The Arch

Overview

The Arch is a boat-dive reef off Culebra centered on a large overhang and swim-through at about 20 feet, covered in coral and sponges; the site reaches about 50 feet, and an airplane turbine also lies there. The swim-through is an overhead environment, and current runs mild to strong. Several naval artillery rounds, including a 16-inch battleship round, have been noted on site, so leave any ordnance untouched. The site lies within the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge; check current refuge rules.^[1][2]

Site characteristics

• Reef^[1]

Habitat & marine life

• large overhang / swim-through with coral and sponge growth^[1]

Marine life is what sources report having seen or commonly seeing — not a guarantee.

Experience & conditions

• Culebra Divers via SSI Scubago / MyDiveGuide: “operator rates Beginner/Advanced”^[1]

Attributed descriptions from sources, not our rating. Conditions vary; your training, experience and the day’s conditions decide.

Safety considerations

• Overhead environment — swim-through^[1]
• Current — mild to strong^[1]
• unexploded ordnance — operator notes several 5-inch naval artillery rounds and a 16-inch battleship round on site^[1]

Ocean conditions change daily. Dive within your training, plan with current local information and consider a local professional guide. Full safety note.

Protected area

• Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre de Culebra)

  National Wildlife Refuge · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Site position falls inside the official boundary^[2]

  NOAA's MPA Inventory classifies this area's protection level as "Uniform Multiple Use"; fishing: restrictions unknown.^[2]

Regulations change. Check with DRNA (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales) before diving.

Depth reports by source