Dive Sites of Barbados

The Six Shipwrecks In Carlisle Bay

Several shipwrecks can be found in Carlisle Bay, close to the capital Bridgetown. Carlisle Bay’s marine park is home to six shallow wrecks. From the most shallow wreck to the deepest: Barge, Cornwallis, Berwyn, Bajan Queen, C-Trek, and Eilon.  These shipwrecks are home to tropical fish, groupers, sea horses, and frogfish, truly a photographer’s dream.  

Barge 

One of the smallest of the shipwrecks the Barge was a naval landing barge. It was sunk in 2003 and is sitting in 15 feet depth of water. The wreck is flat with no openings so not as exciting as others. Many reef fish have made their homes inside this naval landing barge, including the porcupine fish, which is a relative of the pufferfish.

Bajan Queen 

As early as the 1960s, the Bajan Queen was once known as the Pelican. Ten years later, the ship was converted into a party boat and renamed the Bajan Queen. When it was no longer profitable, it was donated to the Coastal Zone Management Unit  (an agency of the Barbados government charged with monitoring and protecting the country’s coastal areas).

The 120-foot Bajan Queen was sunk in May 2002 to be used as an artificial reef and a scuba tourist attraction.

Berwyn 

The Berwyn, a French tugboat, was sunk by its crew in 1919. In late 1918, the crew of this 60-foot vessel didn’t want to leave the island when the war ended. The captain allegedly replied, “Over my dead body and a sunken ship.” Consequently, the rebellious crew sank the ship, and went back to the island for more rum.

Depending on the tide level at the time, the Berwyn sits 7-10 feet below the water’s surface. Due to its age and the fact that the waters surrounding it are always calm, this wreck attracts a variety of marine life. 

Ce-Trek 

An abandoned boat, the Ce-Trek sunk in 1986. It sits on top of a concrete structure. Though freediving is possible in the waters surrounding this shipwreck, scuba diving offers better viewing. 

Cornwallis 

A German U-boat torpedo sank this Canadian freighter during World War II.  On September 11, 1942, while anchored at Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, Barbados she was fired upon by U-514 with multiple G7e torpedoes at a distance of 2,400 yards (2,200 m). The relocation of the shipwreck took place until 2003.

The Elion

Perhaps the most popular for tours. This six-year-old drug boat sunk at the Bridgetown Careenage Marina on June 8, 1996. The Elion landed in Barbados from Colombia. Authorities seized and searched the ship suspecting it contained drugs. After pulling off the interior wall of the vessel, they discovered that the walls were lined with marijuana. The Barbados government kept control of the vessel. Once all the legal issues were resolved, the Elion was brought to Carlisle Bay and sunk there.

It measures 110 feet in length, has a large hold and you can navigate through the bowels of the ship. If you are brave enough, swim through the engine room and climb the spiral staircase that leads out onto the deck.

Some Other Bajan Shipwrecks

Friars Crag

One mile off of the South Coast of Barbados, this magnificent wreck rests in 55 feet of water. Once a 100-foot Dutch freighter it sank in 1984. This wreck is home to hawksback turtles, tropical fish, blue tang, squirrelfish, peacock flounders, crabs, lobsters, and the occasional stingray. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused significant coral damage. Fortunately, the reef has recovered. 

SS Stavronikita (the Stav)

The Stav or SS Stavronikita is a Greek freighter.  365 feet in length it was severely damaged by fire off the coast of Barbados in 1976. The boat was towed back to Bridgetown, and after two years it was towed and sunk off Batts Rock Bay in 120 feet of water. Stavronikita is considered one of the island’s best wreck dives.

Pamir and the Yellow Submarine

The wreck is approximately 165 feet long and 60 feet deep and is situated north of Barbados. This location is considered an excellent spot for beginners to dive.

Embark on a journey like never before, guided by the pros. Pamir is a shore-accessible dive site, located in Barbados. The maximum depth is 51-60ft/16-18m. The average visibility is 31-35 ft/9-11 m.
The Yellow Submarine wreck lies completely intact in 60 feet of water about 20 yards from the Pamir.

Trident and Neptune Goddess

The Trident was a ship of the Barbados Coast Guard and was sunk in Carlisle Bay in approximately 80 feet of water. The Neptune Goddess was sunk off of Accra Beach in 70 feet of water.

Barbados Reefs

Bell Buoy

Located off Needham’s Point is a dome-shaped reef varying from 20 - 60ft, it is popular for its brown coral forests, sloping corals and schools of fish.

Shark Bank

A coral reef off the Capital reaching depths of 135-145ft. Divers will particularly enjoy seeing sea turtles and parrotfish.

Maycocks Bay

A unique site with several large coral reefs divided by stretches of white sand near Speightstown. Rays and barracudas frequent these waters.

Dottins

A popular reef near Holetown that is home to corals, turtles, barracuda, and many hundreds of species tropical fish.