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