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.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; comfortable swimming and diving skills recommended
Wildlife
History
The Charleston Tug was intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef enhancing local marine biodiversity.
Conservation
This artificial reef project supports marine habitat restoration and encourages sustainable recreational diving.
Coastal Scuba
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.
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.
Location
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Launches from North Myrtle Beach
Dive Sites
7 Featured Trips
Reefs, wrecks, and offshore ledges
Trip Types
Half & Full Day
Day trips and full-day offshore adventures
Guided Dives
Certified Divers
Guided dives for certified divers
Book a half-day or full-day wreck or artificial-reef dive today — confirm certification and availability before booking.
Check Visibility Conditions
Visibility can vary; choose days with calm seas for the clearest underwater views.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect delicate marine life by applying environmentally friendly sunscreen before your dive.
Mind Your Buoyancy
Maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid disturbing the reef or stirring up sediment during the dive.
Dive with a Guide
Local guides know the reef's layout and marine life, enhancing safety and discovery.
Scuba gear set
Necessary for safe and comfortable underwater exploration of the wreck.
summer
Underwater camera
Capture vibrant marine life and the unique structure of the tugboat.
summer
Dive computer
Helps monitor depth and bottom time to ensure a safe dive.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the sensitive underwater environment.
summer