wreck

Log This Dive

LA BELLE SAUVAGE (POSSIBLY)

This one’s for the history buffs and the wreck fanatics, especially if you love a good mystery. La Belle Sauvage, or what we strongly suspect is her, sits in a very manageable 13 metres just outside Ocho Rios. You won’t find a grand, intact vessel here. Instead, it’s a scattering of heavily encrusted timbers and iron, remarkably preserved given its age – the ship was lost way back in 1665. What we love about this site isn't the big schools of fish, though you'll see your share of snapper and grunts tucked into the structure. It’s the tangible link to the past. Running your hand along those barnacled timbers, knowing they’ve been there for nearly 360 years, is a real kick. Look closely, and you’ll spot sections of hull, maybe a cannonball or two, completely swallowed by sponge and coral. Our favourite part is piecing together the wreck’s shape from the debris field. It’s like an underwater archaeological dig without the paperwork. Dive this one slow, linger over the details. It’s a site that rewards patience, perfect for those who enjoy exploration over pure adrenaline.