HMS VIXEN - North Shore

The HMS Vixen isn't a deep dive, not even close, but that's precisely its charm. Lying in a mere three metres of water off Bermuda's North Shore, this scuttled gunboat, sunk in 1896 to block the Chubb Cut channel, is a fantastic spot for a long, relaxed exploration. We love how accessible it is, making it perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, or even a shallow safety stop. You'll find the Vixen’s remains spread across a sandy bottom, its iron bones now home to a surprising amount of life. Schools of juvenile parrotfish graze on algae, their beaks clicking faintly if you listen close, while grumpy-looking damselfish dart between the rusted plates. We've often seen barracuda hovering silently in the dappled sunlight, almost perfectly camouflaged against the shimmering surface. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, when the sun is high, filtering through the water and illuminating the wreck's skeletal structure in a way that feels almost otherworldly. It's an easy drift, a gentle current usually pushing you slowly over the site, allowing plenty of time to poke around the Vixen's historical remnants.

Location
North Shore, Bermuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
32.305940, -64.885605
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Morgan's Island

Nearby Dive Sites in North Shore

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS VIXEN

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

How deep is the HMS Vixen shipwreck dive site?
The HMS Vixen shipwreck dive site is exceptionally shallow, with a maximum depth of just 3 meters. This makes it an accessible and often brightly lit wreck dive, suitable for extended bottom times.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the HMS Vixen?
Divers exploring the HMS Vixen can expect to see the remains of a 48.8m x 9.8m gunboat vessel, which was scuttled in 1896 to block the Chubb Cut Channel. The site is classified as a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure, offering a glimpse into its past as a dockyard laborer's hulk. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, shallow wrecks often attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
Is diving the HMS Vixen wreck suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a difficult dive?
Diving the HMS Vixen wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While its shallow depth of 3 meters might seem appealing, the "intermediate" rating suggests that some prior diving experience and comfort in wreck environments are recommended. Beginner divers should consider gaining more experience before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Vixen for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the HMS Vixen does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on diving in Bermuda, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for typical seasonal conditions.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Vixen shipwreck?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in our data for the HMS Vixen, its classification as an intermediate dive suggests that at least an Open Water Diver certification is necessary. Given it is a wreck dive, having a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly beneficial for understanding safe wreck diving practices, although it may not be strictly mandatory for this particular shallow site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the HMS Vixen dive site?
Our current data for the HMS Vixen does not provide specific details on typical current or visibility conditions at the dive site. Divers should always check local dive reports and consult with a local dive operator in Bermuda's North Shore before planning their dive.