Airplane Wreck - Andros

We love a good wreck, and the Airplane Wreck off Andros is exactly that – a good wreck, not just a pile of metal. This isn’t a pristine, intact aircraft, mind you. It’s a Douglas DC-3 that met its end in the drink decades ago, and time, current, and fish have done their work. What you get now is a broken fuselage, wings somewhat detached, splayed out on a sandy bottom. Swimming through what’s left of the cabin feels a bit eerie, especially when a school of grunts flashes around you. Look closely: you’ll spot moray eels tucked into crevices and often a big Nassau grouper patrolling the larger sections. The light here can be spectacular on a sunny day, piercing through the water and illuminating the scattered debris. It’s a straightforward dive, suitable for most divers looking for a bit of history and some decent fish interaction. Our favourite part is lingering over the cockpit area, imagining the descent. We’d suggest going in the morning before any afternoon chop picks up.

Location
Andros, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
25.820917, -77.931170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Wreck History - Airplane Wreck

Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

The shallow waters around Andros and the wider Bahamas are littered with small airplane wrecks, each with a story to tell. Many of these, including this popular dive site, are rumored to be casualties of the illicit drug trade that flourished in the 1970s and 80s. These small planes, often overloaded and flying low to avoid radar, would sometimes meet their end in the turquoise sea, their cargo lost and their stories turning to local legend.

This particular wreck offers a classic Bahamian dive experience. Resting in relatively shallow, crystal-clear water, the skeletal remains of the aircraft are easily accessible. Over the years, the sea has stripped the plane down to its frame, which has become a vibrant artificial reef. It's now encrusted with colorful sponges and corals and provides a safe haven for juvenile reef fish, moray eels, and crustaceans. The dive is a perfect blend of mystery, history, and thriving marine biology.

Marine Protected Area: South Berry Islands Marine Reserve

Nearby Dive Sites in Andros

Nearest Dive Centres to Airplane Wreck

Marine Life in Andros

Home to 396 recorded species including 339 reef fish, 22 hard corals, 11 whales & dolphins, 5 sharks & rays, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 octopus & squid.

Notable Species