Both a little eerie and thrilling all at the same time, shipwreck dives can make for an exciting adventure. There are shipwreck dives suited for both novice and master divers all over the world. We’re breaking down some of the most epic, interesting, and visually satisfying shipwreck dives from Australia to the Caribbean, and everywhere in between.
RMS Rhone, Salt Island, BVI
Claimed as one of the best shipwreck dives in the world to some, this previous British Royal Mail Ship was brought to it’s untimely end after a Category 3 hurricane in 1867. This ship once shuttled cargo and passengers between England, Central/South America, and the Caribbean and now lives off the shoreline of Salt Island’s Black Rock Point in the Caribbean.
This shipwreck rests between 30-80 feet below the surface, providing tropical marine life and corals for the viewing pleasures of divers.
Jake Seaplane, Palau, Micronesia
This World War II aircraft is extremely interesting because of how perfectly it sits atop the reef it now rests at. The plane belonged to the Japanese military, you can even climb inside the cockpit and see what it would’ve felt like to be a Japanese pilot. It’s still unclear how Jake found it’s way to the bottom, but still a fascinating piece of history.
USS Spiegel Grove, Florida Keys, USA
The Spiegel Grove is a sight to see with a fully developed ecosystem and massive features that will make you feel as if you’re in a ship diver’s dream. The ship was used as a U.S. Navy ship that has since become one of the world’s largest purposely sunk wrecks. It was first launched in 1955 and then was transferred to Florida to be sunk in 2001 to become an artificial reefing and tourist attraction for divers. Something you won’t miss when diving this historic shipwreck is the American flag that is perched high on the ship’s bow.
Truk Lagoon, Micronesia
Also known as Chuuk, this dive is for all adrenaline junkies alike. This Japanese shipwreck lies in shark-infested waters and is claimed to be haunted. In very creepy fashion, more than 50 major shipwrecks from World War II litter this seabed. More than 3,000 people were thought to be killed in an attack by the American military in 1944. Sixty ships, 275 airplanes along with motorcycles, cargo, and cars lie on the bottom of the Pacific.
S.S. Yongala, Australia
This shipwreck is a true “adrenaline dive” that is recommended for advanced divers due to strong currents that inhabit this site. The S.S. Yongala reached the Great Barrier Reef surface during a cyclone on March 23, 1911 with the loss of 122 people aboard. When diving this monumental ship, you’ll often see large schools of fish along with Mant Rays, Sharks, and even Humback Whales.
Have you ever been on a shipwreck diving adventure? Tell us about it in the comments below!