Caribbean wreck diving ( over 40 ship- and airplane wrecks from Anguilla to the US Virgin Islands)

 

Wreck diving in the Caribbean is quiet diverse, their are some 'real' wrecks that have been on the ocean floor for centuries, others have been scuttled down more recently to form artificial reefs, Apart from shipwrecks, there's also a few airplane wrecks around.

Depending on depth, Currents and mainly if you want to penetrate the wrecks, you do need special training to do so all diving agencies offer the wreck dive specialty cert.

Anguilla:

Sarah;

This is by far the largest wreck in the area, the top of the wheel house is only in 30 ft of water, the hull & cargo areas sit at 80 ft.

The wreck is fully covered with corals, cow fish, blue tang and chromis are the regulars here.

Oosterdiep;

With a maximum depth of 80 ft, this well preserved wreck houses Garden Eels, Turtles , Spade fish, lobster and Southern Stingrays.

The Oosterdiep played an important role in WW II at Dunkirk

Antigua:

The Andes wreck;

This British 3-masted sailing Barque caught fire and sank in 1905 in Deep Bay, while on the way to Chile.

This wreck lies in 30 ft of water only and is visited by divers and snorkelers alike.

Montserrat Wreck;

This is a 110 - 130 ft dive for experienced, advanced divers.

Expect to see Caribbean spiny lobster, spiny spider crabs and Caribbean reef sharks.

Several opportunities to penetrate the wreck, and you can expect a viz of 100 ft.

Aruba:

Airplane wrecks

This dive site is quiet unique, it boasts not one but two airplane wrecks.

The first one is a DC 3, which was split in half in 1991 by hurricane Lenny, a part lies lies at 45 ft and the other half at 80 ft. The second wreck is a S11, which apart from the nose is still intact. The S11 lies at 80 ft and you can enter the plane.

Reef and Nurse sharks live around the wrecks together with Turtles, Grouper, File fish, Grunts, Groupers and Grunts.

Antilla wreck

With 400 ft, the Antilla is the biggest wreck in the South Caribbean.

The wreck is mostly intact and the interior sections, deck fitting and porthole can be explored. The wreck rests in 66 ft of water and is easily reachable by boat.

Corals and Tube Sponges cover the Antilla. It is the home to Shrimp, Lobster, Tropical fish & Orange Anemones. jumping Silver sides attract Pelicans.

Debbie II wreck

This wreck lies at a depth of 70 ft in the Blue Reef.

The reef is known for it's purple, green & orange Barrel Sponges and Brain Coral.

The 120 ft long fuel barge was sunk in 1992 and it is the home to many Lobster, Rays and the schools of fish attract the Barracudas. The Debbie II is very easily reached by boat.

Pedernales wreck

This tanker lies in very shallow (33 ft) water and was sunk by a German torpedo in 1942.

The site is reached with a 20 minute boat ride, sections of the cabins, washbasins, toilets and the pipeline can be seen on this wreck.

Blue Moray Eels, Rays, Turtles, Angelfish and Groupers made this their home.

Bahamas:

HMS Conquerer

This historic ship sunk in 1848, it is an easy dive for all levels. It is virtually unrecognizable but you can see an engine, cannon balls, a propeller shaft, and cannons in the rubble pile on the ocean floor.

It lies in 30 ft of water and is preserved as an underwater museum of the Bahamas.

MV Comerbach

This 102 ft English Freighter was sunk in 1986 and sits upright in 100 ft of water, it is overgrown with beautiful sponges and corals and it is the home to Black tip Reef Sharks. In the open cargo hold sits a 1975 Ford van.

Theo's wreck

This 220 ft long wreck is located about 1.5 miles from the coast and was sunk in 1982 and lies at 101 ft. The engine room and cargo holds can be penetrated at various points. Schools of Grunts,Snappers, & Jacks join the Parrot fish. Spotted Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Reef Sharks visit the wreck regularly.

Barbados:

Bajan Queen

In the 1960 this became Barbados' first tugboat, about a decade later it was converted into a party boat. Eventually the Bajan Queen was donated to the Coastal Zone Management Unit, cleaned and sunk in 2002. She lies in 40 ft of water and is accumulating a nice diversity of corals. Anemones, Shrimp, Bristle Worms and Glassy Sweepers call her their home.

