BEER CAT - Tobago

The Beer Cat wreck is a strange one, a little tug that decided to go out in a blaze of glory during a Port of Spain gale back in '75. Now it sits in a respectable 7 metres, perfect for a long, relaxed dive. We love this site for its sheer accessibility; you can spend ages tracing the outline of what’s left, which isn't a lot in terms of structure, but provides a fantastic playground for smaller critters. What you'll find here is less about penetration and more about the abundant life that’s made a home on the scattered steel. Look closely and you’ll spot yellowhead jawfish popping in and out of the sand, garden eels swaying in the gentle current, and the occasional southern stingray gliding over the wreck. It’s an ideal spot for macro photographers, or anyone who enjoys a calm, shallow dive where you can truly slow down and observe. We often suggest going in the late afternoon; the light is softer and brings out the colours of the sponges and anemones clinging to the metal. It’s not a grand, imposing wreck, but a quiet, unassuming one that offers its own kind of charm.

Location
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Coordinates
10.650000, -61.533054
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BEER CAT

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
storm

The story of the "Beer Cat" is a stark reminder of the power of the sea. In July 1975, this small tugboat was caught in a vicious storm while in the Port of Spain harbour. Battered by gale-force winds and mountainous waves, the vessel was tragically smashed to pieces against the port's defenses. Now resting in just 7 meters of water off Tobago, the remains of the "Beer Cat" offer a unique and accessible dive. The wreckage is scattered across the seabed, creating an artificial reef landscape. Divers can explore the debris field, which has become a nursery for juvenile reef fish and a home for moray eels, octopus, and countless crustaceans hiding amongst the metal plates. Its shallow depth and typically calm conditions make it an excellent site for novice divers, photographers, and a perfect spot for a long, relaxing second dive of the day.

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 BEER CAT

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 BEER CAT

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