Carlisle Bay Marine Park serves as a silent witness to the maritime evolution of Barbados. While the surface remains a hub of activity for the Bridgetown Cruise Port, the seabed holds a collection of six distinct vessels that have transitioned from functional machinery to thriving biological hubs. This is not merely a diving destination; it is an underwater museum where the passage of time is measured by the growth of brain coral and the accumulation of rusted iron. Unlike many Caribbean dive sites that require lengthy boat transits, this “Sunken Fleet” is remarkably accessible, with several wrecks sitting within a 200-metre swim from the shoreline of the Carlisle Bay Marine Park Overview.
“It is a democratisation of diving where snorkelers and SCUBA enthusiasts share the same space, floating over time capsules that tell the story of Barbados’ maritime past.”
Because the wrecks are clustered together, the experience mimics a curated gallery crawl. You can drift from a World War II landing craft in the shallows to a massive freighter-turned-reef in a single session. Whether you are peering through a porthole or watching schools of Blue Tang dart through a spiral staircase, there is a constant sense of discovery. Before heading out, it is advisable to consult our Visitor Services & Facility Planning guide to secure the necessary equipment for these varying depths.
Category 1: The Shallow Icons (Best for Snorkelers)
The gateway to the park’s history begins in the shallows. These sites are easily accessible from the shore, making them ideal for those testing their fins for the first time or families exploring the bay’s Marine Life & Sea Turtle Encounters. Visibility in this zone often exceeds 20 metres, providing a clear window into the past.
The Berwyn: The “Mutiny” Tug
Resting in just 6 metres (20 feet) of water, the Berwyn is arguably the most famous wreck in the harbour. This 70-foot iron tugboat was scuttled in 1919. Local historical records suggest the French crew intentionally sank the vessel; they had reportedly grown fond of Barbadian rum and the island’s lifestyle, refusing the captain’s orders to return to a post-war Europe still reeling from the Great War. Because it has been submerged for over a century, the Berwyn is the most heavily encrusted wreck in the bay. Its hull is a “spaghetti junction” of internal swim-throughs for small schools of French Grunts. Macro-photographers frequently visit this site to locate lined seahorses camouflaged against the yellow tube sponges.
The WWII Naval Barge
Slightly further out but still in shallow territory (approx. 4 metres deep), this authentic naval landing craft offers a flat, open structure. It provides an excellent case study in how man-made metal becomes a reef. Because it lacks the high walls of a freighter, it is particularly safe for beginner snorkelers who might feel intimidated by darker, enclosed silhouettes.
- Pro Tip: Visit before 09:30 for the clearest visibility before the sand is stirred by the midday Beach Clubs & Aquatic Experiences.
Category 2: Mid-Depth Marvels (The History Buff’s Territory)
As the seabed drops away to between 4 and 12 metres, the wrecks become larger and their structural integrity more complex. This area is the primary playground for free-divers and those enrolled in introductory SCUBA courses through local Aquatic Experiences.
The Bajan Queen: The “Party Boat” Palace
Originally named the Pelican, this 120-foot vessel was the island’s first tugboat, used during the 1960s construction of the Bridgetown Deep Water Harbour. After decades of service, it was converted into a famous “booze cruise” nightclub. It was eventually scuttled on 19 May 2002 to create an artificial reef. It remains the largest wreck in the park. Divers can explore the bridge, the engine room containing two massive diesel engines, and a remarkably preserved spiral staircase. While the bottom rests at 12 metres, the top deck sits just 3 metres below the surface, making it accessible to anyone with a mask and snorkel.
The Ce-Trek: The Concrete Boat
The Ce-Trek is a unique 45-foot derelict vessel constructed from ferro-cement (concrete) rather than the standard iron or wood. Sunk in January 1986, it sits at a depth of 12 metres (40 feet). Its rough concrete surface has proven to be an exceptional substrate for coral attachment. Today, it functions as a high-rise apartment for Hawksbill sea turtles and large Parrotfish that scrape algae from its hull. The structural density of the Ce-Trek provides a stark visual contrast to the iron-framed ships nearby.
Category 3: The Deep Descent (Advanced Exploration)
For those looking to explore the outer edges of the park at depths of 10 to 17 metres (33-55 feet), the vessels here are better preserved due to their distance from the high-traffic shallows. Proper buoyancy control is essential here to protect the delicate corals growing on these relics.
The Eilon: The Drug Runner
The Eilon carries a darker history as a 110-foot Colombian freighter seized by the Barbados Coast Guard in the early 1990s. The vessel was found “stuffed to the gills” with contraband. After sitting tied up at the Bridgetown Careenage for six years, it was scuttled on 8 June 1996. It now sits at an angle at a maximum depth of 17 metres. A notable feature is a famous air pocket in the bow at a depth of 7.5 metres; while the air is unsafe to breathe, it is a popular spot for divers to surface internally for a photo opportunity. The Eilon is highly penetrable, allowing certified divers to navigate its interior from one end to the other.
