Are you hoping to achieve your Wreck Diver specialty certification, or are you simply on the lookout for the best wreck dives around the world? No matter your motivation, be sure to explore these unforgettable wrecks scattered across the globe.
Odyssey, Roatan, Honduras
Split ideally into three pieces, this photogenic wreck in Roatan, Honduras is one of the most well visited in the world. Perfectly placed in an ideal setting, the vertical shaft of the Odyssey reaches 85 feet tall, making for a unique and inspirational experience.
U-352, North Carolina, USA
Quietly waiting in the cold waters of the Atlantic, the U-352 submarine is one of the most appreciated submarine wrecks in the United States, and is found in North Carolina. Though it has been much eroded over time, the interior hull is intact and ripe for exploration.
The sub was sunk in 1942, when the Germans mistakenly fired on the US Coast Guard. The sub returned to the surface, saving the crew, but was destroyed, making its way to the darkened bottoms.
Thistlegorm, Sharm-El-Sheik, Egypt
Be sure to check out the cargo on the Thistlegorm, a ship sunk in Egypt in 1941. There are bikes, rifles, train carriages, and trucks in tow, all encrusted in an ever growing film.
Be aware of the currents, which can be surprising and strong.
Bianca C, Grand Anse, Grenada
Sunk in the fall of 1961, there was a fatal explosion in boiler room in the Bianca C while it was anchored in St. George’s Harbor in Grenada. Most all of the crewmen survived the blast, but the ship was left to reside in the deep. The Bianca C is the largest diveable wreck in the Caribbean, with plenty of different entry points to explore on a multitude of dives.
USS Kittiwake, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
This recently sunk ship in the Cayman Islands is most notable for its variety of marine life. Massive groupers and jacks make their home here, idling near the wreck’s large propeller.
USS President Coolidge, Vanuatu
Originally a passenger liner before WWII, the SS Coolidge transported wealthy patrons from continent to continent. After war befell the world, the ship became a well to do carrier for troops. However, much of the finery remained, giving a luxury flair to the large and noble ship.
On a casual ride through the seas around Vanuatu, the USS President Coolidge struck mines, and though many of the troops aboard survived, the ship was lost beneath the waves. Today, the ship and its fully stocked artillery are visible to divers, as well as the many jeeps that adorn its large deck.
USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia
Found offshore Tulamben, Indonesia, the USAT Liberty was a WWII cargo ship, destroyed by a torpedo. This large, 400 ft vessel is scattered across the seabed, and has since become an ecosystem for hundreds of species of marine life.
Over 400 different species of fish cruise through these waters, so enjoy the stark contrast of the cold steel hull and the vibrant animals that make their home here.
Jake Seaplane, Palau, Micronesia
Perched precariously on a reef in shallow water, the Jack Seaplane in Palau, Micronesia is one of the most fascinating aeronautic wrecks in the world. Divers can squish themselves inside the tiny cockpit of this surprisingly well preserved WWII aircraft.
Making for splendid photographs, the seaplane appears to be stalled in place, in constant animation. Though no one knows how and when the plane sank, exactly, this quick stop from the mainland is a must see while visiting Koror Harbor.
Pelinaion, St. David’s Head, Bermuda
The massive, 385 ft Pelinaion is a wonder to behold. During a blackout during the war in 1939, the captain struck a reef offshore in Bermuda. The mighty ship was split into many pieces, making an excellent diving spot for adventurous explorers today.
There are two memorable routes on the Pelinaion, one at the bow, where the hull and reef forms an eerie cavern, and another where a chute is created. Massive grouper and tarpon make this wreck their home, so be on the lookout for the local residents sidling alongside the impressive steam engine.
SS Yongala, Townsville, Australia
After over 100 years beneath the Australian sea, the Yongala has become the home for a variety of sea life, most notably a family of large green sea turtles. Many sharks, octopi, and schools of fish flit throughout these waters, as well.
Ready to plan your next trip?
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This blog was originally written by Bridget Pearson and published on the Diviac Magazine.
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