ARIMAR - Nassau & New Providence

The Arimar, a sizeable motor vessel that met its end in 1971, now rests in just six metres of water. We love a wreck that’s shallow enough for an extended bottom time, and the Arimar delivers. It’s perfect for newer wreck divers or those who just want to poke around without the pressure of deep stops. The ship ran aground after drifting, so you get a sense of that final struggle as you swim over the twisted metal. The wreck itself is well-broken, with plenty of openings to peek into. You’ll find schools of sergeant majors shimmering around the superstructure, and we’ve often spotted French grunts huddled in the darker sections. On one dive, a spotted moray peered out from a pipe, completely unfazed by our presence. The shallow depth means sunlight penetrates everywhere, painting the scene in blues and greens. It's a relaxed dive, a good spot to practice buoyancy in tighter spaces, and our pick for an afternoon excursion when you want something easy but still interesting.

Location
Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
25.466667, -76.888336
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ARIMAR

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

In October 1971, the 165-foot motor vessel Arimar was undertaking a long transatlantic voyage from Boca Grande, Florida, to Venice, Italy. Her journey was cut short in the Bahamas when she suffered a catastrophic engine failure. Powerless and adrift, the Arimar was at the mercy of the winds and currents, which pushed her inexorably towards the northern tip of Eleuthera. On October 26th, she ran hard aground on the shallow reef system just south of Egg Island, where the constant force of the waves broke her apart.

Today, the Arimar, often known simply as the Egg Island Wreck, is one of the most famous and beloved shallow wrecks in the Bahamas. Resting in only 6 meters of turquoise water, its rusted bow often pierces the surface, acting as a beacon for divers and snorkelers. The wreckage is scattered across the seafloor, creating a fascinating playground for exploration. Over the decades, it has transformed into a spectacular artificial reef, teeming with corals, sponges, and huge schools of colorful reef fish, making it a must-see site for underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts.

Best Time to Dive in Nassau & New Providence

The warmest water temperatures in Nassau & New Providence occur in August, averaging 30.4°C (up to 34.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 24.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.7°C (air: 21.2°C)
  • February: 24.6°C (air: 23.5°C)
  • March: 24.9°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • April: 26.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • July: 30.1°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • August: 30.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • September: 30.0°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • October: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • December: 25.6°C (air: 22.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Nassau & New Providence

Nearest Dive Centres to ARIMAR

Marine Life in Nassau & New Providence

Home to 539 recorded species including 455 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 19 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARIMAR

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C, currents 7 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for dives at the DcRiamar dive sites in Boa Vista?
The provided data pertains to the ARIMAR dive site in Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, not DcRiamar in Boa Vista. At the ARIMAR wreck site, divers can expect a typical depth of 6 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the DcRiamar dive sites in Cape Verde?
Information regarding marine life at DcRiamar in Cape Verde is not available in the provided data. However, for the ARIMAR dive site in Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, the primary underwater feature is a significant wreck. This motor vessel, measuring 103m x 15.2m, was sunk on October 26, 1971, and offers an intriguing structure for exploration.
How challenging are the dive sites offered by DcRiamar in Boa Vista for different certification levels?
The provided data does not specify the challenge level for DcRiamar in Boa Vista. However, for the ARIMAR dive site in Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, the difficulty is classified as intermediate. This suggests that divers with basic certification and some experience should be comfortable exploring this wreck.
When is the best time of year to dive with DcRiamar in Boa Vista for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not contain information regarding the best time of year for diving, optimal conditions, or marine life sightings for DcRiamar in Boa Vista. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to explore the various dive sites with DcRiamar in Boa Vista?
The provided data does not specify any scuba diving certifications required for DcRiamar in Boa Vista, nor for the ARIMAR dive site. Divers should always ensure they meet the necessary certification and experience levels for any dive site they plan to explore.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the DcRiamar dive sites in Boa Vista?
The provided data does not include information on typical currents or general underwater conditions for DcRiamar in Boa Vista. For the ARIMAR dive site in Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, the data only specifies a depth of 6 meters and its classification as a wreck. Divers should always consult local dive operators for current conditions before entering the water.