BALABAC - Tobago

Balabac isn't about depth, it's about story. At a mere 3 metres, this isn't a dive for chasing big fish or pristine coral. What you get here is a fully intact wooden schooner, incredibly preserved, practically in the shallows. We love poking around the bow, where the anchor chain still lies draped, almost ready to be dropped again. Sunlight filters through the water, illuminating every plank and beam, and it's easy to imagine her sailing days. You'll find schools of juvenile snapper flitting between the ribs and a surprising number of moray eels peering from shadowy nooks – they seem to enjoy the shelter as much as we enjoy finding them. This site is our pick for photographers, especially macro enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a truly historical wreck without the nitrogen narcosis. Just watch for the surge if there's a north swell; it can get a bit rolly, making those tight shots tricky.

Location
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Coordinates
10.652945, -61.531666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - BALABAC

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

Little is known about the vessel 'BALABAC' or the circumstances of its sinking off the island of Tobago. Whatever its story, it now rests in the warm, clear Caribbean waters as a designated 'dangerous wreck,' indicating it's a potential hazard to navigation due to its shallow depth of just 3 meters. For divers and snorkelers, however, this classification signals an easily accessible underwater site. The wreckage, likely broken and scattered by time and tide, has become a thriving artificial reef. Divers can expect to find its metallic bones colonized by colorful corals, sponges, and teeming with reef fish, moray eels, and crustaceans. It serves as a perfect introduction to wreck diving for beginners and a fantastic subject for photographers working in bright, shallow conditions.

Best Time to Dive in Tobago

The warmest water temperatures in Tobago occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 24.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tobago

Nearest Dive Centres to BALABAC

Marine Life in Tobago

Home to 344 recorded species including 323 reef fish, 5 other, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays, 2 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BALABAC

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°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