Top 10 wreck dive spots
Diving holidays around the world (photo: Curacao Tourist Board)
Tuesday, 06, Jul 2010 03:37
Below the surface, history lies on the sea bed. Wreck diving is for many divers the ultimate in underwater exploration but where are the best wreck dives in the world?
Magnets for an amazing variety of aquatic life, the story behind a ghostly sunken vessel and its forgotten cargo is as much a part of the diving delight as the colourful coral which colonises on these eerie echoes of the past.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the imposing Titanic wreck (on September 1st) so diving holiday specialists Regaldive have put together their very own 'Top Ten Must-Do Wreck Dives'.
Divers might not be able to dive the Titanic - but there are plenty of other intriguing sunken vessels within reach for those that fancy taking the plunge. Discover ghostly goings - on deep under the ocean with Regaldive's guide to the best of the wrecks!
1. The Thistlegorm - Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea
Plenty of wonderful diving is to be found in this area of the Red Sea but the Thistlegorm wreck stands out. Sunk in 1941 whilst transporting supplies to the British Army stationed in Alexandria, this 129m British freighter rests almost entirely intact 30m down on the seabed. The amazing cargo of motorbikes, jeeps, rifles and radio equipment to a name a few are all still visible in the holds.
2. King Cruiser - Phuket, Thailand
In 1997 The King Cruiser, a 35m car ferry operating between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand hit some submerged rock pinnacles and within 20 minutes had sank. Now one of Thailand's most popular wreck dives it sits upright some 30m down where it is still possible to explore the cavernous car and passenger decks, complete with PVC seats and tables.
3. Dona Marilyn - Cebu, Philippines
The Dona Marilyn was a Filipino passenger ferry which sank back in 1988. A 98m, inter-island ferry, she was en-route from Manila to Tacloban when 130 knot winds and 12 metre waves pounded her 33m down to the seabed. Largely intact save for erosion on her decking, this dive site offers plenty of great photo opportunities and marine life to boot.
4. Bianca C - Grenada
Known as the 'Titanic of the Caribbean' this massive 190m Italian passenger liner is one of the most impressive shipwrecks you will ever see! It sank in 1961 after catching fire, and today sits perfectly upright in 52m of water. Although the wreck is now quite broken up it still makes a fantastic dive; with one of its swimming pools still visible complete with blue tiling!
5. Hilma Hooker - Bonaire
A very popular dive site in Bonaire, this 72m cargo ship was purposely sunk on this location in 1984, and has been laying on her starboard side 32m down ever since. Here the fish are the star attraction with plenty of groupers and tarpons to complement the coral and sponge growth found all over the wreck.
6. Superior Producer - Curacao
Covered in bright yellow corals this 60m freighter sank back in 1977 with a mixed cargo of liquor, clothing, luggage and perfume. Sitting upright 33m down this ghostly cargo ship supports a fine array of marine life for divers to spot.
7. The Maverick - Tobago
Sunk as an artificial reef in 1997, The Maverick is Tobago's largest and most popular wreck. Once a 100m passenger ferry it ran between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, now it sits upright 30m down with well colonised fan corals covering the wreckage.
8. The Brothers - Red Sea
Nobody could tire of diving The Brothers islands, and even wreck lovers are spoilt rotten here. These remote pinnacles which rise 60 miles off the coast of Egypt are only reachable by liveaboard and offer divers both The Numidia and Aida as excellent ship wrecks. How any ship came to rest and stay put at such an angle is hard to say as they cling to the vertical walls of the island.
9. Umbria - Sudan
Rumoured to be one of the best dive sites in the world, the Umbria is reason enough for Sudan to appear on many divers' wish lists. Lying at an angle on her port side with her starboard davits breaking the surface and her bows in 36m, she can be found completely intact and totally encrusted with marine life, her holds full of interesting cargo ready to be discovered.
10. Nebo and Produce - Aliwal Shoal, South Africa.
The upside down Produce and Nebo wrecks sit in 30m of water on the edge of the shoal. Their rusting hulls are home to huge brindle bass, dozens of lionfish and schools of snapper. Just off the wrecks, game fish feed on the teaming baitfish, making for an exciting deep or advanced dive. Although heavily demolished several sights are still recognizable such as the propellers and a boiler situated right on deck.
Sample Packages with Regal dive:
The Thistlegorm: Sharm el Sheikh, Red Sea from £470pp. Includes flights (Gatwick - regional connections available), 7 nights B&B accommodation at the Bay View Hotel and transfers. Dive packs available from £42pp for one days diving.
King Cruiser: Phuket, Thailand from £975pp. Includes flights (London - regional connections available, 7 nights B&B accommodation at The Club Bamboo Hotel and transfers. Dive packs from £169pp for 3 days boat diving.
Dona Marilyn: Palawan, Philippines from £1609pp. Includes flights (London - regional connections available), 7 nights FB accommodation at the Club Paradise hotel and transfers. Dive packs from £94pp for 5 house reef/shore dives.
Bianca C: Grenada, Caribbean from £920pp. Includes flights (Gatwick - regional connections available), 7 nights B&B accommodation at the True Blue Bay Resort and transfers. Dive packs from £171pp for 3 days boat diving.
Superior Producer: Curacao, Caribbean from £1291pp. Includes flights, 7 night's accommodation at the Lions Dive & Beach Resort and transfers. Dive packs from £165pp for 3 days boat diving.
The Brothers: Simply the Best Liveaboard from £1049 - Departs from Hurghada, includes flights, transfers, 7 nights full board accommodation onboard M/Y Blue Horizon with soft drinks. 3-4 dives per day, guide, tanks, weights and marine park fees also included.
For further information on any of the above packages see the Regaldive website or call 01353 659999.
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