BONANZA - Tobago

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.

Location
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Coordinates
10.135000, -61.816666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BONANZA

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.

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 BONANZA

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 BONANZA

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