The Cornwallis: The WWII Survivor
The Cornwallis is a significant piece of World War II history. Originally a Canadian freighter, it was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-514 on 11 September 1942 while positioned behind the harbour’s anti-torpedo nets. Though it survived the initial attack and was repaired, it was later sunk by U-1230 off the coast of Maine in 1944. The section located in Carlisle Bay is a massive piece of the hull and bulkhead that was relocated to the park on 22 October 2003. It sits in relatively shallow water (approx. 5 metres), providing a tangible connection to the global conflict that once reached Barbadian shores.
- Safety Note: Boat traffic in the bay can be significant. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) if you are swimming to these outer wrecks without a tour operator. Refer to our Tourist Safety Guide for more on local maritime regulations.
Quick Reference: Wreck Depth & Specifications
Use the following table to plan your dive or snorkel route based on your comfort level and certification. Remember that depths can fluctuate slightly with the Caribbean tide.
| Wreck Name | Type | Max Depth | Sunk Date | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cornwallis | WWII Hull Section | 5 Metres | 2003 (Relocated) | Beginner |
| The Berwyn | Iron Tugboat | 6 Metres | 1919 | Beginner |
| WWII Barge | Landing Craft | 4 Metres | Unknown | Beginner |
| Bajan Queen | Tugboat / Club | 12 Metres | 2002 | Intermediate |
| Ce-Trek | Cement Boat | 14 Metres | 1986 | Intermediate |
| The Eilon | Freighter | 17 Metres | 1996 | Advanced |
Practical Advice for Underwater Exploration
Exploring the sunken fleet requires a blend of curiosity and caution. The bay’s ecosystem is fragile, and the wrecks themselves are historic artefacts that must be treated with respect. For details on local food and drink after your dive, visit our Dining & Beach Bars section.
- No Touch Policy: Do not touch or stand on the wrecks. The rusted metal is structurally compromised in many areas and the corals growing on them are living organisms that can be killed by human contact.
- Navigation: Most wrecks are marked by surface buoys. If you are swimming from the shore, head toward the cluster of dive boats anchored in the centre of the bay. Use the transport guide to find the best entry points from the beach.
- Gear Maintenance: Ensure you use reef-safe sunscreen. Traditional sunscreens contain oxybenzone which is toxic to the very corals you are coming to see. You can find these at most shops listed in our Visitor Services guide.
- Local Tipping: If you join a guided tour, it is standard practice to tip your dive master or boat captain. Consult our Guide to Bajan Currency for typical rates.
“The Bajan Queen still holds its original porcelain in the washrooms—a haunting reminder of its days as a floating nightclub.”
Experience the Shipwrecks
To truly appreciate the scale and history of these vessels, many visitors opt for a guided boat tour. These excursions often provide historical narration that you won’t get while swimming solo. Below are the most highly-rated experiences for exploring the sunken fleet.
Barbados Catamaran Snorkeling Turtle and Shipwrecks tour
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 10 times this week
Barbados Snorkeling and Sailing Adventure for Small Groups
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 11 times this week
Che’s snorkel cruise! turtles & shipwrecks (semi private)
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 12 times this week
Barbados Sunset and Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 13 times this week
Barbados Harrison’s Cave Tram Tour and Boat Cruise Snorkel Adventure
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Likely to sell out soon!
Private Half-Day Barbados Excursion
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 15 times this week
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim to the shipwrecks from the beach?
Yes, the closest wrecks, such as the Berwyn and the Naval Landing Barge, are located approximately 150 to 200 metres from the shore. However, you must be a strong swimmer and should always use a brightly coloured swim buoy to ensure you are visible to the high volume of boat traffic in Carlisle Bay.
Do I need a SCUBA certification to see the wrecks?
A certification is not required for most of the fleet as the Berwyn, Bajan Queen, and Cornwallis are all visible from the surface with a mask and snorkel. Only the deeper wrecks like the Eilon require a PADI Open Water certification or higher for safe exploration.
What is the best time of day for snorkeling?
The best time is typically between 07:00 and 09:30. During these early hours, the sea is generally at its calmest and the commercial tour boats have not yet arrived, which results in better visibility and a more peaceful experience with the resident sea turtles.
Are there sharks in the Carlisle Bay Marine Park?
While sharks are present in the deeper Atlantic waters around Barbados, they are extremely rare within the protected, shallow waters of Carlisle Bay. You are far more likely to encounter Hawksbill turtles, rays, and thousands of tropical reef fish like Sergeant Majors and Blue Tangs.
Is it safe to go inside the shipwrecks?
Penetrating a wreck is inherently dangerous due to overhead environments, sharp rusted metal, and silt that can easily ruin visibility. Only certified divers with proper wreck-diving training should attempt to enter the hulls of the Bajan Queen or the Eilon to avoid entrapment or injury.