If you're an experienced diver looking for an unforgettable experience, shipwreck diving is the perfect way to explore the depths of the ocean. From the Red Sea to the South Pacific, there are some of the best shipwreck dives in the world that offer a unique and thrilling experience. From the SS Thistlegorm in Egypt to the HMNZS Waikato in New Zealand, here are some of the top shipwreck dives around the world that will take your breath away. The SS Thistlegorm in Ras Mohammed, Egypt is one of the most renowned wreck dives in the world.
This large luxury ocean liner was converted into a troop transport during World War II and now lies on its side between 17 and 70 m, from bow to stern. It is fully protected by law and is an excellent dive site no matter what experience you have, with abundant marine life and a shipment of Zero warplanes in one of its warehouses. The Italian ship Umbria is another great wreck dive located in the Red Sea. Just before Italy entered World War II, Umbria set sail through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea with a shipment of ammunition.
In the Red Sea, the captain of Umbria heard on the radio that Italy would declare war imminently and had the ship sunk. Now, divers can explore this wreck which lies at a maximum depth of 42 m.The HMNZS Waikato is located off the picturesque coast of Tutukaka, in Northland, New Zealand. Sunk as an artificial reef in 2000, this Leander class frigate was part of the Armilla patrol during the Falklands conflict. With its impressive twin 4.5-inch guns still on display, now encrusted with anemones and hydroids, and at a maximum depth of 98 feet, this wreck offers excellent diving for everyone. For those with training and experience in technology, the San Francisco Maru attracts from 200 feet deep.
See the three Mitsubishi tanks on the deck at 160 feet and if time and gas permit, explore the trucks at the bow, 170 feet away. This cargo ship suffered when six 500-pound bombs opened it and hurled it downwards at full speed. The SS President Coolidge might be perfect for those passionate about deep shipwrecks. This luxury cruiser converted into a World War II troopship was hit by mines in 1942 and later sank to a depth of between 69 and 240 feet. Divers should not miss an encounter with “The Lady”, a ceramic figure in the first-class dining room that shows a woman riding a unicorn.
Pacific Gas
is another great wreck dive for advanced divers.Because of its exposed location, you must schedule your dive in Pacific Gas to perfection, and variable or strong currents make it more suitable for advanced divers. The stern is in 143 feet of water, so watch your depth carefully as you descend the mooring line. This World War II aircraft in Maalaea Bay is almost upside down in 30 feet of water, with its engine and propeller a little deeper and about 100 feet away. The intact fuselage and wings are covered with significant coral growth and this small site can be home to white-tipped reef sharks that rest under its wings.
The USS Saratoga
, a nuclear test explosion in 1946 sank this 880-foot aircraft carrier off Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. While it's a commitment to reach this South Pacific destination, it's approximately a 30-hour boat ride from Kwajalein Island and it's well worth it to get here.The bridge starts at 40 feet and the deck at 90 feet. This Aichi E13A seaplane rests on a carriage with its wings tilted on the 45-foot bottom of Palau's sea. It's one of Palau's most photographed aerial wrecks because of its clear water at high tide and surprisingly intact fuselage from front view. But move aft and you'll see that its tail and second float separated on impact.
