FANTOME - Nassau & New Providence

The Fantome is a proper, old-school Caribbean wreck dive, the kind we love for its history and the way the sea has reclaimed it. This isn't some purpose-sunk structure; the Fantome was a Windjammer cruise ship, a grand sailing vessel lost to a storm back in '77, blown onto a sandbar just northeast of Nassau. She's resting in just 15 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to really explore. What you'll find today is a remarkably intact steel hull, 73 metres long, broken but still retaining that classic sailing ship silhouette. We usually start at the bow, where the anchor chains spill into the sand, then work our way back along the deck. You can poke around the remains of the bridge, imagining the chaos of that storm, and then descend into some of the cargo holds, now home to schools of snapper and grunt. Look closely in the darker corners for nurse sharks snoozing and the occasional green moray eel peering out. The coral growth isn't overwhelming, but you'll see plenty of tube sponges and gorgonians clinging to the metal, adding texture and colour. It’s a fantastic dive for those who appreciate a wreck with a real story, one that’s been subtly sculpted by time and the ocean.

Location
Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
25.258333, -76.955500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

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 FANTOME

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 FANTOME

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 is the exact depth of the FANTOME wreck and is it within recreational diving limits?
The FANTOME wreck is located at an exact depth of 15 meters. This depth is well within standard recreational diving limits, making it accessible for certified open water divers. You can explore more dive sites in the Bahamas on DivePlnr.
What are the primary technical challenges and overall difficulty level for diving the FANTOME wreck?
Diving the FANTOME wreck is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. While not considered an extreme technical dive due to its 15-meter depth, divers should be prepared for typical wreck diving considerations such as potential entanglement hazards or navigating within the structure. This classification suggests a good level of experience is recommended for a safe and enjoyable exploration.
What remains of the FANTOME wreck are visible, and what marine life inhabits such extreme depths?
The FANTOME wreck is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure, indicating significant visible remains of the 73.2-meter sailing vessel. The description notes it was a sailing vessel sunk in 1977. While specific marine life inhabiting the wreck is not detailed in our current data, wrecks at this depth typically become artificial reefs teeming with various fish and coral species.
What specific technical diving certifications and experience are absolutely necessary to attempt a dive to the FANTOME?
Given the FANTOME wreck's depth of 15 meters and intermediate difficulty, specific technical diving certifications are not absolutely necessary. A standard Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for this depth. However, experience with wreck diving or advanced open water training is highly recommended to safely navigate and appreciate the site.
Considering its extreme depth, what are the ideal weather windows and sea conditions for a FANTOME wreck expedition?
While the FANTOME wreck is at a manageable depth of 15 meters, ideal weather windows and sea conditions are always crucial for any dive expedition. Our current data does not specify ideal weather or sea conditions for this particular site. However, for general guidance on planning your dive trips, you can consult our When to Dive section for information on regional conditions.
What are the typical current strengths, visibility, and water temperatures encountered at the FANTOME wreck site?
Our current data for the FANTOME wreck does not specify typical current strengths, visibility, or water temperatures. These conditions can vary significantly based on local weather and seasonal patterns in Nassau & New Providence. For general information on diving conditions in the region, it's best to check with local dive operators closer to your planned dive date.