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SS Sapona Shipwreck

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Landmark
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SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bahamas)

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The SS Sapona shipwreck off the coast of Bimini is one of the most recognizable maritime landmarks in the Bahamas. This concrete-hulled cargo steamer was commissioned during World War I by President Woodrow Wilson's administration as a solution to steel shortages. Following the war, it was acquired by Bruce Bethel and repurposed as a floating warehouse for rum-runners during the Prohibition era. In 1926, a massive hurricane ran the vessel aground on a reef, where it has remained ever since. During World War II, the wreck was utilized by the U.S. Army Air Forces and Navy as a target for bombing and machine-gun practice, resulting in the visible damage across its concrete structure today. Now, the Sapona is a premier destination for snorkelers and divers, hosting a lively ecosystem of coral and tropical fish. Its exposed superstructure provides a dramatic visual reminder of the region’s storied past involving bootlegging and military training.

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A postcard from SS Sapona Shipwreck

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323252628292929272524
Rain mm423845681231721411571791236242

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The wreck of SS Sapona lies south of Bimini and is a famous dive destination. It can be reached by boat and explored by snorkeling or diving.
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Typical hours
Diving trips are typically offered during the daytime by local operators. Best visibility occurs in calm weather and during the morning hours.
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Photography
Underwater photography is possible, but a waterproof camera is needed. The wreck features spectacular shots with corals and fish.
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Time needed
A typical trip to the Sapona wreck takes about half a day including travel and dive time. Plan at least 3-4 hours on site.
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Combine with
Combine the dive with a visit to Bimini island. There you can also enjoy the beaches and local culture.
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Getting there
Sapona is only reachable by boat from Bimini. Local dive shops offer regular trips to the wreck.
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Insider tip
Check weather conditions and currents before booking. Early departures avoid the midday heat and provide better visibility.

Geography

Coordinates
25.65170, -79.29330

Facts

  • The vessel was completed in 1920 by the Liberty Ship Building Company in North Carolina.
  • The hull was constructed using specialized steel-reinforced concrete.
  • The hurricane that grounded the Sapona occurred in September 1926.
  • The wreck sits in shallow waters with a depth of approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters).
  • It is a sister ship to the SS Faith, the world's first concrete ship.
  • Material from the wreck was reportedly scavenged for building projects on Bimini after the storm.

Explore nearby

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Wrecker's Wall of BiminiWrecker's Wall of Bimini5 km · NExplore →
Hermann Gruber's HouseHermann Gruber's House8 km · NExplore →
Great Lighthouse at Gun CayGreat Lighthouse at Gun Cay9 km · SExplore →
Bimini's Mangrove NurseriesBimini's Mangrove Nurseries10 km · NExplore →
Bimini RoadBimini Road12 km · NExplore →
Great Isaac LighthouseGreat Isaac Lighthouse44 km · NExplore →
Miami BeachMiami Beach86 km · WExplore →
SurfsideSurfside87 km · WExplore →

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Sights in the town SS Sapona Shipwreck (1)

SS Sapona📍 landmark

Shipwreck near Bimini, a concrete hull resting in shallow water.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the SS Sapona?
A concrete shipwreck that ran aground during a hurricane in 1926.
Where is the wreck located?
It is located in the shallow waters off the coast of Bimini.
Can you snorkel at the wreck?
Yes, it is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving with rich marine life.
Was the ship used for smuggling?
Yes, during Prohibition, it served as a warehouse for alcohol (rum-running).
How do you reach the wreck?
Only by boat; many local operators offer tours from Bimini.
SS Sapona Shipwreck: where is it located?
SS Sapona Shipwreck is located in Bahamas.
SS Sapona Shipwreck: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
SS Sapona Shipwreck: why is it worth visiting?
The SS Sapona shipwreck off the coast of Bimini is one of the most recognizable maritime landmarks in the Bahamas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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Alice Town Police Station
A historic administrative building in Bimini, often photographed by visitors for its charming colonial appearance.
Dolphin House Museum — SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bahamas)
Dolphin House Museum
A unique art house on Bimini, built out of shells and recycled materials.
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Great Isaac Lighthouse
A historic cast-iron lighthouse surrounded by numerous ghost stories.
Bimini Road — SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bahamas)
Bimini Road
Underwater rock formation that some believe is part of Atlantis.

More places

Wrecker's Wall of Bimini — SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bahamas)
Wrecker's Wall of Bimini
An underwater wall of ballast stones left by ships that wrecked on Bimini's reefs.
Hermann Gruber's House — SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bahamas)
Hermann Gruber's House
A unique house on Bimini built entirely from found materials like bottles and shells.
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Great Lighthouse at Gun Cay
A historic lighthouse built in 1836 to guide ships through the perilous waters between Florida and The Bahamas.
Bimini's Mangrove Nurseries — SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bahamas)
Bimini's Mangrove Nurseries
The mangroves surrounding Bimini are a crucial nursery for juvenile lemon sharks and many other marine species.