There’s something magical — and a little haunting — about descending through the blue and watching the shadow of a shipwreck appear beneath you. Rusted hulls, coral-encrusted decks, and schools of curious fish turning history into habitat — wreck diving is the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and marine beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned wreck diver or dreaming of your first descent into history, here are the ultimate bucket list destinations for wreck loversaround the world
1. Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia — The “Ghost Fleet” of Truk Lagoon
If you’re serious about wreck diving, Chuuk Lagoon (formerly Truk Lagoon) is the Holy Grail. During World War II, this lagoon was Japan’s main Pacific naval base — until Operation Hailstone in 1944 sank over 60 ships and 250 aircraft.
Today, those wrecks rest in crystal-clear, warm waters between 30–130 feet deep, covered in corals and swarming with marine life. You’ll find tanks, trucks, sake bottles, even porcelain dishes still sitting on dining tables — eerie snapshots of history frozen in time.
Top Dive: Fujikawa Maru— a massive freighter with accessible engine rooms and coral-covered guns.
2. SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt
The SS Thistlegorm is one of the world’s most photographed wrecks — and for good reason. Sunk in 1941 after a German air raid, this British supply ship now lies at about 100 feet, perfectly preserved beneath the Red Sea.
Inside, divers can still see motorbikes, trucks, rifles, and even rubber boots, all neatly arranged as if waiting for delivery. The wreck teems with glass-fish, lionfish, and the occasional giant moray eel.
Why Go: Accessible from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, this site combines rich history with incredible marine life — and is ideal for advanced open-water divers.
3. Coron Bay, Philippines
Coron Bay is a wreck diver’s paradise — with 10+ Japanese WWII shipwrecks scattered across stunning turquoise water. Each wreck is massive, easily explored, and surrounded by limestone cliffs straight out of a postcard.
Some of the wrecks are shallow enough for recreational divers, while others drop deeper for tech divers seeking penetration dives. The Akitsushima, a warship with its crane still intact, is a must-see.
Bonus: You can pair your wreck dives with freshwater snorkelling in the surreal Barracuda and Kayangan Lakes nearby.
4. SS Yongala, Queensland, Australia
Often called Australia’s best dive site, the SS Yongala sank in 1911 during a cyclone and lay undiscovered for decades. Today, it’s an underwater reef system of its own, home to massive groupers, sea snakes, eagle rays, and even the occasional bull shark.
At 360 feet long, the Yongala is one of the most intact wrecks in the world. Though entry inside is not allowed for safety reasons, swimming alongside it feels like exploring an ancient underwater cathedral.
Best Time to Dive: March to June offers the calmest seas and best visibility.
5. Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, Scotland
For cold-water wreck enthusiasts, Scapa Flow is a legend. This natural harbour was the site of the 1919 scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet, when 52 ships were deliberately sunk at the end of WWI.
The wrecks — mostly battleships and cruisers — now rest at depths between 45 and 130 feet. Expect colder waters, limited visibility, and tons of history. Scapa Flow is a diver’s classroom in naval engineering and marine archaeology.
Pro Tip: Dry suit certification is a must — but the experience is unforgettable.
6. Bali & Tulamben, Indonesia — The USAT Liberty
For an easier, tropical wreck dive, head to Tulamben, on Bali’s northeast coast. The USAT Liberty, a WWII cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, sits just 25 meters from the shore — making it one of the world’s best shore-accessible wrecks.
Soft corals blanket the hull, and schools of jackfish swirl around you. With depths ranging from 15 to 100 feet, it’s suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Best For: Underwater photographers and anyone who loves relaxed tropical dives.
7. Vanuatu — SS President Coolidge
Once a luxury ocean liner, later a troop transport ship, the SS President Coolidge in Vanuatu is one of the largest and most intact wrecks you can explore.
It lies between 70 and 230 feet deep, meaning even recreational divers can access the upper decks, while advanced divers can explore deep rooms, including the famous “Lady” statue and the ship’s chandeliers.
Why It’s Special: You can swim through entire hallways, cargo holds, and even the ship’s bow — it’s a full underwater museum.
8. Bermuda — The “Wreck Capital of the Atlantic”
Bermuda is home to over 300 shipwrecks, ranging from 17th-century sailing ships to 20th-century freighters. Its tricky reefs have claimed vessels for centuries — now they’re treasure troves for divers.
The Mary Celestia (a Civil War blockade runner) and Cristóbal Colón (a luxury liner) are two must-dives, both in warm, turquoise water.
Bonus: Visibility can reach 100 feet, making Bermuda a wreck diver’s dream — with rum and pink beaches waiting topside.
Final Thoughts
Each wreck tells a story — of war, weather, exploration, and time. For wreck lovers, these underwater relics aren’t just sites to tick off a list — they’re living, breathing ecosystems and reminders of humanity’s connection to the sea.
Whether you’re exploring the war relics of Chuuk Lagoon or drifting over the coral-coated decks of the Thistlegorm, every dive is a journey through history — and an adventure you’ll never forget.