BIRD OF PARADISE - Tobago

The Bird of Paradise wreck isn’t about depth, it’s about history and how nature reclaims things. This old ferry, built in 1960 and sunk intentionally in 1988, sits upright in just five metres of water. We love that it’s still relatively intact, a proper ghost ship. You can swim right into the car deck, where shafts of light pierce the gloom, illuminating thick encrustations of sponge and colourful soft corals. It’s our favourite kind of wreck dive for a chill afternoon. The shallow depth means endless bottom time, and the visibility here is usually excellent. Look for schools of snapper hanging around the superstructure, and if you peer into the crevices, you'll often spot moray eels. It’s a photographer's dream, especially with that clear, turquoise water. We'd suggest going in the late afternoon; the light plays beautifully through the wreck then. Perfect for anyone who loves easy wreck exploration and wants to see a slice of Tobago’s maritime past.

Location
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Coordinates
10.641183, -61.530117
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BIRD OF PARADISE

Year Sunk
1988
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
unknown

The M.V. BIRD OF PARADISE began its life far from the warm Caribbean waters where it now rests. Built in 1960 by Ferguson Bros. in Port Glasgow, Scotland, this 60-meter ferry served its purpose for decades before finding its way to Tobago. Its end was not in a dramatic storm or collision, but with a quiet surrender. On January 4, 1988, while at anchor, the vessel sank and was simply left 'as is', beginning its second life as an artificial reef.

Lying in just 5 meters of water, the BIRD OF PARADISE is a spectacular and accessible dive site, perfect for novice divers, photographers, and even snorkelers. The shallow depth allows sunlight to penetrate freely, fueling a vibrant explosion of marine life. The ferry's large, open structure has become a playground for schools of sergeant majors, grunts, and parrotfish, while its shaded corners provide refuge for moray eels and lobsters. Though its sinking was unintentional, it has become a perfect example of how a man-made structure can be reclaimed by nature, creating a thriving underwater ecosystem for all to enjoy.

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 BIRD OF PARADISE

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 BIRD OF PARADISE

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