GMC / Peter's Barge
GMC, together with its near neighbour Peter's Barge, is one of our most heavily visited beach sites. Due to its ease of access (it's a 2 minute drive off the main road and along the beach at Sealine) and its shallow depth (12.6 m maximum) we use it extensively for many training course open water sessions.
GMC, together with its near neighbour Peter's Barge, is one of our most heavily visited beach sites. Due to its ease of access (it's a 2 minute drive off the main road and along the beach at Sealine) and its shallow depth (12.6 m maximum) we use it extensively for many training course open water sessions.
GMC is an artificial reef, comprising four vehicles (all made by GMC, surprisingly!). It lies a short swim out from the beach (around 100 m, depending on the tide). From the marker buoy there, it's a short descent to 6 m, where the first vehicle lies. Each subsequent vehicle is little more than a minute away from the last, and can be reached by a connected rope line.
GMC is an artificial reef, comprising four vehicles (all made by GMC, surprisingly!). It lies a short swim out from the beach (around 100 m, depending on the tide). From the marker buoy there, it's a short descent to 6 m, where the first vehicle lies. Each subsequent vehicle is little more than a minute away from the last, and can be reached by a connected rope line.
You can swim through the open van, and sit on the open rear seat of the truck. As with many of our sites, large blue angel fish are numerous here. In October 2020 a whale shark was witnessed cruising directly over the site. So, as close and well-used as the site is, it can throw up all kinds of surprises!
You can swim through the open van, and sit on the open rear seat of the truck. As with many of our sites, large blue angel fish are numerous here. In October 2020 a whale shark was witnessed cruising directly over the site. So, as close and well-used as the site is, it can throw up all kinds of surprises!
The rope line will also route you back to the marker buoy line for your safety stop and final ascent. Or you could choose to take the scenic route along the sea floor.
The rope line will also route you back to the marker buoy line for your safety stop and final ascent. Or you could choose to take the scenic route along the sea floor.
Check out the video on the home page for a great visual introduction to beach diving in Qatar.
Check out the video on the home page for a great visual introduction to beach diving in Qatar.
It is possible to swim from GMC to Peter's Barge (and vice versa). Ask your Dive Manager for details. Despite its large size, it is easy to miss if visibility is less than ideal! Good navigation skills will help. The barge lies at 18 m. If your computer reads 19 m, you have missed it!
It is possible to swim from GMC to Peter's Barge (and vice versa). Ask your Dive Manager for details. Despite its large size, it is easy to miss if visibility is less than ideal! Good navigation skills will help. The barge lies at 18 m. If your computer reads 19 m, you have missed it!
Here are some pictures of the barge while it was being sunk, to help you visualise the wreck.
Here are some pictures of the barge while it was being sunk, to help you visualise the wreck.
