Shipwrecks have fascinated the public for years, and the Caribbean has many. Scuba diving is the perfect way to explore the remains of ships and other vessels up close. You wonder what they looked like in their former glory before they got covered in rust, coral, and seas barnacles.
If you’re interested in scuba diving through shipwrecks, check out these sites in Caribbean waters.
S.S. Antilla – Aruba
The S.S. Antilla was a German cargo ship used during World War II. To keep enemy forces away, the crew intentionally set it on fire as it was sinking.
The Ghost Ship of Aruba, as it is known, is one of the biggest shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea. Whether you swim through it for fun or to take photographs, it’s quite a thing to experience. Since Aruba is out of the hurricane belt, you can explore this shipwreck nearly any time of year.
S.S. Sapona – The Bahamas
The first thing you’ll notice about the S.S. Sapona is that it’s half visible above water. It’s off the coast of South Bimini, one of the islands in The Bahamas. The ship was built for use during World War I, and later, it served as a floating warehouse during Prohibition. Today, it attracts divers and sailors from all over the world.
MV Captain Keith Tibbetts – Grand Cayman
This frigate, or type of warship, was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef in 1996. Today, it rests on its side, and its been eroded by storms over the years. The turret guns on the deck are a striking feature that makes this shipwreck distinct from the others.
Astron Ship – The Dominican Republic
Just off the coast of Punta Cana is what remains of Astron. It met its end around 1978 while on its way to Cuba. It’s split into two parts. The bow is visible above the water, while the stern is stuck in the sea floor. The wreck is home to a variety of marine life including nurse sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish.