strong currents and rough seas, contributing to a milder diving environment year-round. While generally an easier and more relaxed dive, advanced divers can explore deeper sections, and newer divers can stick to the shallower parts, where a variety of fish and clams can still be observed. It serves as an excellent training ground for less experienced divers due to its manageable conditions.