This dive site, known as the Shallow Wrecks at Butler Bay, is a captivating underwater playground featuring four distinct wrecks: the Suffolk Maid trawler, the Virgin Islander oil barge, the North Wind tugboat, and the unique Aegir Habitat cylinder. These vessels rest on a sandy bottom, with depths reaching up to 21 meters, though the individual wrecks span a range of 15-27 meters. Two convenient mooring lines are available, one on the North Wind tug and another on the Suffolk Maid trawler, simplifying access and navigation. The site's exceptional appeal was recognized when it was voted USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice 2019 Best Caribbean Dive Site.
The wrecks serve as vibrant artificial reefs, adorned with beautiful sponges and diverse coral growth, providing a thriving ecosystem for marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various reef fish, and keep an eye out for larger pelagics such as sharks, sea turtles, and graceful stingrays. Conch are also commonly observed making their homes around the wrecks.
As a beginner-to-intermediate friendly site with relatively shallow depths, it is suitable for both scuba divers and freedivers. Snorkeling is also possible, particularly over the shallower portions of the site. The best time to visit the Caribbean for diving is generally year-round, with the drier, calmer months from November to May often preferred for optimal conditions. This site offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle photography of the wrecks and macro photography of the abundant small life thriving on them.
