Skip to main content

The World’s Best Destinations to Dive for Sunken Treasure

dive spots
Image used with permission by copyright holder
We know more about our solar system than we do about our seas.

So, it’s no surprise that thousands of years of shipwrecks remain undiscovered at the bottom of some of the world’s deepest underwater trenches. From Spartan-era archeological treasures in coastal Greece to half-billion-dollar Spanish treasure troves near Key West, these are the world’s most treasure-rich dive spots.

Bermuda

Bermuda
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Due to its unique geography, Bermuda has long played a key role in marine navigation. But its perilous waters and shallow reefs are the reason many nautical historians have dubbed the island “The Graveyard of Ships”. Over the last five centuries, more than 1,000 ships have been reported lost in the waters around Bermuda — more than any single location in the Western Hemisphere. Some sit in just 30 feet of water. Indeed, there are areas where two — or even three — shipwrecks from different periods lie atop one another on the ocean floor. Today, the island rivals coastal Florida for its number of sunken wrecks and is a haven for treasure divers. Dive Bermuda has more than 30 years experience diving the wrecks around Bermuda. They offer divers a wide range of services, including rentals, one-/two-tank trips, and PADI training and certification courses.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys
Image used with permission by copyright holder

From the early 16th century through the late 1700s, Spain’s pilfering of Latin American riches knew no bounds. An estimated eight million dollars in gold and silver was shipped home along the trade route connecting the colonies to mainland Spain. Many of these ships passed along the Florida coast — specifically what is today the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. There are countless shipwrecks in the waters off the state’s coast and many are believed to still contain the sunken spoils of Spain’s looting.

In 1985, the Spanish Galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha was unearthed by Mel Fisher (a now legendary sunken treasure hunter) in the shallow waters thirty miles off Key West. The cargo was valued north of $500 million and the late Fisher was certain there’s still more to be found. According to the captain’s manifest, there was more than 60 pounds of emeralds, 17 tons of silver, and 35 boxes of church gold aboard the Atocha — none of which has been found to date. Fisher’s company leads week-long liveaboard dive expeditions to search for the remains. The company estimates that more than half of their guests “strike gold”.

Coastal Greece

Coastal Greece
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Few destinations offer the lengthy maritime history of coastal Greece, where ships have been sailing (and sinking) for more than 9,000 years. More than a decade ago, the government opened the country’s 12,000-mile coastline to divers. It’s proven to be a literal treasure trove ever since. The sea floor is littered with an estimated 6,000 wrecks and, in some cases, whole, intact cities are believed to be submerged. The treasures date back to as far as ancient Sparta and tend to have far more archaeological than monetary value. For that reason, it’s worth noting that most — if not all — of the treasures found there should remain submerged.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Do you need a passport to go to Canada?
What to know about traveling to Canada
U.S. passport book

Traveling to Canada from the United States is relatively straightforward, but the documentation required can vary depending on your mode of transportation and citizenship status. While a passport is the most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, alternative options are available for U.S. citizens entering Canada by land or sea.

What you need to know about traveling to Canada
So, what exactly do you need to cross into Canada? It really depends on how you're getting there.
What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border by car?
If you're a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you have a few options for acceptable documentation:

Read more
Monos vs Away: Which is the better luggage brand?
A view of the Monos Monos Hybrid Carry-on Plus suitcase.

It's time to get new luggage. Maybe you already have a trip planned, or you're getting ready to book a vacation, but in either case, you'll need a travel bag to stow your gear. Two of the hottest, upscale, and modern luggage brands on the market, which you've likely encountered at some point, are Monos and Away. As competitors, a head-to-head of Monos vs Away makes a lot of sense, albeit the comparison is not as simple as you might think. There are a lot of similarities but a lot of differences, too, especially depending on what you're expecting out of these high-end luggage offerings. Let's discuss.
Monos vs Away luggage: Who wins?

If you're not interested in the full comparison and just want to know which brand you should purchase, the answer is Monos. While offering better designs, premium materials, and higher build quality, Monos luggage still manages to be priced more competitively. That said, you can't go wrong with luggage from either brand, so you wouldn't be making a poor choice if you decide to purchase luggage from Away.

Read more
This ultra-luxury, 6-star cruise trip usually costs $102,780 — but it’s 64% off
scenic arctic cruise gilt march 2024 eclipse at sea

If you want the ultimate vacation and at a fantastic discount, Gilt has a spectacular offer on a fantastically luxurious cruise. Right now, you can enjoy travels around the Arctic Circle and Northern Europe for 17 nights for $35,990, for two people (that's $17,995 per person) instead of the usual $102,780 that Gilt says it would cost. That means a huge saving of 64% off the regular price and the chance to enjoy a vacation and cruise of a lifetime. It’s all thanks to Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and we’ve got all you need to know about this phenomenal cruise. There’s just one space left on this highly exclusive cruise.

Why you should travel on the Scenic Cruise
This time around, there’s hardly any need to read up on cruise ship packages and add-ons worth paying extra for as this Scenic Cruise has everything you could need to be included. All you need to do is make sure you have a passport. You get 17 nights on board the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ultra-luxury yacht, the Scenic Eclipse. It leaves from Tromso, Norway on June 25, 2024. The small-ship experience has room for just 228 guests so it’s an exclusive trip.

Read more