Nova Scotia, Canada
    DUC Fee Simple Lands

    Costa Rican Trader Shipwreck

    Best months: Aug–Oct

    Protected Area

    DUC Fee Simple Lands

    Why dive here

    With 77+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and jellyfish lake - Costa Rican Trader Shipwreck offers some of Nova Scotia's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 1-17°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeAug–Oct
    WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Jellyfish Lake · 77+ species recorded
    Water1-17°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Costa Rican Trader wreck is a standout in Nova Scotia, a proper ship that’s become a cold-water reef. We love this site for its sheer presence, sitting upright and mostly intact on the seabed. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the murky surface, giving the whole wreck an eerie, blue-green glow. It’s got that classic wreck vibe – steel plates draped in green algae, the occasional porthole staring out like a blind eye. You can spend a good chunk of a dive finning along the decks, peeking into cargo holds, and imagining the ship's last moments. Look for the wolf eels tucked into crevices, their broad heads and toothy grins a welcome surprise, and the schools of pollock that swirl through the superstructure. For wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of history and a lively ecosystem, it’s a solid pick. We’d suggest going on a calm day; the surface chop can make the entry a bit challenging.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today06:2417:4011h 17m daylightGolden hour 17:01

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Costa Rican Trader Shipwreck

    Costa Rican Trader Shipwreck Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Costa Rican Trader Shipwreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (44.6, -63.5) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    15°C

    58°F · Range: 8.7–17.2°C

    Current Speed

    1 cm/s

    Direction: N (0°)

    Salinity

    30.56 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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