On approaching St. Kitts by plane you will see mountains bobbing their heads against a cloud-cloaked background and verdant landscape welcoming you to this tropical island. If you are arriving by cruise, then the sensation will not be any less as you become enthralled with the neon-blue water decorated with hundreds of corals. This Leeward Island has been noted for its quiet atmosphere, historic plantations, ruins and rich history. It is also a popular option among divers that are looking to explore waters that very few have ventured out to challenge. Whether you are looking to hike Mt. Liamuiga, dine in one of its plantation houses or embrace the challenge to see the River Taw shipwreck, St.Kitts & Nevis has something for everyone. This article will present the most popular shipwreck sites that both inexperienced and experienced divers should grab the opportunity to see.
The MV Talata Shipwreck
The sailing days of this freighter ended in 1983 when hurricane forces were too much to bare. It is located to the southwest of Basseterre Bay and despite the terrible end it suffered most of the structure is still intact making it a real reward for anyone that dives to see it. The Basseterre Bay experiences low visibility from time to time, so first time divers to the site may be welcomed with a ghostly appearance that slowly becomes clearer once they are nearer.
The wreck sits upright and can be found in approximately 18m of water. It lies comfortably on a reef and the vibrant marine life that bounces from one end to the next highlights its importance to the diverse marine life below. There is a lot to see at the MV Talata with its numerous hatches that invite experienced divers to see its ancient structure. Everything on the ship has been covered with sea life making it a great option for those that are interested in getting some beautiful shots of its rich underwater world.
The River Taw Wreck
This is one of the most popular shipwreck sites and anyone that visits St. Kitts for diving will tell you that they have seen it. This 144ft freighter is 70ft long and lies in roughly 50ft of water. It is located outside of Frigate Bay and laid upright when it sank in 1981 until it was broken in two by the strong currents that were caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It can be seen by both experienced and novice divers. There are several compartments that can be seen and a whole variety of sea life awaits the adventurous traveler. You can also see beautiful marine species at night and capture captivating pictures of the many sea creatures that have made this big wreck their home and leisure spot.
Corals of all sizes and shapes decorate the ship along with sponges reaching out with a welcoming call to the stranger below. Spanish hogfish, trumpet fish, lobsters and octopuses are just some of the sea creatures that can be found swimming near to the River Taw wreck. There are also wrasses that have woven themselves nicely around the deck adding more life and color to the whole scene. You will also see a large bulldozer and old Dodge van that have been intentionally sunk near to the anchor chain to make the whole underwater experience even more thrilling.
Wreck of the Corinthian
The Corinthian is an old tug boat that was sunk in 1995 and is the perfect spot for those that want to see beautiful reefs and a lovely dive spot all in one. It is located in 70 ft of water and it can be seen by both experienced and inexperienced divers. It is possible to feed fish at this wreck site and like the other wreck sites that are present in St. Kitts; it too has a wide selection of marine life that burst life into the underwater world. It will be possible to see black coral, mackerel, parrot fish, flounders and stone fish at this dive site. Most of the tug is still intact making it a wonderful site to see.
Wreck of the Christiana
This wreck has a sad history attached to it and marked the lives of hundreds of Nevisians since it went down in 1970. More than 233 people lost their lives and 90 people were snatched from the jaws of death. Given the profound impact, this site is referred to as a death site and divers are asked to show great respect when they are conducting their diving activities around the wreck of the Christiana.