ATALANTA - Negril

Atalanta is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Negril, and honestly, we think it’s a site that really delivers. It’s a shallow wreck, sitting at just 7 meters, which means plenty of bottom time and a relaxed dive. This steamship went down way back in 1889, and you can still make out the bow and stern sections, even if the midship is pretty broken up now. We love how the historical context plays out on the reef here; the ribs and plates are completely encrusted, serving as homes for all sorts of reef fish. You’ll find schools of snapper darting in and out of the skeletal remains, and often a grumpy moray eel peeking from a dark crevice. Our favourite detail is the way the light filters through the structure, making the whole site glow in the afternoon sun. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially when the parrotfish are busy grazing on the coral-covered hull. Due to its depth, Atalanta is perfect for newer divers, but even seasoned wreck enthusiasts will appreciate the atmosphere and the sheer amount of life that’s made this old ship its home. Go early to avoid any crowds, though it’s rarely too busy.

Location
Negril, Jamaica, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.175112, -78.160110
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - ATALANTA

Year Sunk
1890
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The steamship Atalanta had a very short career on the seas. Built in April 1889 for the Atalanta Steam Ship Co., the vessel was lost just over a year later. On December 5, 1890, while on a commercial passage from Jamaica to New York, the Atalanta ran aground and became stranded on the Savannah-la-Mar bar. Unable to be freed from the reef, the ship was ultimately abandoned and lost to the sea.

Resting in just 7 meters of warm, clear Jamaican water near Negril, the Atalanta is now a superb dive site for all experience levels. Its shallow grave means long bottom times and excellent light for photography. After more than a century underwater, the wreck's structure has transformed into a bustling artificial reef, encrusted with colorful corals and sponges and sheltering a vibrant community of Caribbean marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Bluefields Bay

Best Time to Dive in Negril

The warmest water temperatures in Negril occur in January, averaging 27.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • February: 27.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • March: 27.5°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • June: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • July: 27.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • August: 27.5°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • September: 27.5°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • October: 27.5°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 27.5°C (air: 26.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Negril

Nearest Dive Centres to ATALANTA

Marine Life in Negril

Home to 211 recorded species including 178 reef fish, 19 hard corals, 3 sea urchins, 2 other, 2 jellyfish, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ATALANTA

Based on average water temperature of 27.5°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