MG-111, a Mississippi river barge intentionally sunk in 1995, now serves as an artificial reef. Covered in a tangle of concrete poles once used for street lighting, this 195-foot (59-meter) barge provides habitat for reef fish. Despite its unremarkable appearance, the diversity of marine life draws divers back repeatedly. Solitary goliath grouper are commonly spotted near the barge or on Warrior Reef.

During breeding season, divers may witness goliath grouper in an active spawning aggregation, releasing gametes into the water. Approach with care, as these giants are more focused on each other than on nearby divers.

Warrior Reef, located just 50 feet (15 meters) north of MG-111, consists of concrete pillars deployed in 2005. Originally part of a high school walkway, these 10-foot-tall (3-meter) pillars now provide additional habitat. Reef fish species, including porkfish, grey snapper, sergeant majors, and tomtates, thrive here. Stingrays also frequent the area.

The goliath grouper, a highlight of the fauna, often rests near Warrior Reef’s columns. Divers can cautiously approach these impressive fish during spawning season, when they are less skittish. 

MG-111: This shipwreck is a popular starting point for drift dives. The currents typically flow from south to north along this coastline. Divers often begin their underwater adventure at MG-111, which allows them to drift northward.

Warrior Reef: After exploring MG-111, divers can head north to Warrior Reef. This site consists of concrete pillars that goliath grouper love to surround. If the currents are favorable, divers might complete a full circuit around the barge before moving on to the columns. However, strong currents may limit exploration to one side of the wreck.

Goliath Grouper: Keep an eye out for these impressive fish! They often seek shelter in the triangular-shaped sections of wreckage, remnants of the barge’s bow and stern. When diving with a group, approach the field of pillars slowly to avoid startling the goliath grouper. The sandy seafloor here is approximately 65 feet (20 meters) deep, providing ample bottom time for observing these magnificent creatures.

Visibility conditions in this site are most of the times really good. Divers shall expect visibility above 50 feet (up to 100 feet!). Currents are present, but often mild north (although moderate north current are not completely unheard here)