Dive sites in Barbados

Carlisle Bay contains six main wrecks: the Berwyn (a French tugboat sunk in 1919), the Bajan Queen (a former party boat), the Ce-Trek (a cement-hulled boat), the Cornwallis (a cargo vessel), the Barge, and the Eillion (a drug-runner boat). Most sit between 6 and 15 metres depth, with the shallowest accessible to snorkellers. The wrecks are spaced close enough that multiple can be visited on a single dive, creating a wreck trail experience.

The shallowest wrecks in Carlisle Bay sit in approximately 6 metres of water, making them visible from the surface on clear days. Several operators offer guided snorkel trips to the bay, and strong swimmers can access some wrecks from the nearby Pebbles Beach. However, diving provides a far superior experience as it allows close inspection of the marine life colonising the deeper structures. The calm conditions and shallow depths make it ideal for discover scuba experiences.

Seahorses are most commonly found on the Berwyn wreck, particularly attached to soft structures like ropes, gorgonians, and sponges growing on the hull. They are small and well-camouflaged, so a guide who knows their specific locations is invaluable. The population fluctuates seasonally, with highest numbers typically between January and April. Patience and slow, careful searching reward seahorse hunters — they are present but require trained eyes to spot.

The Stavronikita sits upright on the sandy seabed at 42 metres, with the top of the superstructure at around 20 metres. Most recreational dives focus on the upper sections between 20 and 30 metres, while deeper exploration to the main deck at 36 metres and the seabed at 42 metres requires deep diving certification and experience with decompression planning.

Limited penetration is possible in some areas of the wreck, particularly through the large cargo holds and the bridge section. However, the wreck has been underwater since 1978 and some structures are deteriorating, so penetration should only be attempted by properly trained wreck divers with appropriate equipment. Most divers explore the exterior, which is spectacular in itself.