THE 10 BEST WRECKS IN THE WORLD FOR KIDS TO DIVE
By Margo Peyton
PADI Wreck specialty is a two day course, consisting of 4 dives for adults and kids aged 15 or older. This specialty teaches you about exploring inside of wrecks. Students will learn proper finning, navigation, how to use reels and lines, appropriate light needs, and other preparation. Each of the wrecks I have chosen has a knowledgeable dive operator who runs guided dives and courses for families. 1. The Kittiwake, Grand Cayman: She was sunk in 2011 thanks to the tenacity of Nancy Easterbrook, co-founder of Divetech. Divetech is located at the West End of Grand Cayman and provides guided dives and training for the Kittiwake. This wreck sits in 60 ft of water at its deepest point, and the deck is at 25 ft of water. The Kittiwake is famous for its ease of snorkeling and diving. She is currently lying sideways on the sandy bottom. USS Kittiwake was an auxiliary submarine Rescue Vessel. She is 251 ft long and well-prepared for recreational divers. Kids aged 12+ can dive into this wreck with their parents and enjoy large groupers, eagle rays, and schooling fish and turtles. We have often seen garden eels and sting rays in the sand around her hull. The captain’s wheel is quite the famous spot for photos and the guns on the back. This is one
www.oceanwishes.org 3. Jake’s Sea Plane, Palau: Jake’s Sea Plane sits in about 30 feet of water, it is a bit torn and tattered, but The Aichi E13A Seaplane was a long-range reconnaissance seaplane. It had a crew of three and could carry bomb payloads up to 550 pounds. She is 67 of my favorite wrecks to dive with kids as it is in very calm, clear, and warm water. Kids enjoy diving outside, learning about the Kittiwake story, and posing with her big ship wheels and guns. 2. The La Machaca, Bonaire: Buddy Dive Resort provides guided dives and training for all Bonaire wrecks. This wreck is perfect for kids aged 10+. It’s a small fishing vessel teaming with marine life that snorkelers and divers enjoy. I often use it for my little JOW student’s first wreck dive. It’s just 90 ft from shore, sitting upside down in about 30 feet of water. It’s loaded with brain corals, sponges, grouper, tarpon, eels, turtles and schooling fish. This wreck is excellent for the youngest divers as 10 and 11-year-olds have a 40 ft max depth. It’s a short shallow dive from Buddy Dive Resort or just off Captain Don’s Habitat. This is a wreck dive that parents can easily relax, enjoy, and navigate with their kids.
As a PADI instructor and scuba mom, one type of diving I have enjoyed with kids is wreck diving. Kids love exploring and discovering new things. There is nothing like the mystery and excitement of wreck diving as a family. There are many fun and very safe wrecks to dive around the world. Knowing and respecting your children’s dive limitations, profile mandates, and comfort level is essential. It’s also vital to know that wrecks should only be penetrated by trained and experienced wreck divers. I do not recommend penetration of wrecks with kids. I’ve listed 10 of my favorite family-friendly wrecks to dive with kids. They range from 30 to 90 feet in depth, are reasonably easy to navigate, they sit on a sandy bottom or near a shallow reef not far from shore. It’s always important to check conditions such as current and visibility as part of your dive plan. It’s fun to teach your kids about the history and story of the wreck you choose to dive. Kids will significantly appreciate learning about the marine life they could encounter when diving on a wreck. Each operator I’ve mentioned below offers the PADI wreck diver course. It is one of my favorite courses. The
www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 dive@familydivers.com
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