Arabia (Wreck)

Why dive here

Arabia (Wreck) lies in a species-rich stretch of Québec, with 44+ marine species recorded in the area.

Marine life44+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 34m

The Arabia wreck in the St. Lawrence River isn't your typical coral-encrusted tropical dive, and that's precisely why we love it. This isn't a bright, colourful spectacle, but a deep dive into history, a genuinely atmospheric experience. Dropping down to 34 metres, the cold embrace of the freshwater wraps around you, and the sheer scale of the Arabia starts to emerge from the gloom. She’s a paddle wheeler that sank in 1884, and the low visibility often found here only adds to the sense of discovery. You fin along her massive hull, the timbers dark and imposing. We always get a thrill out of seeing the paddle wheels, still largely intact, a testament to a bygone era. Look closely and you'll spot freshwater inhabitants: golden shiners darting through gaps, yellow perch peering from behind broken bulkheads, and occasionally a pike, a silent hunter perfectly camouflaged against the aged wood. Our favourite moments are lingering around the stern, imagining the life she once carried. This is a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and the unique challenges of cold, deep freshwater wreck diving. It’s a compelling peek into Canada's past, softened and colonised by the present.

Typical Arabia (Wreck) Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Deep dive (34m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

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

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

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Arabia (Wreck) Wreck History

Year Sunk

1884

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

storm

Tonnage

437 tons

The Arabia was a 131-foot, three-masted barque built in 1853 to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. For over 30 years, she reliably carried goods like corn and wheat between bustling port cities. Her final voyage began in the autumn of 1884, when she departed Chicago with a heavy load of corn bound for Midland, Ontario. On the journey across Lake Huron, a powerful storm descended, and the heavily laden ship began taking on water. Despite the crew's frantic efforts at the pumps, the Arabia was overwhelmed by the waves and sank off Echo Island on October 5, 1884.

Today, the Arabia is considered one of the most spectacular and well-preserved shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. She rests perfectly upright in 34 meters (110 feet) of cold, clear water within the Fathom Five National Marine Park near Tobermory. The frigid freshwater has preserved her wooden hull and many features in astonishing detail. Divers can glide past her towering bowsprit, see deadeyes still attached to the railings, and marvel at the ship's wheel and anchors, all in place as if she had just sunk. Due to the depth and temperature, this is an advanced dive, but it offers an unforgettable window into 19th-century maritime life.