CARIBBEAN EXPRESS - Long Island

The Caribbean Express is one of those wrecks that just makes for an easy, fun dive. It's a motor vessel, sitting upright in only 10 metres of water off Long Island. We love this site for its accessibility and the way the light filters through the shallow water. You can spend a good chunk of time exploring the hull and superstructure, which is still remarkably intact. Schools of grunts and snapper are constantly milling about the open cargo holds, and we've often spotted nurse sharks napping under the deeper sections. It’s perfect for divers who want a relaxed wreck dive without the pressure of depth or strong currents, offering a great chance to hone your wreck navigation skills or simply enjoy a long bottom time with plenty to see.

Location: Long Island, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates: 23.250000, -75.080560
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 10m

Wreck History - CARIBBEAN EXPRESS

Year Sunk: 2012
Vessel Type: cargo ship
Cause: storm

The Caribbean Express is a relatively modern casualty of the sea, a testament to the power of nature in the Bahamas. This 200-foot coastal freighter was driven aground in 2012 by the immense power of Hurricane Sandy. The storm pushed the vessel high onto a shallow reef just off the coast of Long Island, where it has remained ever since, battered by the constant force of the waves.

Lying in just 10 meters (33 feet) of water, the wreck is a fantastic site for divers and snorkelers alike. Its superstructure and bow still break the surface, creating a dramatic silhouette against the horizon. Below the waves, divers can explore the ship's hull, propeller, and surrounding debris field. The shallow depth and clear Bahamian water mean the site is flooded with sunlight, illuminating the new coral growth and the abundant fish that have made the wreck their home. It's an easily accessible and visually striking site that offers a glimpse into a very recent piece of maritime history.

Best Time to Dive in Long Island

The warmest water temperatures in Long Island occur in September, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 25.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 25.1°C
February: 25.3°C
March: 25.5°C
April: 26.9°C
May: 28.1°C
June: 29.2°C
July: 29.9°C
August: 30.0°C
September: 30.1°C
October: 29.1°C
November: 27.5°C
December: 26.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Long Island

Marine Life in Long Island

Home to 366 recorded species including 321 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sharks & rays, 4 other.

Notable Species

Parrotfish (Thalassoma bifasciatum) - Reef Fish
Bony-eared Assfish (Acanthonus armatus) - Reef Fish
Saddled Blenny (Malacoctenus triangulatus) - Reef Fish
Blackcheek Blenny (Starksia lepicoelia) - Reef Fish
Conklin's cardinalfish (Phaeoptyx conklini) - Reef Fish
Goldspot Goby (Gnatholepis thompsoni) - Reef Fish
Yellowhead Wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti) - Reef Fish
Spaghetti Eel (Moringua edwardsi) - Reef Fish
Rosy Blenny (Malacoctenus macropus) - Reef Fish
Rusty Goby (Priolepis hipoliti) - Reef Fish
Blackfin Spiderfish (Bathypterois phenax) - Reef Fish
Sharpnose Pufferfish (Canthigaster rostrata) - Reef Fish
Fairy Basslet (Gramma loreto) - Reef Fish
Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
Tripod Spiderfish (Bathypterois grallator) - Reef Fish
Slippery Dick (Halichoeres bivittatus) - Reef Fish
Long-fin Smooth-head (Conocara macropterum) - Reef Fish
Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) - Reef Fish
Sand goby (Coryphopterus glaucofraenum) - Reef Fish
Graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for CARIBBEAN EXPRESS

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C, currents 12 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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