BONANZA
Why dive here
With 343+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles and frogfish - BONANZA offers some of Tobago's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
Bonanza isn't just another wreck dive; it's a slice of Tobago’s fishing history, and we love it for that gritty, real feel. This old fishing trawler ran aground back in '77 and now rests in relatively shallow water, making it perfect for divers who enjoy a more relaxed pace. The hull is largely intact, with plenty of openings to peek inside, though penetrations are best left to those with proper training and equipment. What we really enjoy is the way the sea has reclaimed it. Schools of grunts and snapper hang out in the shadowy holds, and you’ll spot moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads poking out with that curious, slightly menacing look. We’ve seen barracuda cruising the deck, their silvery bodies glinting in the shafts of light that pierce the water. If you get there early, before the crowds, the quiet calm around Bonanza is almost meditative. Keep an eye out for the small, colourful nudibranchs that cling to the metalwork – they’re easy to miss but worth seeking out. This site is a great option for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting a more contained subject, with depths rarely pushing past 15 metres.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
BONANZA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding
The fishing vessel Bonanza met its end not in the deep, but on the shores of Trinidad & Tobago. In May 1977, the ship, owned by the Ibet Trawlers Co Ltd., ran aground on the beach at Cedros. Today, its remains lie at a depth of zero meters, a skeletal structure half-buried in sand and lapped by the waves. While not a scuba dive in the traditional sense, the Bonanza offers a unique opportunity for wreck enthusiasts and photographers.
Its exposed hull, rusted by decades of salt and sun, tells a silent story of the sea's power. Visitors can explore the wreck from the shore, examining the decaying superstructure and imagining its final moments. It serves as a stark and picturesque reminder of the maritime hazards in the region and has become a well-known landmark on the Cedros coastline.
Reviews for BONANZA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BONANZA
BONANZA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BONANZA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (10.64, -61.51) (19km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 29.2–31.2°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Wind Speed
4.75 m/s
9.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011.7 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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