CAPTAIN ROBERTS - Abaco

The *Captain Roberts* wreck in Abaco sits in just six metres of water, making it a proper playground. We love it for its accessibility; it’s perfect for new divers or anyone wanting a relaxed, long bottom time without the pressure of depth. The old motor vessel is fairly broken up now, but that’s part of its charm. You can swim through sections of the hull, peeking into what were once cabins. Schools of snapper often hold tight to the superstructure, and if you look closely, you’ll usually spot a moray eel tucked into a shadowy corner. On a sunny day, the light plays through the gaps in the wreck, creating an almost stained-glass effect. Visibility here is generally excellent, often reaching 25-30 metres, so you get a great overview of the whole site even from above. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is best for photography then, and the boat traffic tends to be lighter. It’s not a deep, dramatic wreck dive, but it’s a beautiful, easy exploration for anyone who enjoys a bit of history and calm conditions.

Location
Abaco, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
26.036112, -79.099440
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - CAPTAIN ROBERTS

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

In the famously clear and shallow waters of the Bahamas' Abaco islands lies the wreck of the Captain Roberts. Resting in just 6 meters of water, this motor vessel is a perfect dive site for novices, photographers, and those on a relaxed second dive of the day. While its history and the cause of its sinking are not well-documented, its remains have become a vibrant part of the local marine ecosystem.

The wreck is broken up, which is likely why it is classified as a navigational danger, but for divers, this creates a fascinating playground of scattered structures to explore. The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and ensures the wreck is bathed in bright sunlight, illuminating the corals and sponges that have colonized every surface. Expect to see parrotfish, angelfish, and schools of snapper weaving through the wreckage, making the Captain Roberts a beautiful example of how the sea transforms a maritime loss into a new haven for life.

Best Time to Dive in Abaco

The warmest water temperatures in Abaco occur in August, averaging 29.8°C (up to 31.9°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 24.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.4°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • February: 24.0°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • March: 24.3°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • April: 25.0°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • May: 25.9°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • July: 29.0°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • August: 29.8°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • September: 29.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • October: 28.4°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • November: 26.9°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • December: 25.4°C (air: 21.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Abaco

Nearest Dive Centres to CAPTAIN ROBERTS

Marine Life in Abaco

Home to 372 recorded species including 293 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 16 whales & dolphins, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sharks & rays, 5 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CAPTAIN ROBERTS

Based on average water temperature of 26.7°C, visibility 20 nmi, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories