CARAQUET - North Shore

The Caraquet, a colossal steamship, sits broken but beautiful at just 11 meters. It’s an ideal wreck for a long, relaxed dive, especially if you’re into history you can actually touch. We love drifting over its scattered remains, imagining the 1923 storm that drove it onto the North Shore. You'll find yourself gliding past massive plates of twisted steel, the triple expansion engine still impressive even after a century underwater. Our favourite spot is exploring the stern section, where we’ve often seen big green moray eels tucked into crevices, watching us with lazy eyes. The sheer scale of the Caraquet, even in pieces, is striking; its 121-meter length means you’ll want to take your time. Look out for schools of snapper darting in and out of the rusted hull, or the occasional hawksbill turtle munching on sponges near the bow. It's a remarkably accessible wreck, perfect for divers who appreciate the atmospheric remains of a grand old ship and the marine life that has made it home.

Location
North Shore, Bermuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
32.463080, -64.835070
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - CARAQUET

Year Sunk
1923
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
4,971 GRT

The RMS Caraquet was a handsome steamship built in 1894 by the legendary Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the same builders as the Titanic. Serving the Royal Mail Steam Packet Co., she plied the routes between Canada and the West Indies, carrying passengers, mail, and cargo. On June 25, 1923, while on a passage from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Caraquet was caught in a storm and ran hard aground on the treacherous northern reefs of Bermuda. Despite the perilous situation, a swift and heroic rescue operation ensured that all 117 passengers and crew were brought safely to shore, but the ship itself was a total loss.

Lying in just 11 meters of water, the wreck of the Caraquet is now a fantastic dive site, broken apart by a century of Atlantic storms. While the hull is scattered across the reef, the most impressive remains are the ship's enormous triple-expansion engine and her massive boilers, which stand upright on the seabed, dominating the underwater landscape. These colossal structures are now encrusted in coral and surrounded by schools of fish, offering a dramatic centerpiece for divers and a tangible connection to Bermuda's maritime past.

Marine Protected Area: Lambda Island

Nearby Dive Sites in North Shore

Nearest Dive Centres to CARAQUET

Marine Life in North Shore

Home to 339 recorded species including 286 reef fish, 17 hard corals, 10 sharks & rays, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 other, 3 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Caraquet shipwreck in Bermuda?
The Caraquet shipwreck in Bermuda is located at a depth of 11 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a great opportunity to explore this historic wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Caraquet dive site?
The Caraquet is a substantial steam ship vessel, built in 1894 and sunk in 1923, measuring 121.9m x 14.3m. Divers can expect to explore impressive wreck features, including components of its triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates.
How challenging is the Caraquet shipwreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Caraquet shipwreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its rating and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it is generally not suitable for absolute beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for intermediate wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive the Caraquet shipwreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Caraquet shipwreck for optimal conditions. However, divers interested in visiting this historic site can research general diving seasons for Bermuda to plan their trip.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Caraquet wreck?
Given the Caraquet shipwreck is an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended to safely explore the features of this "Dangerous wreck" and maximize your experience.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Caraquet dive site in Bermuda?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current or water conditions at the Caraquet dive site. Divers planning to visit this Bermuda wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions and forecasts before their dive.