Berwyn wreck

This World War 1, French tug boat was sunk in 1919 by it's own crew. 

The Berwyn lies only 100 yards from the shore in very shallow water (10 to 25 ft), and is a site for all level divers.

Healthy Hard and Soft Corals grow on the wreck, Moray Eels, Sergeant Majors, Squirrel fish, Rock Hind, Small mouth Grunt and Golden Tails can be observed here.

Pamir wreck

This wreck on the West coast of Barbados was purposefully sunk in 1983 and the maximum depth is 63 ft. It is well preserved and easily penetrated. 

As a bonus you can visit a small, yellow Atlantis submarine just of the bow on the port side. Snake Eels and plenty of tropical fish made this their home.

SS Stavronikita

This 365 ft Greek freighter caught fire in 1976 and was towed to Barbados, she was bought at an auction by the Parks and Marine Commission. 

She was sunk in 1978 after being cleaned of pollutants only 400 yards offshore.

She lies between 29 and 114 ft and is covered in large Gorgonian fans and Corals, Turtles and Barracudas made the Stavronikita their residence.

Bonaire:

Hilma Hooker wreck

This 240 ft long wreck is encrusted with Corals and rests at a depth from 60 to 100 ft.

The Hilma Hooker (originally named Midsland) actually sunk in Samana, Dominican Republic in 1975. It was refloated and after a serving a while for Seacoast Shipping Corp. got her final name in 1979.

In Bonaire 25,000 lbs of marijuana was found in the false bulkhead, she was confiscated and started taking on water and was towed to an anchorage and sunk in 1984.

You'll see massive schools of fish around the wreck, among them; Fusiliers, Butterfly fish, Rays and the occasional turtle.

Mari Bahn

The Marie Bahn sank on December 7th 1912.

This 239 ft long iron barque requires training and experience with mixed air, it lies at 200 ft, the port side is accessible at 160 ft. 

The foremast is reached in 35 ft of water and leads to the wreck.

Among the century old corals you'll find a wide array of invertebrates. Large pelagic fish can be observed at the deeper part of the ship.

British Virgin Islands:

Chikuzen wreck

Located at 12 miles Northwest of Virgin Gorda,

this 246 ft refrigeration vessel lies at 75 ft.

Apart from the resident 600 lbs Goliath Grouper there are regular sightings of Eagle- & Stingrays, Barracuda and Reef Sharks.

RMS Rhone wreck

This UK Royal Mail Ship sunk in a hurricane in 1867. Diving the RMS Rhone can be done out of Tortola, Cooper-& Scrub Island and Arena Gorda.

This is a 2-tank dive, to be able to cover the whole wreck. Also as a night-dive upon request available.

The first dive is 75 ft and starts at the bow section, during the interval time you'll get a briefing on the history of the wreck.

The second dive starts at 70 ft at the midsection.

Seahorses, Turtles, Octopus and Moray Eels are just some of the creatures you'll enjoy on these dives.

Cayman Islands:

Kittiwake wreck

This former submarine support ship is 250 ft long and sits in 60 ft of water, she was sunk in 2011. Many of the interior rooms can be penetrated. There is plenty of marine life among the corals that have grown on the wreck. Resident Groupers and Angelfish are found at the stern. The Kittiwake is located just off Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman.

Cali wreck

This 220 ft long steel schooner lies at only 20 to 30 ft, and is a mere 40 yards away from the coast.

This shalow wreck is a very easy dive for beginners, and even snorklers, with abundant tropical fish and corals to enjoy.

Oro verde

At a depth of 40 to 50 ft this 84 ft long steel cargo vessel, is a very popular night dive. The Oro Verde is located of the Seven Mile beach. 3 famous residents live here: George, a massive Jewfish, Kermit, a moray eel and Puff the Barracuda.

Captain Keith Tibbetts

This 330 ft long Russian brigadier lies in 56 ft of water about 200 yards from the shore.

This is ship was sunk in 1996 to create an artificial reef , 24 years later it is the home to thousands of fish. 

