Berwyn Wreck Area
Berwyn dive site · Carlisle Bay wreck zone
13°04.44'N 59°37.38'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 4–12m. Multiple wrecks in this zone — position carefully with chart and visual verification. Keep 30m from dive buoys. Diver-down traffic throughout the day in season.
About This Anchorage
The Berwyn is one of five historic wrecks in Carlisle Bay — a tugboat lying in approximately 6m of water, making it the shallowest and most accessible of all the bay's wreck dive sites. Unlike the deep Stavronikita, the Berwyn can be snorkelled from the surface in reasonable conditions. The wreck is heavily encrusted with coral and sponge and hosts a diverse community of Caribbean reef fish. The anchorage position is in the sandy areas between the multiple wreck sites in the central-south bay. This cluster of wrecks in one bay makes Carlisle Bay unique in the Caribbean — effectively a wreck dive park accessible directly from the anchorage. The Bajan Queen, Elli, and Lord Combermere are also in this zone.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Do NOT anchor on any wreck structure — multiple wrecks in zone. Carlisle Bay marine park designation. Active dive site — diver-down flags; maintain 30m from all dive buoys. Sand only.
Hazards
- !Multiple wreck structures on bay floor in this zone — chart verification essential before anchoring
- !Diver-down flags and active dive boats throughout the day
- !Shallowest wreck (Berwyn, ~6m) — risk of anchor catching on wreck if positioned over it
- !Coral patches between wreck sites — inspect sand before dropping hook
Skipper's Tips
- →The Berwyn is excellent for snorkelling directly from the boat — pack masks and fins; the 6m depth is accessible
- →Best visibility for wreck diving/snorkelling is early morning before the dive boats arrive and stir up sediment
- →Check with local dive operators (Barbados Blue, Reefers & Wreckers) for exact wreck GPS positions for chart accuracy
- →The cluster of five wrecks makes this a world-class destination for wreck enthusiasts — plan multiple dive days
Facilities
No facilities at wreck site. Dinghy to Bridgetown/The Boatyard for all services.
Nearest provisions: Bridgetown (via dinghy, 0.7nm N) (0.7nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April for best visibility. Active dive tourism year-round in Barbados — site always in use.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Carlisle Bay, anchor drag toward the historic wrecks or coral patches can cause serious damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can celebrate your Atlantic crossing with confidence.
Download Free for iOS