St. Anthony (Wreck) - Hawaii

Tyrrel Bay gives us two wrecks for the price of one, which we always appreciate. The main event is a 30-meter ex-coastguard cutter, sunk in 2018. It’s a good one for the wreck speciality, with engines and doors cleared, making penetration relatively straightforward if you’re certified. We love drifting through the open spaces inside, seeing the glassy sweepers hover in the shadowy corners. The wreck has taken on a life of its own surprisingly fast – sponges and soft corals are already gaining a foothold, and there’s usually a large barracuda keeping an eye on things from the bow. Just behind it, you’ll find the remains of a concrete Cuban fishing boat, much older and completely smothered in corals. It’s a riot of colour, a stark contrast to the newer wreck, and home to parrotfish grazing on the growth, along with blennies tucked into every crevice. We’ve spotted hogfish nosing around the debris, too. It’s not a deep dive, maxing out around 21 meters, making for comfortable bottom times and plenty of light even inside the cutter. Visibility averages a decent 16 meters, often better on a calm morning. It’s our pick for divers looking to combine a bit of history with burgeoning reef life, offering just enough challenge for those new to wreck diving without feeling overwhelming.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.726500, -156.485500
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Island

Best Time to Dive in Hawaii

The warmest water temperatures in Hawaii occur in September, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 25.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.2°C
  • February: 25.7°C
  • March: 25.6°C
  • April: 26.0°C
  • May: 26.8°C
  • June: 27.6°C
  • July: 27.9°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 28.6°C
  • November: 27.9°C
  • December: 27.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hawaii

Nearest Dive Centres to St. Anthony (Wreck)

Marine Life in Hawaii

Home to 23 recorded species including 17 reef fish, 3 other, 2 sharks & rays, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for St. Anthony (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 27.2°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the St. Anthony Wreck in Maui?
The St. Anthony Wreck offers diving opportunities down to a maximum depth of 21 meters. This depth makes it accessible for many certified divers. As a wreck dive, the structure itself provides various depths to explore within this range.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the St. Anthony Wreck dive site?
At the St. Anthony Wreck, divers can explore a 65-foot long wreck with a cargo area suitable for swimming through. The wreck itself is home to several turtles and frogfish. Just off the wreck, a small tire reef attracts a variety of fish including Butterflyfish, Trumpet fish, Oval Chromis, and an occasional white tip in the sand, offering excellent marine life viewing opportunities.
How difficult is the St. Anthony Wreck dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The St. Anthony Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it is not typically suitable for absolute beginners or divers without some prior experience. Divers should possess the necessary skills and comfort level for wreck diving and the maximum depth of 21 meters.
What is considered the best time of year to dive the St. Anthony Wreck in Maui for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, there is no specific information regarding the best time of year to dive the St. Anthony Wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in Hawaii, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the St. Anthony Wreck?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended for the St. Anthony Wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 21 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended for such dives. Always check with your local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at the St. Anthony Wreck dive site?
Divers at the St. Anthony Wreck can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 22 meters. The provided data does not include specific information about the usual current conditions at this dive site.