🌊 Barbados Shipwrecks

Just offshore Barbados lies a world of mystery, memories, and marine magic. Beneath the turquoise surface, shipwrecks, both historic and modern, dot the seabed - each with a story to tell and a marine home to explore. They are living museums, thriving ecosystems, and poignant reminders of the island's past.

🐠 Homes In the Hulls

The nooks and crannies of shipwrecks shelter everything from sea turtles and moray eels to vibrant parrotfish and delicate sea fans. Over time, wrecks become fully integrated into the marine ecosystem, supporting coral growth and offering protection from predators. They are proof that beauty can bloom from decay.

👍🏽 Top Picks

SS Stavronikita - a 365ft Greek freighter that was deliberately sunk to form an artificial reef, this wreck is now home to numerous fish and corals. The Stavronikita lies in 120ft of water with the stern at 100ft and the bow at 70ft.

Friars Crag - a 100ft Dutch freighter that was sunk in 1984 and lying in 55ft of water. A magnificent reef is located nearby ... enjoy wreck and reef diving in one incredible experience!

Pamir - this wreck, located to the north of the island is 165ft long and 60 ft deep and offers a relaxing dive - perfect for beginners!

Carlisle Bay - This historic bay is a wreck-lover's dream. There are four wrecks which are of particular interest - the Berwyn, Eilon, C-Trek and Fox. At this incredible dive site divers can look for tropical fish, eels, frog fish, seahorses and more! This site is ideally suited for beginners.

⚓ Echoes of the Past and Reefs By Design

Vessels can be sent to the ocean floor by storms, navigational errors, and wartime combat. The Cornwallis was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in September 1942 while anchored in Barbados' waters. Large sections of her wreckage rest in Carlisle Bay, now a peaceful underwater home for marine life.

Not all wrecks carry a tragic tale. Barbados has deliberately sunk decommissioned vessels to create artificial reefs, turning rust into refuge. Ships like the Bajan Queen and the Eillon were carefully scuttled to attract marine life and offer divers and snorkelers a safe, accessible underwater adventure.
These modern wrecks are now bustling with biodiversity, their steel frames draped in coral and swarmed by schools of fish.

🐡🤿 Dive In: Wrecks for Every Explorer

Whether you're a seasoned diver or just dipping your toes in, Barbados' shipwrecks offer something for everyone:

Snorkeling: Shallow wrecks in Carlisle Bay are ideal for families and first-timers.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Glide over wrecks with a guide and hear the stories beneath the waves.
Scuba Diving: Explore deeper wrecks like the Stavronikita for a more immersive experience.

🐟 Barbados Reefs

Barbados' natural coral reefs stretch just below the surface - vibrant, intricate, and teeming with life. Shaped over centuries by the rhythm of the sea, they're essential to island existence, quietly safeguarding the coast and nurturing marine biodiversity.

👍🏽 Top Picks

Bell Buoy - a dome-shaped reef varying from 20 - 60ft, it is popular for its brown coral forests, sloping corals and schools of fish. The diver will observe several coral environments, making Bell Buoy an educational and exhilarating experience.

Shark Bank - a coral reef reaching depths of 135-145ft. Divers will particularly enjoy seeing sea turtles and parrotfish. Don't let the name worry you!!

Maycocks Bay - a unique site with several large coral reefs divided by stretches of white sand! Rays and barracudas frequent these waters.

Dottins - a popular reef which is home to corals, turtles, barracuda and thousands of tropical fish!

🚤 Stay Dry, Dive Deep: Submarine & Glass Bottom Boat Adventures

Not everyone wants to snorkel or scuba, and that's perfectly fine. Barbados offers incredible ways to explore the underwater world without ever getting wet!

Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat and glide across crystal-clear waters while peering through large viewing panels at reefs, shipwrecks, and tropical fish below.

For a deeper dive (without the dive gear), hop aboard the Atlantis Submarine. This air-conditioned vessel descends over 100 feet beneath the surface, offering close-up views of coral reefs, marine life, and even a sunken shipwreck, all narrated by expert guides.

Whether you're floating above or cruising below, Barbados makes it easy to connect with the ocean, no swimsuit required.