PELINAION - North Shore

The Pelinaion is one of those shallow wrecks that just keeps giving, especially when the light is right. She was a big steamship, all 117 metres of her, built in 1907 and ran aground near St David’s Head back in 1940. Now, with only 2 metres of depth to play with, it’s not a deep dive, but what a snorkel or freedive it is. We love coming here on a calm morning, ideally with a slight swell to give it some drama. You’ll find her broken up, but the sheer scale of the scattered plates and twisted metal is impressive. Look for the massive propeller blades, often draped in soft corals, and the outline of her boilers. Light filters through the gaps in the hull, illuminating schools of sergeant majors darting through the structure, and we’ve often spotted parrotfish grazing right on the rusted steel. Our favourite part has to be the bow section, a real jumble of steel that provides countless nooks for juvenile fish and anemones. It’s a photographer's dream for wide-angle shots, capturing the sun's rays dancing on the wreck. Just be mindful of your footing, as it’s a genuine shipwreck, not a curated art installation.

Location
North Shore, Bermuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
32.355780, -64.643430
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Castle Harbour Islands Nature Reserve

Nearby Dive Sites in North Shore

Nearest Dive Centres to PELINAION

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 are the typical depths for diving the Pelinaion shipwreck?
The Pelinaion shipwreck is a very shallow dive, with a typical depth of just 2 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers looking to explore the remains of this historic steamship, which was built in 1907.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Pelinaion site?
Divers exploring the Pelinaion can expect to see the substantial remains of a steamship vessel, measuring 117.3m x 15.2m. Key features include its triple expansion engine of 384NHP and the general structure of the ship, which went ashore near St. David's Head, Bermuda, and broke apart.
Is the Pelinaion dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
The Pelinaion dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While it is a shallow wreck at 2 meters, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests it is more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to dive the Pelinaion in Bermuda?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Pelinaion. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Bermuda, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Pelinaion wreck?
Given the Pelinaion's classification as an intermediate difficulty and a "Dangerous wreck," it is recommended that divers have experience beyond entry-level certification. While specific certifications are not listed in the provided data, divers should ensure they are comfortable with wreck diving environments.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like at the Pelinaion dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual water conditions or currents at the Pelinaion dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions and any potential hazards.