Barbados is by far the best wreck diving destination in the Caribbean.
Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados, is among the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Historically, Barbados was a major port of call in the British Mercantile system of the North Atlantic and was known as the `jewel in the crown` of British colonialism.
With a long sea-faring history, Barbadians - or Bajans as they are affectionately known as - have the sea in their blood. These days, Barbados remains a major port of call for cruise liners filled with tourists from all over the world.
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!
Barbados has two well known 'pirates of the Caribbean' - Stede Bonnet and Samuel Hall Lord. While the ships of Bonnet and Lord have long since disappeared, with over 8 popular wreck sites, the avid diver has plenty to see, explore and inspire the imagination.
Wreck dives range from shallow beginner dives to the more extreme deep dives. All wreck dive locations are situated on the west and southern sides of the island.
For beginner to intermediate divers, Carlisle Bay is the perfect location to start. Soon to become an official marine park, this shallow bay opens up to 6 wrecks the oldest of which is the Berwin, a 45 ft French tug boat that went down in 1919 lying at 25 ft.
Located on the south-west coast, the bay is protected from the strong currents and surges that typify the north and easternly waters. Carlisle Bay is an ideal location for aspiring underwater photographers wishing to capture the mystery of these underwater vessels and the artificial reef life they support.
With a variety of vessels made of wood, cement or steel each of the individual wrecks play host to a unique variety of sea life and coral formations.
Friars Craig and the Pamir - two 170 ft freighters - are sister ships. Both excellent dive sites, the vessels were intentionally sunk for diving purposes in 1985.
Located on the west coast, the Pamir remains intact at a depth of 40 to 50 ft. Host to a colony of black coral and sea fans; this north-western site is frequented by schools of sergeant majors, white frogfish, squid and large pelagic fish.
Unlike its twin, Friars Craig lies in fragments across the shallow ocean floor about 1 mile off Barbados' southern coast. Hit by the impact of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the site experienced massive coral damage.
Nevertheless, Mother Nature has returned the site to a glorious haven for hawksback turtles and countless variety of tropical fish. You are sure to see a number of blue tang, squirrel fish, peacock flounders, crab, lobster and the occasional sting ray.
The most challenging wreck dive is the SS Stavronikita. With the rudder lying at a depth of 140 ft and the top of the mast only 18 ft from the surface, the 'Stav' is one of Barbados most famous dives sites.
This almost fully intact wreck can be found about a mile off Fitts Village on the west coast.
A Greek freighter, the Stav was purposefully sunk by the Barbados Government in November 1978. After being gutted by fire, all doors, loose fittings and bent metal were removed from the vessel allowing for divers easily access the site.
Due to its immense size and bulk, the avid wreck diver will need to devote several dive trips in order to experience the entire vessel.
The Stav is encrusted with gorgonias which branch out along its hull and deck in a scenic vista that's not to be missed.
Large fish species such as barracuda and amber jacks are frequent visitors to the site. Upon the assent, don't forget to look up. The mast rising towards the surface is truly a magnificent sight. |
