BREEZIN THRU - Ocho Rios

Breezin Thru, sitting pretty at just 16 metres, is one of our favourite yacht wrecks in Ocho Rios. She’s not huge, but there’s enough here to keep you poking around for a good long while. We love finning over her deck, seeing the way the light filters down, illuminating schools of tiny silversides that dart in and out of the broken superstructure. It feels like you’re snooping around someone’s abandoned boat, but underwater. You’ll find plenty of resident critters too; nurse sharks sometimes nap under the deeper parts of the hull, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from shadowy corners. Keep an eye out for big parrotfish grazing on the algae-covered metal. This site is perfect for a relaxed dive, especially if you’re into exploring nooks and crannies without worrying about deep deco limits. We’d suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be better before any afternoon chop picks up.

Location
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.944834, -76.739150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Wreck History - BREEZIN THRU

Year Sunk
1950
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
storm

The wreck known to local divers as the "Breezin Thru" boasts a remarkable service history spanning two world wars. She began life as the USS Sabalo (SP-225), a patrol vessel for the United States Navy during World War I. After the war, she was sold into private ownership, only to be called back to duty with the onset of World War II. This time, she served with the Royal Canadian Navy, renamed the RCN Cougar, once again patrolling the Atlantic against enemy threats.

Following her second tour of duty, the vessel returned to a peaceful civilian life as a private yacht, eventually being renamed "Breezin Thru." Her long and storied career finally came to an end in 1950, when a powerful hurricane sent her to the seabed off Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Her military past and tranquil final years create a fascinating contrast, a story of service and eventual surrender to the power of the sea.

Today, the "Breezin Thru" rests in just 16 meters of water, making it a highly accessible and popular dive site. While the years and storms have taken their toll, divers can explore the vessel's scattered remains, which have become a thriving artificial reef. The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light for photography, offering a chance to connect with a unique piece of naval history now teeming with Caribbean marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Palisadoes- Port Royal Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Ocho Rios

The warmest water temperatures in Ocho Rios 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: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Ocho Rios

Nearest Dive Centres to BREEZIN THRU

Marine Life in Ocho Rios

Home to 367 recorded species including 309 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 sea urchins, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BREEZIN THRU

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