Beginner's guide to wreck diving
History underwater — and how to approach it safely.
Wreck diving turns a dive into a visit to history. Ships, planes and artificial reefs hold marine life and echo a story, which makes them among the most compelling dives on earth.
A key distinction: swimming around the outside of a wreck is open-water diving. Going inside requires a dedicated wreck-penetration course and the right gear, because the risk profile is entirely different.
Many accessible wrecks are shallow and calm enough for Open Water divers to enjoy from the outside. Our list shows the wreck sites in the database, ranked by overall score.
Top sites for this
12 recommended
MV Zenobia Wreck
Wreck diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species — a strong choice for experienced divers.
USAT Liberty Wreck
Wreck diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Tioman Island
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Trincomalee
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.
SS Umbria
Wreck diving with visibility up to 30 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Coron Bay Wrecks
Wreck diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Con Dao Islands
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.
SS President Coolidge
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — a strong choice for experienced divers.
SS Yongala Wreck
Wreck diving with 4 standout species — a strong choice for experienced divers.
SS Thistlegorm
Wreck diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Spiegel Grove Wreck
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.
Vis Island
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.
Frequently asked
Do I need a wreck certification?
For swimming around the exterior, no — but for penetrating the interior, yes, plus the specific training and equipment that entails.
Can beginners dive wrecks?
Some shallow, intact wrecks are suitable for Open Water divers; deeper or confined ones are not. Always check with the operator.
What should I watch out for?
Entanglement, overhead environments and sharp edges are the main hazards. Stick within your training and never enter without the proper certification.