BIANCA C - Southwest Coast

The Bianca C. Now, this is a wreck. Not just any wreck, mind you, but arguably *the* wreck of the Caribbean. She’s huge, over 180 metres long, sitting upright in 48 metres of water. We love a good wreck dive, and the sheer scale of the Bianca C makes it an experience unlike almost anything else. You drop down, and she just materialises out of the blue, a vast, dark shape that takes your breath away. Her size means you're not going to see it all on one dive, so plan for multiple visits. We’d suggest focusing on the stern first, where the swimming pool – yes, a swimming pool – is a highlight, now home to schools of jacks and the occasional nurse shark resting on the deck. Heading into the upper decks, you can imagine the scale of the fire that sank her back in '61. The bridge section is largely collapsed, but the forward holds offer some great swim-throughs, just watch your buoyancy. The currents here can be unpredictable, sometimes mild, sometimes strong enough to really push you around, so keep an eye on the dive guide and your air. This site is for experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth and overhead environments. It's a proper adventure, a glimpse into history, and a thriving artificial reef all rolled into one.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.021983, -61.801968
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Wreck History - BIANCA C

Year Sunk
1961
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
fire
Tonnage
18,427 GRT

Often called the “Titanic of the Caribbean,” the Bianca C was a magnificent Italian passenger liner owned by the famed Costa Line. Originally launched in France in 1944 as the Maréchal Pétain, she underwent several name changes before being christened Bianca C. For years, she served as a symbol of luxury, gracefully plying the waters between Italy, the Caribbean, and Venezuela, carrying passengers in style and comfort across the Atlantic.

Her final voyage came to a tragic halt on October 22, 1961. While anchored in the harbor of St. George's, Grenada, a devastating explosion in the engine room ignited a ferocious fire that quickly engulfed the ship. In a remarkable display of bravery, the local fishermen and boat owners of Grenada mounted a heroic rescue, saving all but one of the nearly 700 passengers and crew. The ship burned for two days, a smoldering giant visible from the shore. The British frigate HMS Londonderry attempted to tow the crippled liner out to sea, but the tow line snapped, and the Bianca C gracefully slipped beneath the waves to her final resting place.

Today, the Bianca C is the largest diveable wreck in the Caribbean, a monumental site for advanced and technical divers. Lying upright on the seabed, the 600-foot wreck starts at around 30 meters, with her stern sitting at nearly 50 meters. Although time and currents have caused the superstructure to collapse, divers can still marvel at her immense scale, exploring the bow, davits, and one of her iconic swimming pools. The wreck is a thriving artificial reef, patrolled by schools of jack, barracuda, and the occasional eagle ray, offering a truly unforgettable deep-dive experience.

Marine Protected Area: Grand Anse

Best Time to Dive in Southwest Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Southwest Coast occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 26.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Southwest Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BIANCA C

Marine Life in Southwest Coast

Home to 267 recorded species including 231 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 10 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 jellyfish, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BIANCA C

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Bianca C shipwreck and what are the typical depths divers explore?
The Bianca C shipwreck rests at a maximum depth of 48m. Divers typically explore the various sections of this impressive merchant vessel, which is classified as a dangerous wreck. Due to its depth, it offers a challenging and rewarding deep dive experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Bianca C?
The Bianca C is a massive merchant vessel, measuring 181.1m x 23.2m, providing extensive wreck features for exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed in the context, large wrecks like this often become artificial reefs, attracting various reef fish, pelagic species, and invertebrates. Divers can explore the vast structure of this ship, built in 1949 and sunk in 1961.
How challenging is diving the Bianca C wreck, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving the Bianca C is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, and it is also noted as a dangerous wreck. Due to its depth of 48m and the nature of a large, deep wreck, it is not suitable for all experience levels. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the Bianca C for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Bianca C for optimal conditions and visibility. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Grenada, you might consult our When to Dive guide. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information on current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Bianca C in Grenada?
Given the Bianca C's depth of 48m and its classification as an intermediate and dangerous wreck, advanced certifications are typically required. Divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, along with specialized deep dive training. It is crucial to be adequately certified and experienced for this challenging dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving the Bianca C?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current conditions or visibility for diving the Bianca C. Divers planning to explore this impressive 48m deep wreck should consult local dive operators in Grenada for the most up-to-date conditions. Conditions can vary, so local knowledge is key for a safe and enjoyable dive.