CARIDAD - St. Thomas & St. John

The Caridad, lying in a shallow, sandy patch off St. Thomas, is one of our favourite wreck dives for when you just want to relax and explore without any depth concerns. This 30-meter motor vessel, sunk after developing a leak back in 1970, is now completely draped in soft corals and sponges. You can swim right over the top, maybe peer into the collapsed wheelhouse, or follow the line of the hull as it gently curves into the sand. What we really love about the Caridad is how approachable it is. It’s a perfect site for new divers getting comfortable with wreck exploration, or for photographers who want ample light and bottom time. Keep an eye out for the resident green morays tucked into the engine room, and we’ve often seen schools of snapper hovering just above the deck. The whole wreck has settled nicely, feeling more like a natural reef formation than a sunken ship these days.

Location
St. Thomas & St. John, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.313833, -64.822810
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - CARIDAD

Year Sunk
1970
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Resting in just six meters of water, the Caridad is one of the most accessible wrecks in the US Virgin Islands. This 30-meter motor vessel met its end on Valentine's Day in 1970 when it developed a leak while at anchor and slowly sank to the shallow seabed. Its convenient depth makes it a fantastic site for novice divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers looking for a long, relaxed dive with plenty of bottom time.

Today, the Caridad is a thriving artificial reef, though its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' suggests divers should be cautious of sharp, deteriorating metal. The structure is home to a vibrant community of Caribbean marine life, including schools of snapper, sergeant majors, and the occasional turtle or stingray seeking shelter. Exploring the wreck offers a perfect introduction to the unique thrill of diving on sunken history.

Marine Protected Area: St. James Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Dive in St. Thomas & St. John

The warmest water temperatures in St. Thomas & St. John occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 25.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in St. Thomas & St. John

Nearest Dive Centres to CARIDAD

Marine Life in St. Thomas & St. John

Home to 488 recorded species including 390 reef fish, 39 hard corals, 14 sharks & rays, 11 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CARIDAD

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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