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HMS SOLEBAY

The HMS Solebay is a proper archaeological dive, not just a pretty reef with some metal on it. You’re dropping onto history here, a 28-gun frigate that ran aground in 1782, caught up in the Battle of St. Kitts. At just ten metres, it’s an ideal second dive or even a checkout for newer divers, but don’t mistake its shallowness for a lack of interest. We love how spread out the wreck is, bits of hull and cannon scattered over a wide area, testament to centuries of currents and storms. You’ll spend your time here cruising over the remains, spotting giant barrel sponges that have completely enveloped sections of the timbers. Our favourite part is finding the old cannon, often camouflaged by stony corals, with schools of grunts and snapper hovering close by. Look closely and you’ll often find lobsters tucked into crevices. It’s a gentle site, usually with minimal current, perfect for an hour of quiet exploration and imagining the ship in its prime.