About 100 ft away from the wreck is a wall that goes down several thousand ft.

Curacao:

Saba Tugboat

At a depth of only 40 ft, this wreck is an attraction for all level divers and snorkelers alike.

Blue Chromis, Scorpion fish, and seahorses made this their home.

Next to the wreck is a wall with amazing Sponges, Corals Moray Eels, Parrot- & Doctor fish, also large schools of Tarpon & some pelagic fish can be observed here.

MV Superior Producer

This 200 ft long cargo ship sunk in 1977 and lies at a depth of 100 ft.

You can penetrate the cargo holds and dive trough the interior of the ship, the wheelhouse , at 80 ft is one of the highlights of this site.

Orange Cup Corals and Anemones attract many reef fish and invertebrates. Barracudas can be seen hunting around the wreck.

It lies very close to the cruise terminal and diving is not allowed when ships are docked here.

Dominican Republic:

Enriquillo RM-22 wreck

This wreck sits at 60 ft and is a 143 ft long ship that was donated by the U.S. to the Dominican Navy in 1980. It was sunk in 2006, due to the currents this dive is recommended for advanced divers.

Sea breams, yellowtail snappers,and Atlantic mackerel are some of the fish specie to be observed here, hawksbill-, leatherback and green sea turtles make this a fantastic dive site.

Saint George wreck

This 240 ft long freighter was sunk in 1999, and is recommend for Advanced divers only, maximum depth is 144 ft., the top of the wreck is at a depth of 50 ft. The wreck can be enjoyed inside and outside. The dive site is part of the National Park.

Grenada:

Bianca C

600 ft cruise liner that sank in 1961, with a depth of 115 - 164 ft this is a dive for Advanced divers.

Moray Eels, Atlantic Spade fish, Eagle Rays, Nurse Sharks and Barracuda are to be seen here.

MV Veronica

This 85 ft long Cargo ship lies between 45 and 60 ft depth. Fully covered in soft corals and sponges. Golden Tail Moray Eels, Sea Horses, Frogfish, Green- and Spotted Morays made the MV Veronica their home.

Guadeloupe:

L'Augustin Fressnel

Sunk at a depth of 82 ft in 2003, but Hurricane Dean pushed it down to 108 ft.

This beautiful artificial reef is now home to Groupers, Barracudas, Tunas and Sting Rays.

Hundreds of Swallowtail perch swarm around.

Le Franjack

This 165 ft long ship was sunk in 1996 to form an artificial reef, it lies at a depth of 78 ft.

Gorgonian fans, Hard- and Soft corals have grown on the ship.  Spiny Lobster, Grunts, Crabs, Damsel Fish, and  Trigger Fish can be seen here.

The Gustavia

This ship sank in 1991 to a depth of 127 ft, it is covered in Soft Corals and Sponges.

Plenty of Angel fish and other schooling fish can be observed around the wreck.

Often there will be many Barracudas circling the divers during the safety stop.

Haiti:

This small tanker has lots of fish, and macro critters living in it. It's upper structure is only 50 ft deep, the hull lies at 130 ft.

Jamaica:

SS Catheryne

With a max. depth of 49 ft, this Canadian Minesweeper is home to a variety of Marine life; Stingrays, Blue head Wrasses, Sergeant Majors, Lobster, Hamlets and Squirel fish. This shallow dive site is one of the most popular in Ocho Rios.

Sunken plane

At a depth of 80 ft, this big plane is covered in Purple fans, Basket Sponges and Black Coral.    Starfish, Grunt, Snappers, Lobster, Parrot fish &Tobacco fish made their home of this plane wreck. Reef sharks, sting rays, nurse sharks and barracudas are the bigger species that can be observed at sunken plane.

Martinique:

Nahoon wreck

The Nahoon was sunk in 1993 and lies on a sandy bottom at 115 ft depth. You can check out the forward cabin, main deck and impressive wheel. Giant Morays, Craw fish, Barracudas, and Snappers made it their home.

Roraima wreck

This 337 ft ship sank in 1902 after burning for 3 days because of the volcano eruption. The wreck lies at 165 ft, and rises to 37 ft. It is overgrown with Elk Horns, Sponges, Red Coral &Barrel Sponges. Trumpet fish, Barracudas, Lizard fish and Groupers are to be observed.

