Barbados Carlisle Bay Dive Sites & Boat Operators
Perhaps not common knowledge, but Barbados is actually a great Caribbean diving destination. The Carlisle Bay Marine Park is so close to shore, divers could access it from the beach, but they usually don’t due to the constant boat traffic. The park is very inviting, with water temperatures typically in the low-mid 80s (27-29c) and decent visibility. The Bay has a couple of shallow dive spots as well as a couple of deeper sites further from shore.
The highlight of the Carlisle Bay Marine Park is really the half a dozen shipwrecks, located all in close proximity to one another. The wrecks are home to sponges and sea fans as well as a large variety of colourful tropical fish, frogfish, large fish as well as rays, octopus, eels and even seahorses. Along with the wrecks, the sandy seafloor is littered with old anchors and other old ship remnants. A great site for beginner divers, although equally enjoyable by seasoned divers as well. A great location for underwater photography as well as a popular spot for night dives.
The Best Barbados Diving in Carlisle Bay can be found at:
- The Bottle Ground – This dive site ranges from 45 to 100 feet (14-30m) deep and features a sandy bottom with some 18th & 19th century bottles still available to scavenge.
- Berwyn Shipwreck – This World War I French tug boat sits in just 25 feet (8m) of water. The 70-foot wreck, covered in corals and surrounded by Sargent Majors and other fish, can be reached less than 10 feet from the surface. A great wreck dive for beginners.
- Ce-Trek – This cement boat rests in 40 feet (12m) of water. The 45-foot structure has plenty of coral and sponge growth.
- Eillon: A former drug smuggler, this 110-foot freighter sits in 55 feet (17m) of water. The wreck’s interior can be accessed making it an interesting dive.
- Bajan Queen / Pelican – Barbados first tugboat, turned party boat, rests in 40 feet (12m) of water. The 120-foot wreck sits just below the surface of the water, has an easily accessible room and is home to a wide variety of corals and fish. If you look closely, you may also spot shrimp, worms as well as anemone.
- Cornwallis – This Canadian freighter was sunk by a German U-Boat in World War II. The 60-foot wreck sits in just 15 feet (4.5m) of water.
- Barge – This flat wreck rests in only 10 feet (3m) of water where it is frequented by a variety of reef fish.
Also, check out Scuba Diving at Barbados’ West Coast Dive Sites and South(west) Coast Dive Sites. Feel free to take a look at our Barbados Snorkeling page too…
Planning a Barbados Scuba Diving vacation? Go back to our Barbados Diving page for a list of local Dive Centres / Boat Operators who’ll take good care of you
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