Reef Wrecks

The number of shipwrecks off the coast of Roatan suggest that these waters pose a threat to passing vessels – but the fact is most of these ships were deliberately sunk. The purpose? To create artificial reefs that attract a dazzling array of marine plants and creatures, in a bid to form a sustainable ecosystem.

Most of the ship and plane wrecks that line the reefs surrounding the Bahamian island of New Providence have a cinematic quality to them. And with good reason: Many were actually used in a handful of classic Hollywood films dating back to 1916. Dive into the rich history of these ghostly relics.

The waters off the Florida Keys are home to a time capsule: the famed and eerie Shipwreck Trail. From World War II freighters to 19th-century steamships, these relics of a bygone era are preserved in their watery graves, home to an exotic array of marine life.

The small island of Bonaire is a Caribbean diving destination that boasts a unique collection of shipwrecks transformed into makeshift coral reefs. These artificial habitats provide a haven for marine life in a constantly changing ecosystem.