10 Thrilling Underwater Shipwrecks to See Across the USA

Hi readers, history buffs, and adventurers! If you are looking for new water sports this summer, the beaches of America are a treasure map just waiting to be discovered, if you've ever had the desire to delve into the long-lost treasure in the depths of the oceans. These underwater artifacts, which range from creepy wrecks to sunken ships off the coast of Florida, are as rich in mystery (and fishes) as they are in history. Whether you're an adventurous diver or simply someone who thinks, "Shipwrecks? "Hell, Yes!"—these underwater marvels will captivate you. So grab your swimsuit and snorkel and let's explore the best shipwrecks places to see in the USA. All you need is a love of the depths, marine life, and a little bit of brave spirit.

Dive in to see Hawaii's largest and most colorful shipwreck, known as the YO-257. It is a 175-foot 54-meter WWII navy oiler that was scuttled in 1989 by Atlantis Submarines as part of their submarine excursions. Currently, a diving site on Oahu provides a full swim-through at the stern where divers can see marine life including trumpetfish, eagle rays, and sea turtles. The upper deck is around 85 feet deep, with a maximum depth of 110 feet. January water temperatures are 73°F (22°C), while July water temperatures are 82°F (27°C).

Known as the "graveyard of the Great Lakes," Lake Superior is home to ancient shipwrecks that are a diver's paradise. Discover the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale, where the history of the sea is well preserved. Notable disasters include the SS Henry B. Smith which got lost in the Great Lake Storm of 1913, and the SS Cyprus, which sank in a storm in 1907. Are you up to the task? Although the water is chilly, the experience will never be forgotten.

Located in North Carolina, the U-352 is a German U-boat that was sunk by the American Coast Guard in the year 1942 during World War II. It is still buried in North Carolina's "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Divers can see the wreck's conning tower, torpedo hatches, and resident sand-tiger sharks. It was discovered in 1975 and was made public for explorations in 1976. The exterior hull of the ship is mostly destroyed, and it rests at a 45-degree angle. The water temperature ranges from 55°F (13°C) in February to 84°F (29°C) in August, and the maximum depth is 115 feet.

Florida is probably America’s top tourist attraction, but very few people know that a marine marvel is waiting for them in the depths of its water. In 2016, the Shipwreck Park Foundation acquired the Lady Luck, a decommissioned sludge tanker from New York City, and converted it into an artificial reef off Pompano Beach, Florida. In addition to unique artwork by Dennis MacDonald, the ship now has oddball sculptures such as sharks playing poker, a mermaid cocktail server, and an octopus rolling dice. Divers can even participate in sporadic underwater poker competitions.

The HMCS Yukon, a Canadian warship, is a must-see among the top shipwrecks in America. It is located more than 100 feet underwater off the coast of San Diego. The ship was originally intended to serve as an artificial reef when it was sunk in 2000. However, before it could be fully submerged, a series of massive waves inundated the vessel, causing it to tilt and settle on its port side. While the wreck features swim-through passages made possible by openings on both sides, divers must complete extensive training before attempting to dive, due to the wreck's slanted position.

HELLO, fellow explorer of the undersea world and history buff! Let's dive beneath the waters of Lake Huron, home to some of the most amazing shipwrecks. There are twelve Underwater Preserves in the lake, each with a secret marine history. First is the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve, which is 163 square miles in size and contains 16 wrecks. After that, visit the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to a wealth of well-preserved wrecks, including the Monohansett, which is 18 feet long and was broken into three halves, and the Regina, which was found in 1986. Organizing your shipwreck scavenger hunt is made easy with the Michigan History Center's interactive map! Local charters and guides are available to assist you in exploring these underwater locations, regardless of your level of diving experience. Have fun with your marine adventure!

Enjoy a dive around the 256-foot steel ship called the Keystorm in the St. Lawrence River which drowned in 1912. Much of the wreck, including the propeller, engine room, and port-side passageway, is still intact despite spending more than a century beneath. Divers of all skill levels can visit this wreck, but safe exploration—particularly penetrating the vessel—requires the right gear and training, so if you wish to go, go prepared. Water temperatures usually vary from a cold 34°F in March to 71°F in the month of August, and depths range from 25 to 110 feet.

Sadly, everyone on board at 1902 SS Milwaukee died on the spot when it sank in Lake Michigan in 1929. Divers may still spot cars loaded with items like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs from the time this ferry operated between Milwaukee and West Michigan. Divers with experience can visit the crew quarters and boiler room and explore the overall wreck. Note that, a drysuit is necessary for diving here because the ship is 90 to 128 feet deep and the water temperature ranges from freezing to 68°F.

The stunning sand-toothed tiger sharks, along with spadefish, stingrays, and cobia, often visit the USCGC Spar shipwreck, among other shark species. This site is an excellent destination for divers who are passionate about the underwater world and dream of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures. The ship was intentionally sunk in 2004, and it is constantly surrounded by both warm and cold currents.

After completing its duty as a target ship for torpedo practice, this destroyer sank off the coast of San Diego in 1945. Previously, the 1919-built USS Hogan participated in both World War I and World War II. Today, there is a lot of fish life and coral growth on the wreck. This site is best suited for experienced divers because visibility can vary from clear to blur and the dive is frequently done as a drift.