HMS SOLEBAY - St. Kitts

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.

Location
St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.123333, -62.638170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Marine Management Area

Best Time to Dive in St. Kitts

The warmest water temperatures in St. Kitts occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in St. Kitts

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS SOLEBAY

Marine Life in St. Kitts

Home to 393 recorded species including 318 reef fish, 27 hard corals, 11 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS SOLEBAY

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the HMS Solebay dive site?
The HMS Solebay dive site, a historical frigate vessel, rests at a depth of 10 meters. This shallow depth makes it an accessible and enjoyable wreck dive for many. You can learn more about this fascinating site on its DivePlnr page.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS Solebay wreck?
The provided data specifically identifies the HMS Solebay as a frigate vessel, sunk in 1782, measuring 38m x 10m. While the data does not detail specific marine life, historical wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs. Divers can expect to explore the remnants of this 6th rate, 28-gun frigate, offering a glimpse into 18th-century naval history. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the HMS Solebay wreck?
Diving the HMS Solebay wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty level. This designation suggests that divers should have some experience beyond basic open water certification to comfortably and safely explore this historical site. It's a rewarding dive for those ready for a bit more challenge. You can find more details on the HMS Solebay dive site page.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS Solebay in Nevis?
The provided data for the HMS Solebay dive site does not specify the best time of year to dive in Nevis. Typically, the Caribbean region offers good diving conditions for much of the year, but specific seasonal variations can impact visibility or currents. For general guidance on dive seasons, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Solebay wreck?
Given that the HMS Solebay wreck is an intermediate difficulty dive, divers are typically recommended to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving and navigating at 10 meters depth. Always check with your local dive operator for their specific requirements for this site. More details are available on the HMS Solebay page.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility like at the HMS Solebay dive site?
The provided data for the HMS Solebay dive site does not include specific information regarding typical underwater currents or visibility. Conditions can vary based on weather, tides, and recent rainfall, so it's always best to consult with local dive operators for the most current conditions. For general information about the site, visit the HMS Solebay DivePlnr page.