ExpertBoat entry

U-869 (wreck)

New Jersey, United States

60–73 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

U-869 (wreck) at a glance

U-869 (wreck) is an expert boat dive site in New Jersey, United States with depths of 60–73 m (197–239 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Conger eel, Anemones and hydroids (wreck encrusting), and Cusk. Recent reports put the water around 23°C (74°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 13h ago

1.1 mwaves — about a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 23°C · seasonal avg 21°C

Site hazards: Extreme depth (~230-240 ft) requiring trimix and staged decompression; entanglement in monofilament and trawl net draped on the wreck; overhead environment with silt-out and tight restrictions inside the torn hull; strong and unpredictable Atlantic current; cold bottom water year-round; remote location ~60 nm offshore complicates emergencies. Three divers (Steve Feldman, Chris and Chrissy Rouse) died on this wreck.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sat

Fri7:00–19:00

Sat6:00–19:00

Sun6:00–19:00

Mon12:00–19:00

Tue6:00–18:00

Wed6:00–18:00

Thu6:00–18:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:02 · Sunrise 5:29 · Sunset 18:07

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 6.8 km from site · graded 13h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Conger eel, Anemones and hydroids (wreck encrusting), American lobster

Best time: Summer through early fall, when offshore sea conditions and visibility are most favorable for the long run offshore.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan15%10°C2.2 m
Feb13%8°C2.2 m
Mar10%7°C2.3 m
Apr37%8°C1.8 m
May52%13°C1.5 m
Jun61%18°C1.3 m
Jul65%24°C1.2 m
Aug52%23°C1.5 m
Sep39%21°C1.9 m
Oct31%18°C2.0 m
Nov26%15°C1.9 m
Dec23%12°C2.2 m

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

U-869 is a WWII German Type IXC/40 U-boat lying in about 230-240 ft of water roughly 60 miles east of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Discovered in 1991 by a team led by Bill Nagle and John Chatterton and finally identified in 1997, the mystery wreck ('U-Who') was made famous by the book Shadow Divers; three divers died exploring it before identification. It remains one of the US East Coast's premier expedition-level technical wreck dives - trimix decompression diving for experienced teams only.

boatwreck

Extreme depth (~230-240 ft) requiring trimix and staged decompression; entanglement in monofilament and trawl net draped on the wreck; overhead environment with silt-out and tight restrictions inside the torn hull; strong and unpredictable Atlantic current; cold bottom water year-round; remote location ~60 nm offshore complicates emergencies. Three divers (Steve Feldman, Chris and Chrissy Rouse) died on this wreck.

Can beginners dive U-869 (wreck)?

U-869 (wreck) is rated as expert difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 60 to 73 metres (197–239 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

How deep is U-869 (wreck)?

U-869 (wreck) ranges from 60 to 73 metres deep (197–239 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a saltwater site rated as expert difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is U-869 (wreck) a shore dive or a boat dive?

U-869 (wreck) is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The site is recorded as tide-dependent (slack tide only), so check local tide tables when planning your entry. The entry area is recorded as exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

When is the best time to dive U-869 (wreck)?

Summer through early fall, when offshore sea conditions and visibility are most favorable for the long run offshore. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at U-869 (wreck)?

Divers at U-869 (wreck) in United States commonly report sightings of Conger eel, Anemones and hydroids (wreck encrusting), Cusk, Atlantic cod, and Ocean pout. Conger eel and Anemones and hydroids (wreck encrusting) are recorded as common sightings, while Cusk, Atlantic cod, and Ocean pout are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at U-869 (wreck)?

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