THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive 62 feet beneath North Myrtle Beach to a 130-foot tugboat transformed into a vibrant artificial reef alive with barracudas and black sea bass. Discover why this shipwreck offers a top-tier underwater adventure.
Dive 62 feet beneath North Myrtle Beach to a 130-foot tugboat transformed into a vibrant artificial reef alive with barracudas and black sea bass. Discover why this shipwreck offers a top-tier underwater adventure.
Book with Coastal Scuba
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Scuba · Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Situated off the coast of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Charleston Tug artificial reef offers divers an extraordinary underwater voyage. Resting at 62 feet beneath the Atlantic surface, this 130-foot tugboat has been repurposed into a vibrant marine sanctuary that invites both novice and experienced divers to witness a flourishing aquatic ecosystem. Known for its excellent underwater visibility, the wreck is a magnet for marine life including sleek barracudas, black sea bass, and an array of tropical fish that dart through the sunlit beams piercing the water. The reef’s steel structure is slowly being claimed by coral and sponges, creating a layered habitat that supports an impressive biodiversity unique to this stretch of the Southeastern U.S. coast.
North Myrtle Beach itself is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting miles of sandy shoreline and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The Charleston Tug reef stands out as a premier scuba destination because it combines historical intrigue with natural wonder, reflecting the region’s commitment to aquatic conservation through artificial reef programs that enhance fish populations and protect fragile underwater environments. Diving this site provides more than just an adrenaline rush; it offers a glimpse into how man-made structures can cultivate undersea life and contribute to marine health. Half-day excursions operate regularly, providing expert guides and equipment to ensure a safe, informative, and thrilling dive experience.
When descending to the tug, divers can appreciate the interplay of light and shadow along the hull, marvel at the details of the ship’s construction, and encounter a living underwater tableau that evolves with every visit. This spot is an essential stop for anyone seeking a top-tier dive in the Southeastern United States, balancing adventure, education, and nature in one compelling package.
moderate.
3–5 hours.
Moderate fitness required; comfortable swimming and diving skills recommended
The wreck sits at about 62 feet, suitable for divers with open water certification or above.
Yes, species like barracudas, black sea bass, and various tropical fish thrive here.
Certified open water divers with moderate experience can safely dive here; beginners should dive with guides.
Summer offers the warmest water and best visibility, though dives occur year-round.
Yes, half-day excursions with knowledgeable guides are regularly offered.
No permits are needed, but diving with a licensed operator is recommended for safety.
The Charleston Tug was intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef enhancing local marine biodiversity.
This artificial reef project supports marine habitat restoration and encourages sustainable recreational diving.
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