Deep Dive: Top 5 Most Historical Sites

Looking to make your next dive legendary? We recommend diving down on an underwater time capsule. There are plenty of historical dive sites to visit, but after years of diving, we have a few favorites…

KITTIWAKE SHIPWRECK — CAYMAN ISLANDS

The USS Kittiwake is one of the best-known dives in the Caribean. Just off of the Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, it’s shallow depths make it a popular site among scuba divers and snorkelers alike. The USS Kittiwake was a WWII ship that was decommissioned in 1994. This ship once accompanied submarines during sea trials to monitor operations and practice rescue procedures. So how did the USS Kittiwake become a shipwreck in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands decided to add a world-class wreck to its already amazing dive waters. They reached out to the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) , which looks after decommissioned ships. MARAD donates derelict vessels to be used as artificial reefs. As a ship that served divers since the 90’s, the Kittiwake was the perfect ship for the plunge. Now divers say that the ship’s mess hall and massive propellers are truly sites to see.

UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PARK — BAIA, ITALY

Add a new dimension to your Italian adventure by diving down to the Underwater Archaeology Park in Baia, Italy. Due to the eruption of the Vesuvius Volcano (remember, the one that brought Pompeii to ashes), a seismic shift bought Baia underwater. Formerly a popular resort among the ancient Romans, Baia now brings us 5 main scuba diving sites: Portus Julius, Secca delle famous, Ninfeo di Claudio, and Villa a Protiro. You can take a guided tour to see black-and-white mosaic floors, statues, and frescoes.

SHIPWRECK TRAIL — FLORIDA KEYS

Within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary lies a trail of nine historic shipwrecks, scattered along the coast and shallow shores. Similar to the USS Kittiwake, some of these shipwrecks (like the Duane) were intentionally sunk to act as artificial reefs, while others (like the Benwood) may have met their fate in a storm or collision. These sites are fragile, making this dive best for those who have mastered buoyancy control.

S.S. YONGALA WRECK — AUSTRALIA

In 1911 (just one year before the Titanic sank), the Steam Ship Yongala was hit by a massive cyclone. This 357-foot luxury passenger ship sank in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, making it one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Australia. Over 100 years later, the S.S. Yongala now lives in harmony with its underwater environment.

Just 50 miles from Townsville, this site is easily accessible and packed with an aura of mystery. Divers can enjoy seeing Queensland groupers, Maori wrasse, sea snakes, barracudas, and more.

JAKE SEAPLANE — PALAU

Used by the Japaneese in WWII, Jake Seaplanes is a 320-foot long place that now sits on the ocean floor at the northern tip of Arakabesan Island. While no one knows for sure how it sank to the bottom, the tail section and right pontoon were ripped off before it’s plunge into the ocean. Despite those missing features, the plane is largely intact. Divers will be able to see a radio in the cockpit and both wings. This dive spot is best known for night dives and underwater photographers.