Wreck diving is an exhilarating and unique way to explore the depths of the ocean. From the SS President Coolidge in Vanuatu to the SS Yongala in Australia, there are many remarkable wrecks around the world that offer divers a chance to discover a piece of history. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best wreck diving sites around the world and what makes them so special. The San Francisco Maru in Truk Lagoon, Micronesia is one of the most renowned wreck diving sites in the world.
This Japanese cargo ship was sunk during World War II and now lies between 65 and 230 feet (20 and 70 meters) below the surface. Divers can investigate the various decks and cellars and find weapons, guns, trucks and “The Lady”, one of the vestiges of the ship's former glory. The Gunilda is another popular wreck diving site. This luxurious steam yacht was considered one of the most opulent ships of the early 20th century.
In 1911, it ran aground at McGarvey's Shoal in Canada and sank 82 meters (270 feet). Today, the wreck remains perfectly intact and as picturesque as the day it sank, but only technical and trimix divers can appreciate its beauty. Australia's SS Yongala, arguably the best shipwreck in the Southern Hemisphere, sank during a cyclone in 1911 and killed all 124 people on board. Today, the highest point of the cargo and passenger steamboat is only 52 feet (16 meters) and descends to 108 feet (33 meters). To maintain the remarkable good condition of the hull, divers are prevented from entering the boat.
This serves to reduce the negative effects that air bubbles have on the sunken ship. The SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm is easily accessible from a distance of 40 to 115 feet (12 to 35 meters). The size of this 480-foot (146-meter) ship can be seen at a shallow depth, but its armament is best enjoyed from advanced depths with the use of Nitrox. The only ship in the top 10 that has been sunk twice. The Bianca C, a 590-foot (180-meter) wreck, lies between 100 and 164 feet (30 to 50 meters), between a reef system and the open ocean. Dives usually include a visit to the pool (38 m) and work along the bow, ending at the tip of the bow (30 m).
After surviving its first exposure to atomic firepower, the USS Saratoga would eventually sink under the impact of a second test. It landed on sand 177 feet (54 meters) deep with its bridge at 18 m. Today, much of this wreck still remains unexplored. As Bikini Atoll remains uninhabited, its marine life is also amazing, and Saratoga has become home to an overwhelming number of marine species. The Thistlegorm, a 490-foot wreck, was bombed on its way to Alexandria (Egypt) in 1941. Exploring both inside and outside this wreck offers divers an opportunity to see large piles of ammunition, two steam engines and an anti-aircraft gun still in place. The Fujikawa Maru, with its main superstructure at a depth of just 30 feet, is an excellent place for diving.
The crystal clear waters of Chuuk Lagoon and lack of current mean that many of its intact wrecks and artifacts scattered on the seabed are free of sediment. The whole area has a feeling of being frozen in time. Finally, there is the SS President Coolidge. This huge luxury ocean liner was converted into a troop transport during World War II. In early 1942, it hit two mines while trying to enter port and was stranded on a nearby reef before slipping to its current position at a depth of 70 to 240 feet.
The 5,340 evacuated soldiers left all their personal and military belongings on board creating an underwater museum protected from removal by Vanuatu government. These are just some of the incredible wreck diving sites around the world. With proper training, divers can explore these wrecks safely while taking in their unique beauty and history. Wreck diving offers an unparalleled experience for those looking for something different than traditional scuba diving. From exploring sunken ships to discovering artifacts from centuries past, there are many incredible sites around the world that offer divers an opportunity to explore history beneath the waves. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to take in some breathtaking views, these are some of the best wreck diving sites around the world.
