The Carib Cargo, also known as RoRo or Carib Ghost, is a historically significant wreck dive off Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. This cargo ship was severely damaged by Hurricane Luis in 1995 and subsequently broke free from its moorings during Hurricane Bertha in 1996, prompting a salvage operation after an oil slick. The wreck now rests upright in sand, surrounded by seagrass, at approximately 19.8 meters (65 feet) max depth, with an average depth of 10 meters. Its shallow to moderate depth range makes it suitable for divers of all experience levels, including freedivers.
The Carib Cargo serves as a vibrant artificial reef, enhanced by reef balls in the area. Divers can explore its structure and encounter diverse marine life. Common sightings include large schools of tomtate fish, bluestripe gruntfish, blackbar soldierfish, Trevally, French Grunts, and Yellow Snapper. You might also spot smooth trunkfish, lionfish, parrotfish, and Spiny Lobsters sheltering within the wreck. Larger visitors include Southern stingrays, Caribbean Reef Sharks, and graceful Green Turtles, with rare observations of Goliath Grouper. The best time to visit is during Sint Maarten's dry season, typically December to May, for calmer conditions and peak visibility.
