These shipwreck sites in Barbados are a divers paradise if you’re looking for an underwater adventure.
With thousands of vibrant fish filling the glistening Caribbean ocean, it’s the ideal place for exploring the beautiful marine life. As the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean, divers travel far and wide to visit the beautiful waters.
If you are keen on catching glimpse of some fascinating fish, Barbados is the destination to be at.
Grab your snorkel and your flippers, and let’s check out 6 shipwrecks sites in Barbados!
The 6 Shipwrecks Sites in Barbados to Check Out
- The Eillon (Carlisle Bay)
- The Berwyn (Carlisle Bay)
- Bajan Queen (Carlisle Bay)
- Friars Crag
- Brianna H
- SS Stavronikita
The Eillon
Lets begin with the Eillon shipwreck at Carlisle Bay. It’s one of the deepest wrecks at Carlisle Bay and one of the more popular shipwreck sites in Barbados.
What once operated as a drug boat, now lies at the bottom of the ocean surrounded with tropical fish. After being submerged on June 8, 1996, the wreck is now a favourite amongst divers.
Originally making it’s journey from Colombia, authorities had their suspicions that the boat was full of drugs. Lo and behold, once they removed the vessels walls, they were lined with marijuana.
After being tied up at the Bridgetown Careenage for 6 years, they made the decision to sink the ship. Subsequently you can now visit the shipwreck and swim around the deck, the engine room and even around the spiral staircase.
The Berwyn
As one of the oldest shipwrecks in Barbados, it’s now teeming with tropical fish.
Active during World War I, the French boat sought shelter near Bridgetown in Barbados after being fired at during battle. After its own crew sunk this tugboat in 1919, it has sat at the bottom of the ocean ever since.
Thus, you can now visit the boat 7-10 feet below the water, covered in coral and seasponges. With calm waters, it’s an amazing place to go and explore if you are looking for shipwreck sites in Barbados.
Bajan Queen
Formerly known as The Pelican, the Bajan Queen was Barbados’ first ever tugboat, during the time of the Bridgetown Harbour being constructed in the 1960’s.
After a decade, the boat was then converted to become a party boat. Thus being renamed the Bajan Queen. Many tourists and locals have fond memories of the the parties that occurred on the former tugboat.
However, after years of many great parties, it was then donated to the Coastal Zone Management Unit. After being cleaned up, it was finally sunk on the 19th of May 2002 in the Carlisle Bay Marine Park.
Now you can find her just a few feet below the ocean’s surface, where she provides the marine life a place to live and feed.
Friars Crag
Just one mile off the South Coast of Barbados resides Friars Crag. This 100-foot Dutch freighter sits in 55 feet of water and has been home to some incredible creatures since 1984.
Tropical fish, crab, lobsters, hawksback turtles – just to name a few, all surround the wreck.
Unfortunately in 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused massive damage to the coral. However as time passes, the site is being restored to its former glory and is closer everyday to being its previous beautiful site.
Brianna H
Certainly one of Barbados’ newest shipwreck sites, but this time it was not sunk on purpose!
After being sat in a dismal sate, the ship finally sank on August 4th 2014. Before sinking, every day water had to be pumped out of its fuselage to prevent it’s sinkage.
Despite draining the water every day, a rainy weekend caused disaster to strike. The Brianna H sank 80 feet to the bottom of the ocean.
Consequently, with the sudden sinking of the ship, you can still find curtains on the windows and cutlery on the tables.
It’s important to note that it’s recommended that only trained and experienced divers venture the wreck.
SS Stavronikita
Lastly, we have the most popular shipwreck in Barbados. SS Stravronikita was built in Denmark in 1956 and was a 356 foot Greek freighter boat.
Tragically, on August 26th 1976, as she made her way to the Caribbean from Ireland, she caught fire. As a result, six crew members were killed and three others were injured.
Following on from this devastating event, she was towed to a port in Barbados where she stayed for two years. Eventually, she was purchased by Barbados and turned into the dive site that she is today.
Explosive Experts were brought in from Puerto Rico to sink the 4,000 ton ship. Even today under the water, it’s possible to see the holes where the explosions took place.
I’m ready to explore these shipwreck sites in Barbados!
It’s clear to see, there are plenty of incredible shipwreck sites in Barbados to explore.
If you are fascinated by exploring the rusting metal that sits underneath the waves. Or, wanting to get a closer glimpse at the colourful fish. Barbados can provide both!
For those wanting to stay on dry land, a Barbados Island Safari might be more up your street. Find out more about these by clicking the big blue button below.
