Carlisle Bay

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

Carslisle Bay

Why dive here

With 379+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, humpback whales, octopuses and orcas - Carlisle Bay offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Octopuses and Orcas · 379+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterWreck dive · max 3-20m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Carlisle Bay isn't just one dive site; it's a whole playground. We love it because you’ve got six wrecks, all in a beginner-friendly depth range of 3 to 20 metres. It’s perfect for new divers, but even experienced folks will find plenty to amuse themselves for a couple of dives. Our favourite wreck has to be the **Berwyn**, a freighter that sank in 1919. It’s surprisingly intact, with huge cargo holds you can peek into. The light filtering down through the open decks gives it a moody, atmospheric feel. What really makes Carlisle Bay shine, though, is how marine life has absolutely taken over these ships. You’ll weave around massive schools of grunts and snapper, so thick they almost obscure the wreck itself. Keep an eye out for curious green sea turtles gliding by, and we’ve often spotted seahorses clinging to the growth on the **Bajan Queen** or **Eillon**. The shallow depth means fantastic bottom times, and the sheltered bay generally keeps currents to a minimum. It’s a great spot to practice your buoyancy or just spend a relaxed afternoon exploring history and marine life.

Typical Carlisle Bay 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.

Today05:4917:4311h 54m daylightGolden hour 17:15

Carlisle Bay Wreck History

Vessel Type

unknown

Cause

scuttled

Carlisle Bay isn't a single wreck, but a stunning underwater marine park and a premier wreck diving destination in Barbados. Located just off the coast of Bridgetown, the bay was designated a protected marine area to preserve its rich history and vibrant ecosystem. To enhance the site for divers and create an artificial reef, six different vessels were deliberately sunk here over the years, creating an underwater playground for divers of all skill levels.

The wrecks lie in shallow water, ranging from just 3 to 20 meters, making them accessible even to novice divers and snorkelers. The collection includes the Berwyn, a World War I French tugboat; the Bajan Queen, a beloved party boat; a former drug boat, and several barges. Over time, these structures have been completely colonized by marine life. Divers can spend an entire dive swimming from one wreck to the next, encountering schools of fish, moray eels, and the bay's famous population of sea turtles and seahorses, all in one incredible location.