Dive Site: Willaurie Wreck

About Willaurie Wreck

The Willaurie Wreck, located in the southwestern waters of New Providence, Nassau, Bahamas, is a prominent dive site with a fascinating history. This 130-foot inter-island mail and freight boat initially sank in 1988 after breaking free during a storm and later, after an attempt to refloat it, settled permanently on its keel. The wreck is renowned for its incredible coral growth, particularly on a cage structure on its deck, where soft corals have formed a dense and colorful display. The stern's prop area further dazzles with a vibrant kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, purples, and greens, making it a must-see feature for divers exploring the site. Beyond the main wreck, off its starboard side, lie the scattered remnants of a Haitian sloop that sank years ago. Although largely disintegrated, these fragments add another layer of interest to the dive, offering additional areas to explore. Divers can search around engine blocks for inhabitants like the spotted drum, which has made its home there. The Willaurie's structure has maintained its integrity over time, providing a safe and engaging environment for various marine life to flourish, including colorful coral species and small reef creatures. Positioned a safe distance from the formidable Tongue of the Ocean drop-off, the Willaurie Wreck is accessible to a wide range of divers. Its historical significance, combined with its thriving ecosystem, has earned it appearances in films, television, and numerous dive publications. The site offers a consistently good dive experience for both beginners and advanced divers, with calm conditions generally prevailing due to its protected location.

Dive site facts: Willaurie Wreck

Depth

Approximately 18–25 m

Typical dive

18–25 m, 35–45 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

24–30 m

Water temperature

22–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, reef, photography

Night dive

Possible, conditions permitting

Region / port

New Providence, Nassau

Coordinates

24.995, -77.49

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Willaurie Wreck are generally manageable, reflecting the typical conditions around New Providence where strong currents are not the norm. However, local tidal changes and proximity to the Tongue-Of-The-Ocean can occasionally introduce mild to moderate flows. Visibility is consistently excellent, often reaching 24-30 meters, largely due to the deep oceanic trench nearby which quickly sweeps away stirred-up sediments after any stormy weather. Divers should be prepared for potential gentle drift, making controlled entry and exit techniques advisable. The clarity ensures clear sightlines for navigation and marine life spotting, contributing to a relaxed dive profile.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green sea turtle

occasional

Grunt

common

Goatfish

common

Blackbar soldierfish

occasional

Grey reef shark

occasional

Reef shark

occasional

Eel

occasional

Tropical fish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Willaurie Wreck typically begins with a descent directly onto the wreck from a dive boat. The wreck rests on a sand bottom, allowing for easy navigation around its structure. Divers usually explore the exterior first, observing the coral growth and marine life that have colonized the vessel. A common route involves circling the main deck and superstructure, paying close attention to schools of grunts and other tropical fish seeking shelter. The depth of approximately 18-25 meters provides ample time for exploration before gradually ascending. The dive often concludes with a slow, controlled ascent along the wreck, completing a safety stop before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The Willaurie Wreck offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle and macro photography due to its clear waters and diverse inhabitants. For capturing the full scale of the wreck, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider bringing external strobes to illuminate the wreck's interior and bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish. For macro subjects like nudibranchs or small crustaceans hiding within the wreck, a macro lens will be beneficial. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid stirring up sediment and to protect the delicate marine growth on the wreck. Be mindful of your fin kicks and approach marine life slowly to capture natural behavior.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Runway Wall

  Runway Wall, located off New Providence (Nassau), offers an exceptional dive experience, featuring a dramatic drop-off that begins at 12…

• The Vulcan Bomber

  The Vulcan Bomber, a fiberglass mock-up used in the James Bond film "Thunderball," offers a unique and accessible dive experience off New…

• Tears of Allah

  A wreck used in a James Bond film.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Willaurie Wreck typically involves flying into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, New Providence. Most dive operators in Nassau, such as Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas, offer trips to this site. Liveaboards operating in the Bahamas may also include this wreck in their itineraries, often departing from Nassau or Freeport. Trip durations vary, with many liveaboard options ranging from 7 to 10 nights, often combining wreck dives with shark encounters, blue holes, and reef exploration. Marine and port fees are typically payable onboard liveaboards, ranging from 140-190 USD per person for 7-10 night trips.

Safety & environment

Diving at the Willaurie Wreck requires adherence to standard safety protocols. It is mandatory for all divers to have insurance covering scuba diving activities, including emergency evacuation and recompression chamber costs. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau, New Providence, ensuring prompt medical attention if required. While currents are generally mild, divers should be aware of changing conditions and communicate any concerns to their dive guide. All divers should maintain proper buoyancy to avoid contact with the wreck and its marine life, preventing damage and potential injuries from sharp edges or fire coral. Dive briefings, conducted in English, will outline specific site hazards and emergency procedures. Ensure you have the appropriate certification level for wreck diving, as Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for optimal enjoyment of Bahamas dives.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Willaurie Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Willaurie Wreck

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

All Star Blackbeards Morning Star

Bahamas

24 guests19.81 m

$156/day

Bahamas Aggressor II

Bahamas

20 guests33.5 m

$328/day

Blue Marlin

Bahamas

26 guests42 m

$318/day

All Star Aqua Cat

Bahamas

30 guests31.09 m

$312/day

All Star Cat Ppalu

Bahamas

12 guests20 m

$237/day