Stavronikita Wreck
Dive into the SS Stavronikita, a majestic 111m freighter sunk in 1978, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life in Barbados' Carlisle Ba...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas, better visibility
Stavronikita Wreck
Best Time
Calmer seas, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the SS Stavronikita, a majestic 111m freighter sunk in 1978, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life in Barbados' Carlisle Bay.
"An unforgettable adventure exploring a sunken ship covered in corals and alive with fish!"
Book in Advance
Secure your dive trip with operators like Barbados Blue to ensure availability.
Beginner Friendly
Many operators offer 'Discover Scuba' for novices. Refresher courses are common.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 310 reviews
Type
Sporting Goods Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
SS Stavronikita Wreck
Carlisle Bay Marine Park
Explore a 111m Greek freighter sunk in 1978, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Abundant Marine Life
Carlisle Bay Marine Park
Encounter turtles, rays, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish amidst the coral-encrusted wreck.
Coral Encrustations
SS Stavronikita Wreck
Witness the stunning transformation of the wreck into a living reef, covered in diverse corals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into Carlisle Bay
Wreck Diving Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Secure your dive trip with operators like Barbados Blue to ensure availability.
Beginner Friendly
Many operators offer 'Discover Scuba' for novices. Refresher courses are common.
Respect Marine Life
Observe turtles and fish from a distance; avoid touching corals or disturbing the ecosystem.
Check Visibility
Conditions can vary; operators prioritize safety and may reschedule if visibility is poor.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Secure your dive trip with operators like Barbados Blue to ensure availability.
Beginner Friendly
Many operators offer 'Discover Scuba' for novices. Refresher courses are common.
Respect Marine Life
Observe turtles and fish from a distance; avoid touching corals or disturbing the ecosystem.
Check Visibility
Conditions can vary; operators prioritize safety and may reschedule if visibility is poor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Stavronikita Wreck dive for its abundant marine life and the impressive state of the wreck itself. Dive operators, particularly Barbados Blue, receive high marks for their professionalism, safety, and ability to cater to all experience levels, from beginners to certified divers. The experience is often described as unforgettable and highly recommended.
"We had a great time with Barbados Blue! We set up the dive 2 days before hand and the staff couldn't any friendlier and informative! My daughter and I are open water certified but they included a refresher course before the dive to make sure we were all caught up on safety, etc... They have several different packages so just talk with them and they will set you right up!"
Mike Velez
"Fantastic Experience! of 'Discover Scuba'! This was my first time diving ever, and it went really smoothly! First we had to study the skills and take a short quiz. Then there was practice in the hotel pool which was perfect, it got me comfortable, and the diving guy made sure we were clear on all the skills. Then we went out in the open water to dive. I was lucky to be the only one on this tour (several others were experienced and booked other tours and came on our boat) and so I had a dedicated diving master, Nicole, with me the entire time. She was wonderful! I saw a turtle feeding, a huge ray, and many wonderful colored fish. Worth it to get out of my comfort zone for this experience! Thanks Nicole and everyone at Barbados Blue!!"
Eileen Weed
"Had an amazing first-time scuba diving experience with Barbados Blue Water Sports! I booked the PADI Discover Scuba session as I was an absolute novice, which started with a morning training session in the pool to get familiar with the gear and all the safety essentials. The plan was to head out to Carlisle Bay in the afternoon to dive among the shipwrecks, but unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side.
Our instructor, Jay, was fantastic—super knowledgeable, patient, and reassuring. After assessing the conditions, he advised us not to go out that afternoon due to poor visibility, which I really appreciated because it showed how much they prioritize safety and making sure we have the best possible experience. The team was incredibly flexible and rescheduled our dive for a few days later when the weather improved—at no extra cost!
When we finally got to do the dive, it was absolutely stunning—exploring the shipwrecks and seeing all the marine life up close was an unforgettable experience. I felt completely safe and comfortable the entire time thanks to Jay’s guidance.
Highly recommend Barbados Blue Water Sports to anyone looking to try scuba diving—top-notch team, excellent instruction, and an unforgettable adventure! 🤿🐠🌊"
Stephanie H
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stavronikita Wreck is located in Carlisle Bay Marine Park, on the south coast of Barbados, near Bridgetown. Access is typically via boat organized by dive operators. Most dive centers operate out of Bridgetown or nearby marinas.
Barbados Blue Water Sports is frequently recommended for their excellent instruction and flexible rescheduling. Other reputable operators also offer trips to the wreck.
Yes, Carlisle Bay is very close to Bridgetown. Many hotels and accommodations are within easy reach, and taxis are readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, a special permit is not required for divers. However, Carlisle Bay is a marine park, and dive operators will handle any necessary park fees as part of their package.
Costs vary depending on the dive operator and package. A 'Discover Scuba' experience or a certified dive trip usually ranges from $100-$200 USD.
Dive centers typically operate in the mornings and afternoons. It's best to check with your chosen operator for their specific schedule and to book your dive in advance.
While same-day bookings might be possible during off-peak times, it's highly recommended to book at least a few days in advance, especially during tourist season, to guarantee your spot.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The Stavronikita Wreck sits upright at a maximum depth of approximately 36 meters (120 feet). This makes it suitable for certified divers with appropriate experience.
Expect to see a variety of marine life including turtles, rays, large schools of fish, and various coral species that have encrusted the wreck.
While the wreck itself is a deeper dive, many operators offer 'Discover Scuba' programs in shallower areas of Carlisle Bay, or guided dives with experienced instructors for beginners.
Visibility can vary depending on weather and sea conditions, but it's generally good in Carlisle Bay. Dive operators will advise on conditions and may reschedule if visibility is poor for safety.
Yes, Carlisle Bay is known as a 'shipwreck graveyard' and has five wrecks in total, all within easy reach of each other, offering diverse diving experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the wreck and its surroundings. Natural light filtering through the water can create dramatic effects. Get close to marine life for detailed shots, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Yes, if you have an underwater camera or phone case, you can take photos. Your instructor will ensure you are comfortable and safe, allowing you to focus on capturing memories.
An action camera like a GoPro with a dive housing is popular. For more advanced photography, consider a dedicated underwater camera with strobes to bring out the colors of the coral and marine life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit