FEDERAL QUEEN - Tobago Cays
The Federal Queen, just north of Mayreau in the Tobago Cays, isn't your usual massive wreck. This 9.8-meter sailing vessel sank back in 1968, and time has turned her into a scattered collection of ribs and hull plates. We love it for its simplicity and the way the reef has simply enveloped what's left. It’s a shallower wreck, usually around 20-30 meters, making it accessible for a longer bottom time, which we always appreciate. What you'll find here is less about penetration and more about exploring the nooks and crannies of the disintegrating wood. Look closely, because the structure is a magnet for juvenile fish – we've often spotted tiny drum fish hiding in the shadows and squadrons of sergeant majors darting through the remains. The soft corals and sponges have grown beautifully over everything, painting the old boat in shades of purple and orange. This site suits divers who enjoy a more relaxed pace and appreciate the smaller details, rather than those seeking a grand, intact wreck. It’s a peaceful dive, often with gentle currents, making it a perfect second dive of the day in the Cays.
- Location
- Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
- Coordinates
- 12.783333, -61.333332
- Type
- wreck
- Maximum Depth
- 50m
Marine Protected Area: Petit Canouan Wildlife Reserve
Best Time to Dive in Tobago Cays
The warmest water temperatures in Tobago Cays occur in January, averaging 27.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.9°C.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 27.9°C (air: 26.2°C)
- February: 27.9°C (air: 26.1°C)
- March: 27.9°C (air: 26.1°C)
- April: 27.9°C (air: 26.7°C)
- May: 27.9°C (air: 27.4°C)
- June: 27.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
- July: 27.9°C (air: 27.6°C)
- August: 27.9°C (air: 27.9°C)
- September: 27.9°C (air: 28.4°C)
- October: 27.9°C (air: 28.3°C)
- November: 27.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
- December: 27.9°C (air: 27.0°C)
Nearby Dive Sites in Tobago Cays
- HMS PURUNI - 9m (wreck)
- Horseshoe Reef - 3-15m (reef)
- Petit Tabac - 5-20m (drift)
Marine Life in Tobago Cays
Home to 256 recorded species including 223 reef fish, 12 hard corals, 8 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sharks & rays.
Notable Species
- Mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) - Hard Corals
- Finger Coral (Porites porites) - Hard Corals
- Gutong (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) - Reef Fish
- Dark Green Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) - Reef Fish
- Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
- Sheephead (Microspathodon chrysurus) - Reef Fish
- Gutong (Scarus iseri) - Reef Fish
- Sammy Johnson (Scarus taeniopterus) - Reef Fish
- Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
- Parrotfish (Thalassoma bifasciatum) - Reef Fish
- Blueman (Scarus vetula) - Reef Fish
- Coney (Cephalopholis fulva) - Reef Fish
- Fire coral (Millepora complanata) - Jellyfish
- Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) - Reef Fish
- Hamlet (Gymnothorax moringa) - Reef Fish
- Devilfish (Ophioblennius atlanticus) - Reef Fish
- Greenblotch Parrotfish (Sparisoma atomarium) - Reef Fish
- Yellowhead Wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti) - Reef Fish
- French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish
- Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Recommended Packing List for FEDERAL QUEEN
Based on average water temperature of 27.9°C.
- Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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