Explore the Top 7 Caribbean Shipwrecks Every Diver Should Experience
The Caribbean isn’t just about sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters — beneath the waves lies a world of forgotten vessels and epic dive adventures. From rusting relics of naval history to purpose-sunk artificial reefs teeming with marine life, shipwreck diving in the Caribbean is both a historical deep dive and a photographer’s dream.
Here are seven of the most captivating wreck dives in the Caribbean, perfect for underwater explorers from novice to pro.
1. SS Antilla – Aruba
Dive Depth: 20–60 feet
Vessel Type: German WWII Freighter
What Makes It Special:
Nicknamed Aruba’s “Ghost Ship,” the Antilla was scuttled by its crew in 1940 to avoid capture. Today, it’s one of the Caribbean’s largest accessible wrecks, partially intact and covered with coral and sponge growth. Its shallow waters and excellent visibility make it ideal for both divers and snorkelers.
2. RMS Rhone – British Virgin Islands
Dive Depth: 30–80 feet
Vessel Type: British Royal Mail Steamer
Why It’s Worth a Visit:
The RMS Rhone met its fate during a hurricane in 1867 and now rests in two parts within a protected marine park. This wreck is steeped in history and has even starred in Hollywood films. Divers can swim through portions of the ship’s interior and admire the marine life that has made it home.
That’s me in front of the Kittiwake
3. USS Kittiwake – Grand Cayman
Dive Depth: 15–65 feet
Vessel Type: Submarine Rescue Ship
Why Divers Love It:
Sunk in 2011 to form an artificial reef, the Kittiwake is a diver’s playground. You can explore open compartments like the engine room and decompression chamber. It’s ideal for underwater photography, thanks to clear water and abundant marine life.
4. Bianca C – Grenada
Dive Depth: 90–160 feet
Vessel Type: Passenger Cruise Ship
The Draw:
Known as the "Titanic of the Caribbean," this 600-foot vessel sank in 1961 and now sits upright off Grenada’s coast. Due to its depth, it’s a site best suited for advanced divers — but those who make the trip are rewarded with epic scale and an incredible concentration of sea life.
5. Stavronikita – Barbados
Dive Depth: 60–130 feet
Vessel Type: Greek Cargo Ship
Why It’s Memorable:
Deliberately sunk in the late 1970s after a fire onboard, the Stavronikita lies just offshore from Folkestone Marine Park. The wreck is coated in coral and sponge growth and frequented by sea turtles, barracuda, and shoals of tropical fish.
6. El Aguila – Roatán, Honduras
Dive Depth: 70–110 feet
Vessel Type: Former Cargo Freighter
Why It's Unique:
Originally sunk as a dive attraction, El Aguila (The Eagle) broke into three segments during a storm. Now lying along Roatán’s reef wall, it provides an incredible structure for marine life, including eels, rays, and groupers.
7. San Pedro Wreck – Belize
Dive Depth: 25–40 feet
Vessel Type: Retired Cutter
Perfect For Beginners:
Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this small but vibrant wreck site is ideal for entry-level divers and snorkelers. Its proximity to colorful reefs makes it an easy and rewarding excursion.
🔱 Salty Reef Dive Tips
Certification Check: Some deeper wrecks like Bianca C require advanced diving credentials.
Go With Local Pros: Dive guides can provide key safety support and insight into the wrecks’ histories.
Bring a dive light: Even with clear water, the inside of a wreck can be dark and full of hidden sea life.
Respect the Site: Touch nothing, leave nothing — help preserve these underwater museums for future explorers.
📸 Final Splash
These legendary Caribbean wrecks are more than just dive sites — they’re stories frozen in time. Whether you're diving through history or shooting stunning reef photography, each site promises a one-of-a-kind underwater experience.
🧭 Ready to jump in? Pack your fins, grab your dive light, and follow the reef — adventure awaits beneath the waves.