Airplane Wreck
Protected Area
South Berry Islands Marine Reserve
Why dive here
With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, humpback whales, octopuses and seahorses - Airplane Wreck offers some of Andros's richest wreck diving.
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.
Typical Airplane Wreck Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Airplane Wreck Wreck History
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.
Reviews for Airplane Wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Airplane Wreck
Book a dive trip in Andros
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking
Where to Stay near Airplane Wreck
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.