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Top 10 Best Wreck Diving Destinations
Andy Update December 21, 2024
Table of Contents
Wreck Diving 2025 - Iconic wrecks for Divers & Photographers
The world is filled with countless “best” wrecks, and most lists of top wreck dives tend to overlap. That’s why we’ve curated our own selection of favorites—dives that are breathtaking, wrecks that are legendary, and underwater photography opportunities that are truly exceptional.
Wreck diving offers a thrilling blend of history, adventure, and underwater photography. These submerged relics tell stories of past eras, battles, and voyages while hosting marine life in vibrant, surreal settings. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or an underwater photography enthusiast, this list of the world’s top 10 wreck dives in 2025 highlights sites with fascinating histories, iconic imagery, and exceptional opportunities for exploration and photography. Pack your gear, and let’s dive in!
1. SS Thistlegorm
Location: Red Sea, Egypt
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Fully intact locomotives, military supplies (motorbikes, trucks), and colorful coral growth.
Diving Destination: Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada
The Story of SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm, a British merchant ship, met its end in 1941 when German bombers attacked it during WWII. Resting at a depth of 30 meters, this historic wreck now serves as an underwater museum and vibrant marine habitat. Divers can explore its intact cargo—from motorbikes to trucks—while encountering schools of glassfish and groupers. Photographers particularly love the dramatic lighting and the ship’s ghostly, coral-encrusted structures. Dive between May and October for the best visibility, and don’t miss posing beside the legendary motorbikes for an unforgettable shot.
2. USS Liberty
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Certification Level: Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Towering coral-encrusted hulls, colorful sea fans, and schooling jacks in sunlight.
Diving Destination: Tulamben, Bali
The Story of USS Liberty
Torpedoed in 1942 during WWII, the USS Liberty was beached until a 1963 volcanic eruption pushed it into the sea. Now resting in shallow waters, the wreck is a paradise for divers and photographers. Its vibrant ecosystem includes turtles, eels, and stunning coral formations. The site’s shallow depth allows natural light to penetrate, creating spectacular photo opportunities. Early morning dives are recommended to capture schools of jacks in perfect lighting.
3. The Carthaginian II Wreck
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Certification Level: Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Coral-encrusted hull, tropical fish, and a scenic backdrop.
Diving Destination: Lahaina Harbor, Maui
The Story of The Carthaginian II
The Carthaginian II was a replica whaling ship deliberately sunk in 2005 to create an artificial reef. Resting at 30 meters, the wreck has become a thriving habitat for marine life, including reef sharks and vibrant schools of fish. Its unique history as an educational ship and the stunning Hawaiian waters make it a popular dive site for photography and exploration.
4. Teshio Maru Wreck
Location: Palau
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Coral-covered decks and WWII artifacts.
Diving Destination: Koror, Palau
The Story of Teshio Maru
Sunk during WWII, the Teshio Maru was a Japanese cargo ship that now lies at a depth of 28 meters. Its cargo holds still contain remnants of its wartime supplies, while the exterior is adorned with soft corals and anemones. Palau’s clear waters and the wreck’s rich marine life provide incredible opportunities for photography and exploration.
5. SS Suddhadib (The Hardeep Wreck)
Location: Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Intact structure with coral and schooling fish.
Diving Destination: Sattahip, Thailand
The Story of SS Suddhadib
The SS Suddhadib, also known as the Hardeep Wreck, was a cargo ship sunk during WWII by Allied forces. Resting at a depth of 26 meters, the wreck is covered in colorful coral and surrounded by a variety of marine life, including groupers and barracudas. Its shallow depth and vibrant ecosystem make it ideal for photographers and wreck enthusiasts.
6. HTMS Chang Wreck
Location: Koh Chang, Thailand
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Large structure with swim-throughs and marine life.
Diving Destination: Koh Chang, Thailand
The Story of HTMS Chang
HTMS Chang is a former US Navy tank landing ship deliberately sunk in 2012 to create an artificial reef. Sitting at depths of 20 to 30 meters, the wreck is now home to barracudas, snappers, and colorful corals. Its large, accessible structure provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and underwater photography.
7. USS Kittiwake
Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Certification Level: Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Intact superstructure and abundant marine life.
Diving Destination: West Bay, Grand Cayman
The Story of USS Kittiwake
The USS Kittiwake was a US Navy submarine rescue vessel sunk deliberately in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Lying at shallow depths of 18 meters, it’s a favorite among beginner and advanced divers alike. The wreck’s pristine condition and surrounding marine life offer incredible photography opportunities.
8. Um El Faroud
Location: Malta
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Massive propeller, open swim-throughs, and dramatic underwater lighting.
Diving Destination: Wied iz-Zurrieq, Malta
The Story of Um El Faroud
The Um El Faroud Wreck was a Libyan oil tanker sunk in 1998 after an onboard explosion rendered it unfit for service. Now resting at a depth of 36 meters, the wreck is a favorite among experienced divers. Its large structure, complete with accessible swim-throughs and marine life such as barracudas and octopuses, makes it an ideal site for both exploration and photography.
9. HTMS Sattakut
Location: Koh Tao, Thailand
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Accessible gun turrets, coral-encrusted structure, and abundant marine life.
Diving Destination: Koh Tao, Thailand
The Story of HTMS Sattakut
HTMS Sattakut is a former Thai Navy vessel sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Resting at depths of 18 to 30 meters, the wreck features preserved gun turrets and is surrounded by vibrant marine life. Its proximity to Koh Tao’s popular dive sites and accessibility make it a must-visit wreck for photographers and adventurers alike.
10. Prince Albert Wreck
Location: Roatan, Honduras
Certification Level: Open Water
Iconic Imagery/Photo Ops: Coral-encrusted decks and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Diving Destination: Coco View Resort, Roatan
The Story of Prince Albert Wreck
The Prince Albert was intentionally sunk in the 1980s to create a dive site. Resting at 18 meters, the wreck is accessible to divers of all levels and is home to a variety of marine life, including eagle rays and seahorses. Its coral-covered decks and shallow depth make it perfect for photography and exploration.
Whether you’re drawn by iconic sights, fascinating history, or the promise of an extraordinary experience, these are UWC’s top wreck diving destinations for 2025. Get ready to plan your dives, pack your gear, and uncover the stories hidden beneath the waves.
