Navy Tug Wreck
Dive into history at the USS Nashua — a 109-ft Navy tug turned vibrant reef, resting at 65 ft off Oʻahu’s south shore.
Intermediate dive with white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and swirling schools of snapper and scad.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: South shore of Oʻahu, near Pearl Harbor
🌊 Depth: ~65 ft
🔦 Visibility: Often 80–100 ft
🎯 Experience Level: Intermediate
🐟 Marine Life: White tip reef sharks, eagle rays, blue stripe snapper, mackerel scad, trevally, amberjacks, rainbow runners
The USS Nashua YTB-774, also known as the Navy Tug, once served as a powerful harbor tug for the U.S. Navy — helping guide large vessels in and out of port. In 2012, it was intentionally sunk as part of Hawaiʻi’s artificial reef program and now rests upright on the ocean floor, elevated on steel pillars and surrounded by life.
At just 65 feet, this wreck is easily accessible for intermediate divers and offers a unique combination of history, structure, and marine biodiversity. Schools of mackerel scad swirl in silver clouds around the hull, while eagle rays cruise the perimeter and white tip reef sharks patrol the edges.
It’s one of Oʻahu’s best wreck dives for wildlife — and a favorite for photographers.
❓FAQs: Navy Tug Wreck
How deep is the Navy Tug wreck?
📏 The wreck sits at around 65 ft, making it perfect for intermediate-level divers.
What marine life is at the Navy Tug?
🐠 Expect white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, snapper, mackerel scad, trevally, amberjacks, and rainbow runners — all frequent visitors to this thriving artificial reef.
When is the best time to dive the Navy Tug?
☀️ The site is diveable year-round, but summer months tend to offer the clearest water and most active marine life. Water temps remain between 75–80°F all year.
Is this dive good for beginners?
⚠️ While not extremely deep, the structure and conditions are better suited to divers with a few dives under their belt. Beginners should be accompanied by a certified instructor.
Can I enter the wreck?
🚫 No — this is a non-penetration dive. Exploration focuses on the exterior structure and surrounding reef, where most marine life activity happens.
What’s the visibility like at the Navy Tug?
👀 Visibility at the Navy Tug is often excellent — 80 to 100 feet, particularly during summer months when ocean conditions are calmest.
Dive Oʻahu monitors site conditions daily and will provide updates before your dive.