CARRIE BUCKHAM - Ocho Rios

The Carrie Buckham isn't your typical Caribbean wreck dive. We're talking about a tugboat, scuttled in just three metres of water, right in Ocho Rios Bay. It’s an ideal spot if you're looking for something different, especially on a surface interval or if you want a relaxed, shallow exploration. We love how accessible this wreck is. You can practically snorkel it, seeing the entire structure from above. Below the surface, the tugboat's small size means you can really get to know it, poking your head into the wheelhouse or checking out the engine room if you’re comfortable. It’s become a home for all sorts of reef fish; look out for sergeant majors darting in and out of the superstructure, and we’ve often seen small barracuda lurking in the shadows. For photographers, the natural light at this depth is fantastic, painting the wreck in blues and greens. It's a genuinely charming little wreck, perfect for a slow, easy dive without any deep-water stress.

Location
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.945833, -76.787780
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - CARRIE BUCKHAM

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
storm

Lying in just three meters of water near Ocho Rios, the Carrie Buckham is one of Jamaica's most accessible and mysterious wrecks. While its exact history is unconfirmed, local lore suggests it was a small barge or tugboat that succumbed to a powerful storm. Its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a warning to boat traffic, but for snorkelers and divers, it presents a unique and fascinating shallow-water exploration. Being so close to the surface, the wreck is broken and scattered, with twisted metal and sections of hull creating an underwater labyrinth.

The extreme shallow depth means this site is bathed in sunlight, making it a fantastic spot for underwater photography and for those who prefer snorkeling to scuba. The wreckage has become a thriving nursery for juvenile reef fish, and divers can spend an entire tank exploring the nooks and crannies where moray eels, crabs, and lobsters hide. The Carrie Buckham proves that a wreck doesn't need to be deep or intact to offer a captivating underwater adventure.

Marine Protected Area: Palisadoes- Port Royal

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 CARRIE BUCKHAM

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 CARRIE BUCKHAM

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