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Dive 90 feet beneath the waves off North Myrtle Beach to explore BP-25, a sunken BP tanker reef enhanced by subway cars—an underwater haven bursting with marine life and history.
Dive 90 feet beneath the waves off North Myrtle Beach to explore BP-25, a sunken BP tanker reef enhanced by subway cars—an underwater haven bursting with marine life and history.
Book with Coastal Scuba
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Scuba · North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Just off the shore of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, lies one of the Atlantic Coast’s most extraordinary underwater adventures: the BP-25 artificial reef. This dive site, anchored by a sunken British Petroleum tanker, has transformed an industrial relic into a thriving marine habitat. Descending to around 90 feet, divers enter a vibrant underwater world where history, ecology, and exploration collide. The BP-25 reef is more than just a dive spot—it’s a living monument to ocean restoration and marine biodiversity.
What makes BP-25 stand out in the local scuba scene is its unique structure and thriving ecosystem. The British Petroleum tanker was deliberately sunk to form the core of this artificial reef, which was later enhanced in 2003 by the addition of 40 subway cars. These subway cars, now encrusted with corals and sponges, provide shelter and breeding grounds for a wide range of marine species. The artificial reef structure promotes a remarkable diversity of sea life including vibrant tropical fish, groupers, barracudas, and the occasional sea turtle or stingray. The interplay of steel and organic growth offers divers a surreal landscape to explore, blending industrial geometry with natural beauty.
North Myrtle Beach serves as the gateway city to this underwater playground, offering a range of accommodations and amenities catering to the diver community. The local dive operators provide guided tours suitable for a spectrum of skill levels, making the BP-25 reef accessible for divers comfortable with moderate depths and open water conditions. This underwater adventure offers not only the thrill of discovery but also a chance to witness conservation in action, as artificial reefs help relieve pressure on natural coral systems.
The site’s history intertwines with modern conservation efforts. The deliberate sinking of the BP tanker and the subway cars is a notable example of marine habitat enhancement pioneered along the U.S. coastline. This reef has become an important sanctuary contributing to local fisheries and marine biodiversity. Additionally, visiting divers contribute to the local economy while gaining insight into the impact of human intervention on underwater ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a keen underwater explorer, BP-25 offers an immersive way to connect with South Carolina’s coastal environment beneath the waves. This dive exemplifies how man-made structures can be repurposed to foster life and adventure, adding a unique chapter to the narrative of North Myrtle Beach’s outdoor recreation scene.
moderate.
3–6 hours.
Divers should be in good physical health, comfortable with controlled breathing and diving techniques at moderate depths.
A minimum of open water certification is required due to the depth of around 90 feet.
Summer and fall offer the warmest waters and best visibility, although spring and early fall are also good.
Local dive shops in North Myrtle Beach offer guided charters; booking can often be done online or in person.
The site is best for intermediate divers with some experience at moderate depths; beginners should seek training first.
Divers may see groupers, barracudas, tropical reef fish, sea turtles, and a variety of invertebrates around the reef structures.
Yes, divers should monitor air supply carefully at depth and practice proper buoyancy to avoid contact with sharp reef structures.
The BP tanker was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef that supports local fisheries and marine conservation, enhanced by the addition of subway cars in 2003.
This artificial reef helps protect natural coral populations by redirecting diving and fishing pressure, supporting long-term ecological balance.
Coastal Scuba is a North Myrtle Beach dive operator offering recreational and advanced offshore wreck and artificial-reef dives. Located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the company schedules day trips and full-day excursions to multiple nearby artificial reefs and historical wreck sites. Trips include site names such as The Bill Perry, Barracuda Alley, Charleston Tug, Megalodon Ledge, The Sherman, BP-25, and regular e-code booking coordination for operations. Coastal Scuba provides guided dives for certified divers, emphasizing safety, local knowledge, and marine conservation. Boats depart from North Myrtle Beach and carry gear, briefings, and experienced crew to each offshore site. Dive briefings cover depth, current expectations, navigation, and marine life likely to be encountered, including grouper, snapper, spadefish, barracuda, and occasional sea turtles. For advanced divers, Coastal Scuba runs deeper offshore trips to locations like Megalodon Ledge and BP-25 with higher depth limits and fossil-search opportunities. The operator follows regional regulations, participates in artificial reef awareness, and supports respectful exploration of historic wrecks such as Civil War-era blockade runners. Customers are advised to hold appropriate certifications (Open Water for most sites, Advanced Open Water for deeper dives) and to review trip-specific requirements before booking. Reservations and schedule details are available through the operator's booking channels. Coastal Scuba's local focus, consistent trip roster, and commitment to safe, educational dives make it a reliable choice for divers seeking artificial-reef and wreck experiences along the South Carolina Grand Strand. Equipment rentals, nitrox fills, and specialty instruction are offered seasonally with advance notice by appointment.
Book with Coastal Scuba