This dive site, Baleine de Gros Ilet, is home to two fascinating shipwrecks: the 63-meter cargo ship 'Non Stop', which sank during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and a smaller fisherman's boat named 'Dakar'. Situated close to Gros Ilets, these wrecks lie at approximately 20 meters, though the maximum accessible depth of the dive site is 17 meters with an average depth of 8 meters. The site is highly regarded as an excellent location for divers looking to gain experience in wreck diving due to its relatively shallow depth and easy navigation around the submerged vessels.
Around the wrecks, divers can expect to encounter typical Caribbean reef fish such as barracudas, groupers, snappers, and various damselfish and angelfish. The wrecks themselves act as artificial reefs, attracting schools of smaller fish and serving as a substrate for vibrant hard and soft corals, sponges, and anemones. Closer inspection may reveal macro life including nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimps inhabiting the nooks and crannies of the sunken structures.
The best time to visit this dive site is typically outside of the hurricane season, from December to May, when weather conditions are generally stable and visibility is excellent. The shallow nature of the site makes it ideal for extended bottom times and a great spot for both underwater photography and videography, capturing the historical wrecks and their marine inhabitants. Its suitability for beginners also makes it an excellent choice for snorkelers and freedivers wishing to explore the wrecks from the surface or with breath-hold dives.
