SS Atlantus Concrete Ship
A century-old concrete ship wreck, the SS Atlantus, rests partially submerged off Sunset Beach, offering a unique historical and scenic experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Bow may be visible
SS Atlantus Concrete Ship
Best Time
Bow may be visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old concrete ship wreck, the SS Atlantus, rests partially submerged off Sunset Beach, offering a unique historical and scenic experience.
"A unique part of South Jersey history, the SS Atlantus wreck is a curiosity site and great photography spot."
🌊 Search for Cape May Diamonds
Look for quartz pebbles on Sunset Beach, often called 'Cape May diamonds'! :gem:
📸 Capture the Ship's Mood
The wreck looks different with changing tides and weather. Drone shots offer unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
SS Atlantus Wreckage
Sunset Beach, Cape May Point
The iconic concrete ship, a relic of WWI, partially submerged and slowly deteriorating.
Sunset Beach
Cape May Point
Enjoy the scenic views and search for 'Cape May diamonds' while overlooking the historic wreck.
WWII Lookout Tower
Adjacent to SS Atlantus
A historic observation tower offering panoramic views of the coastline and the concrete ship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visit the SS Atlantus: What to Know
Cape May Point Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Search for Cape May Diamonds
Look for quartz pebbles on Sunset Beach, often called 'Cape May diamonds'! :gem:
📸 Capture the Ship's Mood
The wreck looks different with changing tides and weather. Drone shots offer unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach
Walk along Sunset Beach to get closer to the wreck and enjoy the coastal scenery. :athletic_shoe:
🚢 Learn the History
Read up on the SS Atlantus's story before or during your visit for a richer experience. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Search for Cape May Diamonds
Look for quartz pebbles on Sunset Beach, often called 'Cape May diamonds'! :gem:
📸 Capture the Ship's Mood
The wreck looks different with changing tides and weather. Drone shots offer unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach
Walk along Sunset Beach to get closer to the wreck and enjoy the coastal scenery. :athletic_shoe:
🚢 Learn the History
Read up on the SS Atlantus's story before or during your visit for a richer experience. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the SS Atlantus wreck at Sunset Beach a unique and historically interesting attraction. The beach itself is pleasant for strolling and searching for 'Cape May diamonds.' While the ship is largely submerged and deteriorating, its story and visual presence are captivating. Some note the beach can get crowded, especially during sunset.
"The beach was nice. The history was better. There was a nice gift shop. We didn't check out the restaurant."
SL Ritter
"It is a very unique part of South Jersey history. You can tie your visit to the S.S Atlantic with the weekly flag ceremony at Sunser Beach. There is plenty of beach to be enjoyed with a fair amount of free parking."
Hugh Mc Closkey
"Lying just 150 feet off Sunset Beach in Cape May Point sits the Wreck of the SS Atlantus, a ship built with great intentions but owing to bad timing and an ill placed storm, ended up nothing more than a wrecked hull and a curiosity site.
The Atlantus was originally intended as a troop transport for the Great War, but the war ended before construction was completed. Then, after just a handful of voyages over a year and a half, it was retired in 1920. In early 1926, it was purchased from a Virginia salvage yard, and brought to New Jersey with the intent of using it to help create a slip for a proposed ferry service, but alas, bad luck struck on June 8. During a storm, the Atlantus broke free from its mooring, causing it to run aground and because of the shallowness of the water, only partially sink. What's left of the stern for the most part is all that's visible above the water line, with only occasionally a small part of the bow exposed during low tide.
Today the wreck serves as a perching post for sea birds, and a small artificial reef for marine life.
It also stands as a tribute to the shipping industry of that era, and a great photography site."
Burt Shoobs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS Atlantus is located at Sunset Beach in Cape May Point, New Jersey. You can drive to Sunset Beach, where there is parking available. It's a popular spot, so parking can fill up, especially during peak season. 
While direct public transport to Sunset Beach might be limited, you can reach Cape May Point via local bus services and then potentially walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to the beach. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The ship is best viewed from Sunset Beach. You can see it from the shore, and depending on the tide, parts of the bow might be exposed.
No, you cannot walk on the SS Atlantus. It is a wreck and is not safe to approach or climb on. It's best viewed from the beach.
Yes, Sunset Beach is generally dog-friendly, especially during the off-season. Always check local regulations before bringing your pet.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the SS Atlantus or Sunset Beach. It is a public beach accessible to everyone.
Sunset Beach is a public beach and is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no specific opening hours posted for the beach itself.
There is no entrance fee for Sunset Beach. Parking may have a fee, especially during the summer months.
The main restriction is that you cannot go onto the wreck itself for safety reasons. Enjoy viewing it from the beach.
Golden hour, around sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the SS Atlantus and the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
From the beach, you can capture the full wreck, especially at low tide. Drone photography offers a unique perspective, showcasing its scale and isolation.
Yes, the WWII Lookout Tower is adjacent to the SS Atlantus and is also a popular subject for photography, offering great views.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so it's best to check with local authorities if you plan extensive shoots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and the ship. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant wildlife.
Absolutely! The ship's appearance changes dramatically with the tides. At low tide, more of the bow might be visible.
🎫 ℹ️ History & Context
The SS Atlantus was an experimental concrete ship built during WWI. After serving briefly, it was intended for a ferry dock project but broke free during a storm in 1926 and ran aground.
Concrete ships were developed during WWI when steel was scarce. The SS Atlantus was part of an experimental fleet to test the viability of concrete for shipbuilding.
After running aground in 1926, the ship broke apart and has been slowly deteriorating ever since, becoming a unique landmark.
No, there were other concrete ships built, but the SS Atlantus is the most famous and visible wreck off the East Coast.
The tower was part of the coastal defense system during World War II, offering strategic views of the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1 Consider visiting at golden hour for the best light. History enthusiasts will appreciate the unique story of this experimental concrete ship and its role in maritime history. Combine your visit with the WWII Lookout Tower for a comprehensive historical experience. 🚗 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the SS Atlantus
+2Its fate was sealed on June 8, 1926, when a severe storm broke it free from its moorings. The ship ran aground near Sunset Beach, and due to the shallow waters, it only partially sank. What remains today is the stern, a ghostly silhouette against the ocean, with occasional glimpses of the bow during extreme low tides.
+1 This wreck has become a unique landmark, a testament to early 20th-century innovation and the power of nature.Over the decades, the SS Atlantus has been a subject of local lore and a popular tourist attraction. Travelers often remark on its unusual construction and its dramatic end. Some recall seeing it in better condition years ago, noting its steady decay.
Experiencing Sunset Beach
The beach is also home to a historic World War II Lookout Tower, located near the concrete ship. This tower provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline, offering a different perspective on the area's history and natural beauty.
The combination of the wreck, the tower, and the beach itself makes for a compelling visit, especially during the late afternoon as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the scene. While the beach is a draw in itself, the presence of the SS Atlantus adds a layer of historical intrigue. Many visitors find the story behind the ship captivating and enjoy learning about its past. The beach can get crowded, particularly during sunset, so arriving a bit earlier might offer a more relaxed experience.
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