Dive Site: Carib Ghost

About Carib Ghost

The Carib Ghost, also known as Carib Cargo or RORO, is a prominent wreck dive site in St. Maarten, situated off Philipsburg. This inter-island freighter, originally damaged by Hurricane Luis in 1995, became a "ghost" after Hurricane Bertha swept it from its moorings in 1996, eventually being rediscovered upright on the sandy bottom. Unlike many purpose-sunk wrecks, it was not stripped or prepared, offering a rugged and authentic shipwreck experience. The wreck rests on a sandy patch at a depth of 18 to 20 meters, with depths reaching 26 meters in some accounts, making it accessible for open water divers while still offering aspects for advanced wreck certification. Its location in an open sandy area acts as a magnet for a diverse array of marine life. Visibility is generally excellent, enhancing the exploration of its structure and the surrounding ecosystem. Divers regularly encounter large schools of trevally, French grunts, and yellow snapper, often forming dense clouds above the deck. The sandy flats around the wreck are patrolled by Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks, while hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles are common sights. Moray eels and spiny lobsters find refuge within the wreck's crevices. The site falls within the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, ensuring the preservation of its rich biodiversity. The Carib Ghost is well-suited for morning dives when sunlight directly illuminates the wreck, optimizing visibility and photographic conditions. While external exploration is open to all certified divers, specific interior sections, such as the wheelhouse, are accessible for those with wreck diving specialties, though some unstable areas have been closed off for safety.

Dive site facts: Carib Ghost

Depth

18–26 m

Typical dive

18–20 m, 43–60 min

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

12–30 m

Water temperature

25–29°C

Entry

Boat / Shore entry

Level

Open Water, Wreck Diver for penetration

Dive type

Wreck, Artificial reef, Photography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Coordinates

18.0020° N, 63.0620° W

Conditions & Currents

Dive conditions at Carib Ghost are typically characterized by mild to no current, making it a comfortable site for divers of varying skill levels. The relatively calm seas and absence of strong currents allow for relaxed exploration of the wreck, facilitating detailed observation and photography. Visibility is generally excellent, often ranging from 12 to 30 meters, though it can occasionally be influenced by Atlantic swells. Divers should note that surface chop can occur, particularly during stronger trade winds in winter months. The clear water and minimal current make Carib Ghost an ideal spot for detailed wreck exploration without significant drift or strenuous swimming.

Marine life & sighting chances

Trevally

common

French Grunt

common

Yellow Snapper

common

Southern Stingray

common

Caribbean Reef Shark

common

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Green Sea Turtle

common

Great Barracuda

common

Moray Eel

common

Spiny Lobster

common

Nurse Shark

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Dolphin

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Carib Ghost begins with a descent to the sandy bottom, where the wreck rests upright at approximately 18 to 20 meters, though depths can reach 26 meters. Divers can access the site from a boat or, where conditions allow, through a shore entry. The initial phase involves circumnavigating the exterior of the wreck, observing the structure and the prolific schooling fish that gather around it. As you explore, look for various open sections suitable for careful inspection. For divers with wreck diving certifications, selective penetration into accessible internal areas, such as the ship’s head (bathroom) or the wheelhouse, is possible, although unstable sections at the stern are now restricted for safety. The dive typically progresses along the 60-meter length of the vessel, allowing for close encounters with moray eels and spiny lobsters hiding within the wreckage. A gradual ascent is recommended, culminating in a safety stop at 5 meters in the clear, often current-free waters before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The Carib Ghost offers exceptional opportunities for underwater photography, particularly for capturing the grandeur of the wreck itself. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the entire vessel or significant sections, especially when schooling fish like trevally or snapper create impressive formations above the deck. The clear water and the wreck’s upright position provide excellent visibility for dramatic shots. For macro enthusiasts, exploring the nooks and crannies of the wreck can reveal moray eels, lobsters, and various critters. External strobes are beneficial for color rendition and enhancing details in the deeper sections. Pay attention to buoyancy, especially when venturing near or into the wreck, to avoid disturbing silt and impacting visibility for both you and your fellow photographers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• HMS Proselyte

  A popular, shallower wreck dive nearby, covered in corals.

• Charlie's Shoal

  A seldom-dived fringing reef with calm waters, suitable for open water divers.

• Fish Bowl

  A circular reef within Man of War Shoal Marine Park, known for abundant fish life and a swim-through.

• Fuh Sheng

  A deeper wreck dive of a Taiwanese fishing vessel, suitable for advanced divers.

• Gregory

  A transport barge resting upside down on a sandy bottom, popular for barracudas and turtles.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Carib Ghost is predominantly shore-based or accessed via local dive operators from Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The island is served by Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which offers direct flights from various international hubs. Dive trips to Carib Ghost are typically combined into multi-dive packages or day trips, often as a second dive due to its accessible depth. Most dive centers provide equipment rental for those not traveling with their own gear. As the wreck lies within the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, a marine park fee, typically around $3, may apply, which supports conservation efforts. While liveaboards like Caribbean Explorer II operate in the region, diving St. Maarten sites like Carib Ghost is primarily resort-based.

Safety & environment

For diving the Carib Ghost, divers should ensure they possess a valid certification card and are in good health. The nearest recompression chamber is approximately 10 km away. Divers are advised to carry dive insurance, such as DAN, which can assist with evacuation and medical expenses in case of an emergency. Site-specific hazards include unstable sections of the wreck, particularly at the stern and within the wheelhouse, which have been closed off due to structural integrity concerns; adherence to dive guide instructions regarding restricted areas is paramount. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing silt, which can reduce visibility and obscure exit points, especially during any wreck penetration. Always plan your dive, dive your plan, and be aware of your gas consumption, as the maximum depth can approach 26 meters.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Carib Ghost FAQ

Liveaboards diving Carib Ghost

These liveaboards may visit Carib Ghost on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Caribbean Explorer II

St. Maarten

18 guests

$162/day