ExpertBoat entry

USS Algol (AKA-54)

New Jersey, United States

21–44 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

USS Algol (AKA-54) at a glance

USS Algol (AKA-54) is an expert boat dive site in New Jersey, United States with depths of 21.3–44.2 m (70–145 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Lobster, Black sea bass, and anemones and hydroids. Recent reports put the water around 23°C (73°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 13h ago

0.8 mwaves — under a meter expected

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

Site hazards: Technical depth, decompression/gas-management exposure, strong current potential, cold/dark water, boat traffic, entanglement, large-wreck navigation, sharp metal, and serious penetration/overhead hazards. Sand depth may exceed 145 ft in scour areas.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sat

Fri6:00–19:00

Sat6:00–19:00

Sun6:00–19:00

Mon6:00–19:00

Tue6:00–19:00

Wed6:00–15:00

Thu6:00–18:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:04 · Sunrise 5:32 · Sunset 18:10

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.3 km from site · graded 13h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

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: Black sea bass, anemones and hydroids, Tautog

Best time: Only in reliable offshore weather and current windows; use an operator experienced with Algol/Shark River deep wreck procedures.

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.

Jan27%8°C1.8 m
Feb25%7°C1.7 m
Mar18%6°C1.9 m
Apr39%8°C1.6 m
May62%13°C1.3 m
Jun69%18°C1.2 m
Jul74%23°C1.1 m
Aug60%23°C1.3 m
Sep42%21°C1.6 m
Oct45%18°C1.7 m
Nov33%15°C1.5 m
Dec29%11°C1.7 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 July 2026

Site details

USS Algol is a 459 ft Andromeda-class attack cargo ship sunk as a New Jersey artificial reef. NJScuba describes an intact upright wreck with the superstructure beginning around 70 ft, main deck around 110 ft, and sand near 145 ft / 44 m or deeper. It is a major deep wreck/technical site, not a beginner artificial reef.

boatreefwreck

Technical depth, decompression/gas-management exposure, strong current potential, cold/dark water, boat traffic, entanglement, large-wreck navigation, sharp metal, and serious penetration/overhead hazards. Sand depth may exceed 145 ft in scour areas.

Can beginners dive USS Algol (AKA-54)?

USS Algol (AKA-54) is rated as expert difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 21.3 to 44.2 metres (70–145 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

How deep is USS Algol (AKA-54)?

USS Algol (AKA-54) ranges from 21.3 to 44.2 metres deep (70–145 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 USS Algol (AKA-54) a shore dive or a boat dive?

USS Algol (AKA-54) 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 USS Algol (AKA-54)?

Only in reliable offshore weather and current windows; use an operator experienced with Algol/Shark River deep wreck procedures. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at USS Algol (AKA-54)?

Divers at USS Algol (AKA-54) in United States commonly report sightings of Lobster, Black sea bass, anemones and hydroids, and Tautog. Black sea bass, anemones and hydroids, and Tautog are recorded as common sightings, while Lobster is 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 USS Algol (AKA-54)?

Reviews

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