Dive-site story
The Papa Doc wreck lies on an open sandy plain off the southern coast of Grand Bahama. Sunk in 1968, the vessel was reputedly bound for Haiti carrying mercenaries organizing against dictator François Duvalier before running into rough weather. Scattered remnants of the hull and exposed engine block serve as an established artificial reef surrounded by shallow coral heads.
Historic wreck connected to a late-1960s expedition toward Haiti
Frequent visits by Caribbean reef sharks cruising the surrounding sand patches
Resting nurse sharks and yellow stingrays sheltering beneath scattered hull plates
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Year-round diving is possible, with the warmest water and calmest sea states occurring between May and October.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean reef sharkCarcharhinus perezi | Common | ||||||||||||
| Nurse sharkGinglymostoma cirratum | Common | ||||||||||||
| Southern stingrayHypanus americanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| French angelfishPomacanthus paru | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellowtail snapperOcyurus chrysurus | Common |
Marine forecast
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