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Black and white photo of a scuba diver interacting with an aquarium exhibit in Atlantis, Bahamas.
📷 Craig Adderley · Pexels

S.S. Sapona

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.3 12 species 32 contributors

S.S. Sapona is a historic shipwreck dive near Bimini, Bahamas, accessible year-round with diverse marine life and minimal coral stress.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
WreckPhotoFriendlyYearRound

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
S.S. Sapona location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
7.8 kn
Wave
0.46 m
Water
30.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: ENE (22%)
Now: NW (316°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.6m

Today: High 02:00 (+0.59m), Low 08:00 (+0.21m)

+0.7 m+0.1 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.59m ▼ 08:00 · +0.21m ▲ 14:00 · +0.56m ▼ 21:00 · +0.22m Now +0.5m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV7.9 · high Air PM2.53 · good 07:04 19:17
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 16.5 0.56 8 19mm
09-19 19.2 0.4 2 2mm
09-20 14.3 0.22 8 7mm
09-21 12.3 0.4 7 6mm
09-22 11.5 0.44 8 0mm
09-23 6.1 0.46 8 3mm
09-24 10.1 0.28 6 0mm

About this spot

The S.S. Sapona is a wreck dive located near Bimini in the Bahamas. This historic shipwreck attracts divers seeking a blend of history and marine exploration. The site remains accessible throughout the year, making it a flexible choice for dive planning. The wreck supports a healthy marine ecosystem. Recent observations have logged 12 different species around the site, indicating active fish populations and good biodiversity. The surrounding coral shows no signs of bleaching stress, suggesting stable reef conditions and a well-preserved environment. Divers visiting the S.S. Sapona will find the wreck documented in community footage. Three videos have been uploaded by divers who've explored the site, offering visual references for those planning a dive. These resources provide insight into layout, current conditions, and what to expect when visiting. The site is outside any marine protected area, allowing unrestricted access. This wreck dive combines historical interest with the chance to observe established marine communities in a stable ecosystem.

Dive types

WreckBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 7053km · ~1622kg · €29

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 93/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 10h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 0h

FAQ

When is the best time to dive the S.S. Sapona?

The S.S. Sapona is diveable year-round, so timing depends more on your schedule and other Bahamas dive plans than seasonal restrictions.

What marine life can I expect at this wreck?

The site supports 12 documented species. Exact species vary by season, but the wreck attracts reef fish typical to Bahamas wrecks and provides shelter for diverse marine communities.

Is there coral bleaching at the S.S. Sapona?

No. Coral at the site shows no stress indicators, meaning conditions are stable and the reef environment is in good health.

Do I need permits to dive the S.S. Sapona?

The wreck is outside any marine protected area, so no special MPA permits are required. Standard Bahamas diving access rules apply.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

69 records · 48 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Eucidaris tribuloides

Echinoidea · Cidaridae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 May 2026
×1records

Acanthopleura granulata

Polyplacophora · Chitonidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 May 2026
×1records

Eriphia gonagra

Malacostraca · Eriphiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 May 2026
×1records

Chicoreus florifer

Gastropoda · Muricidae
GBIF
Last seen:
1 May 2026
×1records

Nerita tessellata

Gastropoda · Neritidae
GBIF
Last seen:
29 Mar 2026
×1records

Cittarium pica

Gastropoda · Tegulidae
GBIF
Last seen:
29 Mar 2026
×1records

Neoterebra dislocata

Gastropoda · Terebridae
GBIF
Last seen:
28 Mar 2026
×1records

Cenchritis muricatus

Gastropoda · Littorinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
26 Mar 2026
×1records

Urobatis jamaicensis

Elasmobranchii · Urotrygonidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Feb 2026
×1records

Carcharhinus perezii

Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Feb 2026
×1records

Ginglymostoma cirratum

Elasmobranchii · Ginglymostomatidae
GBIF
Last seen:
3 Feb 2026
×1records

Negaprion brevirostris

Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

If conditions don't work

Activities nearby or alternative spots — keep your trip going.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Explore and Dive the Shipwreck SS Sapona in the Bahamas

Jigging for GIANTS

Explore & Dive a Famous Shipwreck in The Bahamas - SS Sapona

Gale Force Twins

Inside a World FAMOUS SHIPWRECK!! Bimini Bahamas Fishing and Lobstering!

Brook Crist Outdoors
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (54/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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