MISSISSIPI - Diamond Rock

The Mississippi wreck, shallow at just 3m, is one of our favourites around Diamond Rock, but don't expect a big, intact ship. This is the remains of a steamboat, a paddle wheeler that ran aground here back in 1899. What you’ll find now are the scattered fragments: bits of twisted metal, old pipes, and the unmistakable paddlewheel itself, all spread across a sandy patch near the shore. It’s like an archaeological dig underwater. We love this site for its historical feel and how it’s been completely taken over by the reef. Look closely among the wreckage and you’ll spot moray eels tucked into crevices, schools of juvenile snapper darting through the metal ribs, and a surprising variety of nudibranchs if you slow down enough. It’s a photographer’s dream on a sunny day when the light dances on the metal and the colours pop. Entry can be a bit tricky depending on the swell, often a shore entry over some smooth rocks, so check conditions before you commit. It’s ideal for new divers or anyone looking for a relaxed, unique snorkel or dive without much depth.

Location: Diamond Rock, Martinique, Caribbean
Coordinates: 14.606234, -60.821730
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 3m

Marine Protected Area: Ilet Oscar

Best Time to Dive in Diamond Rock

The warmest water temperatures in Diamond Rock 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: 25.8°C)
February: 27.5°C (air: 25.8°C)
March: 27.5°C (air: 26.2°C)
April: 27.5°C (air: 27.0°C)
May: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
June: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
July: 27.5°C (air: 27.6°C)
August: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
September: 27.5°C (air: 28.1°C)
October: 27.5°C (air: 27.8°C)
November: 27.5°C (air: 27.0°C)
December: 27.5°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to MISSISSIPI

CANOPEE BLEUE
Deep Turtle
Espace Plongee Martinique - ["PADI"]
NATIYABEL - SSI, PADI, CMAS, FFESSM, ANMP
O FIL DE L’EAU - FFESSM, CMAS
PLONGEE IMMERSION CARAIBES

Marine Life in Diamond Rock

Home to 369 recorded species including 327 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 other.

Notable Species

Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
Greater Soapfish (Rypticus saponaceus) - Reef Fish
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Lawyer (Halichoeres radiatus) - Reef Fish
Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) - Reef Fish
Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) - Reef Fish
Bastard soldierfish (Myripristis jacobus) - Reef Fish
Clown Wrasse (Halichoeres maculipinna) - Reef Fish
Devilfish (Ophioblennius atlanticus) - Reef Fish
Cook (Holocentrus adscensionis) - Reef Fish
Jack (Epinephelus adscensionis) - Reef Fish
Hamlet (Gymnothorax moringa) - Reef Fish
Coney (Cephalopholis fulva) - Reef Fish
Porcupine (Diodon holocanthus) - Reef Fish
Blackfish (Globicephala macrorhynchus) - Whales & Dolphins
Spotted Soapfish (Rypticus subbifrenatus) - Reef Fish
Yellowtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) - Reef Fish
Cluck (Pareques acuminatus) - Reef Fish
Spotted Goatfish (Pseudupeneus maculatus) - Reef Fish
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for MISSISSIPI

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