Niuhi Dive Charters page for the Joe Patti Barge.
Shallow inshore wreck off Pensacola
Shallow inshore wreck off Pensacola
Boat access is via local Pensacola dive charters.
Joe Patti Memorial Reef (Wreck) is a shallow inshore artificial reef off Pensacola built from a large barge with metal artwork welded to the deck. It is an approachable boat dive for beginner divers and repeat visitors, with strong fish life and an easy artificial-reef profile. Expect baitfish, spadefish, snapper, triggerfish, rays, and occasional sharks around the structure.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
11m - 15m
Depth Note
The barge lies in about 50 feet of water, with the top of the wreck at about 35 feet.
Best Season
Year-round, with winter usually best.
Typical Conditions
Shallow inshore wreck with a 35-foot top deck, strong fish action, and winter visibility often better than summer.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Watch for boat traffic and keep an eye on the shallower top deck and welded structures during ascent and descent.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; plan the dive with a charter and stay within the wreck-top depth range.
Legal Notes
Follow the charter briefing and local boating rules around Pensacola Pass.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Popular for beginner divers, with a shallow top deck and easy inshore access.
Freediving
Not a freedive site.
Snorkeling
Not a primary snorkel site.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Niuhi Dive Charters page for the Joe Patti Barge.
Reef Smart Guides directory page for the Joe Patti Memorial Reef model.
Florida Dive Pros site page for the reef.
Visit Pensacola article on winter diving in Pensacola.
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