St Barth:

Kayali;

This wreck dive is for advanced divers, the wreck lies at 100 ft depth and the attraction is that this old fishing boat can be penetrated at several points. The Kayali sank in 1994.

Nearby Rays and Turtles can be spotted.

Non-stop wreck

The top of the keel of this upside down wreck is only at 20 ft, the sandy bottom is at 50 ft, the 200ft long Non-stop was a luxury yacht that went down in hurricane Hugo in 1989. Various attempts to salvage it failed. 

Many hard- and soft corals are starting to cover the steel hull, groupers, blue tang, lobster, trunk fish and queen angelfish can be enjoyed here.

This wreck should not be penetrated, as it is breaking up!!!

Saint Kitts and Nevis:

MV Corinthian

This Tug boat wreck lies at 65 ft depth on a sandy bottom, next to a reef with a max depth of 40 ft.

The wreck is overgrown with Black Corals, many reef fish swim in & around the wreck.

River Taw wreck

This 144 ft freighter sunk during a hurricane in 1981, it was broken in 2 by hurricane Hugo in 1989.

It lies at 50 ft depth, and is encrusted in corals & sponges.Angelfish, Yellow tail Snappers, Seahorses & Glass-eyed Snappers made this wreck their home.

Saint Lucia:

Lesleen M wreck

This 165 ft cargo ship was sunk in 1986, the deck is only 30 ft, and the deepest point is 65 ft. 

The Lesleen M sits on an even keel and it is covered in sponges and soft coral. Octopus, Eels, Turtles, Lobster, Spider Crabs, Nudibranches and plenty of small tropical fish species live in this shallow wreck.

Saint Martin:

HMS Proselyte

Beautiful dive with a maximum depth of 60 ft, this wooden British Frigate was built in 1770 in Rotterdam and  went down in 1801, 13 Canons and 3 Anchors can be seen. What is left from the ship itself is encrusted in beautiful corals.Crayfish, Barracudas, Trigger fish and Stingrays can be observed.

The Porpoise wreck

This 115 ft long tugboat was sunk in 1995 to create an artificial reef, it lies between 60 and about 100 ft.

You can enter he superstructure and watch through the portholes. Expect to see bat fish, barracudas, stone fish, moray eels, scorpion fish, sting rays and groupers patrolling this wreck.

Saint Vincent:

Stratmann wreck

The old Tug boat sits upright in 60 ft of water, it sunk in 2003.

French Angelfish, Lobster, small Spotted Eels, can be seen on this Coral encrusted Tug Boat.

Barracudas swim the outer perimeter of this wreck.

Trinidad and Tobago:

MV Maverick

The top of this wreck is at 60 ft, Maximum depth is 100 ft, this ferry is easy to penetrate as far as the engine rooms.The wreck is overgrown with corals and home to Barracudas, Cobia, Turtles, Bait fish and Eagle Rays.

Lucky Lady and Cessna 401

The Cessna crashed in a salina on Salt Cay, and the Lucky Lady sank in Salt Cay harbor during hurricane Hanna in 2008. Both where relocated in 2010  and form an artificial reef.

US Virgin Islands:

Buttler Bay St Croix

5 wrecks are to be seen within 100 yards from each other, 3 are in shallow water, a Tug Boat, an Oil barge and a Trawler.

The Tug boat actually appeared in the movie "Dreams of Gold the Mel Fisher Story" as a prop.

Another Tug boat, and a Freighter are deep dives, Max. depth 108 ft.

In addition to the five wrecks you can also see a part of a Hydrolab that was used for submersion dive research by NOOA. The wrecks and hydrolab are normally done in 2 dives.

Read about diving in:

Aruba

Anguilla

Antigua

Bahamas

Barbados

Bonaire

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Islands

Cuba

Curacao

Dominican Republic

Jamaica

Martinique

Puerto Rico

Saint Lucia

Saint Martin

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

Turks and Caicos

US Virgin Islands

Fresh water cave diving in the Dominican

40 + ship and airplane wrecks

Cave diving equipment

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