From wartime vessel to artificial reef
The Witconcrete was originally built during World War II using a concrete hull, an unusual response to wartime steel shortages.
The vessel later came to Belize, where it served another purpose as molasses storage.
In December 2021, The WIT was intentionally sunk at Turneffe Atoll to begin a new life as an artificial reef and marine habitat.
Diving The WIT
The wreck rests in an area of Turneffe where the sandy seabed averages approximately 60 ft / 18 m.
Its large concrete structure creates a completely different underwater environment from the natural walls and coral formations that make up the other two dives of the day.
The WIT is continuing to develop as an artificial reef as marine organisms colonize the structure and fish use the wreck for shelter and habitat.
Three dives in one offshore day
The WIT is the centerpiece of the trip. After the wreck dive, the day continues with two Turneffe wall dives selected according to conditions.
Belize's concrete wreck
Explore the exterior structure of The WIT and the developing artificial reef surrounding the vessel.
Back to the natural reef
Continue to a Turneffe wall or reef site selected by the dive team based on the day's conditions.
One more offshore dive
Finish the dive day at another Turneffe site selected according to weather, currents and visibility.
Your WIT dive-day schedule
Check-in begins at 5:30 AM. Departure is at 6:00 AM, with return at approximately 4:30 PM.
The offshore ride is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each way.
Meet the dive team, prepare equipment and enjoy a continental breakfast.
Begin the approximately 1 hour 45 minute offshore journey toward Turneffe Atoll.
Complete the wreck dive and explore the developing artificial reef.
Continue to a Turneffe wall or reef site selected on the day.
Enjoy lunch at Calabash Caye followed by time to explore the nature trail.
Complete the final wall or reef dive before beginning the return journey.
Arrive back at Belize Pro Dive Center after approximately 10.5 hours from departure to return.
Lunch & Calabash Caye Nature Trail
The day includes a stop at Calabash Caye, where lunch is served before guests have an opportunity to explore the nature trail.
This provides time ashore between the offshore dives and another perspective on Turneffe Atoll.
Certification & diver requirements
A recognized Open Water scuba certification or equivalent is required for the trip.
Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for this offshore wreck and wall trip.
A logged scuba dive within the previous 6 months is strongly recommended.
A minimum of 10 guests is required to confirm the WIT offshore tour.
BPDC's standard recreational dive ratio is up to six divers for each divemaster.
What's included in the WIT trip?
Your Dive Day
- Scuba tanks
- Dive weights
- Professional dive guides
- Dive-site briefings
- Continental breakfast
- Lunch at Calabash Caye
- Calabash Caye Nature Trail
- Drinking water / water refills
- Sodas
- Fresh fruit
- Snacks
Not Included
- BCD
- Regulator
- Mask and snorkel
- Fins
- Wetsuit
- Other standard rental scuba equipment
- Any applicable park fee is shown separately in the booking summary.
- 12.5% Government Sales Tax
Marine life around The WIT
The wreck continues to develop as an artificial reef and provides additional structure and habitat for marine life.
Snappers may be encountered around the wreck and surrounding reef.
Larger reef fish may use the structure for shelter and feeding.
Rays may occasionally be seen around The WIT and nearby Turneffe sites.
Shark encounters are possible within the surrounding Turneffe ecosystem.
Manatees are occasionally encountered around Turneffe, although sightings are uncommon.
Wildlife occurs naturally and specific sightings can never be guaranteed.
Built for the offshore journey
The WIT is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes offshore from San Pedro, so passenger comfort, communication and dive safety are important parts of the operation.
Protection from direct sun during the offshore journey.
An onboard bathroom is available during the full-day trip.
Emergency oxygen equipment is carried aboard.
First-aid equipment is carried during offshore operations.
Offshore communication capability is available throughout the trip.
Certified with Belize Pro Dive Center?
Divers who completed their scuba certification through Belize Pro Dive Center receive complimentary standard rental scuba equipment for this trip.
Prefer a private boat?
A private WIT and Turneffe experience may be available for families, friends or dive groups, subject to boat and scheduling availability.
Private-charter pricing is handled separately.
The WIT wreck diving FAQs
What is The WIT wreck in Belize?
The WIT is a 375 ft / 114 m concrete-hulled vessel at Turneffe Atoll. It was originally built during World War II, later used for molasses storage in Belize and intentionally sunk in December 2021 to become an artificial reef.
How deep is The WIT dive?
The seabed around The WIT averages approximately 60 ft / 18 m. The dive generally lasts about 45–50 minutes, depending on conditions and air consumption.
What certification do I need to dive The WIT?
Open Water certification or an equivalent recognized scuba certification is required. Advanced Open Water certification is recommended, and a logged dive within the previous 6 months is strongly recommended.
How long is the WIT trip from San Pedro?
Check-in is at 5:30 AM, departure is at 6:00 AM and the boat normally returns around 4:30 PM. The offshore ride is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each way.
How much does the WIT wreck dive cost?
Any applicable park fee is shown separately in the booking summary.
Is dive equipment included?
Tanks and weights are included. Rental dive equipment is not included in the tour price. Optional full dive equipment rental is US$30.00 plus 12.5% GST (US$33.75 total per person, per day), payable separately on site. Eligible divers certified through Belize Pro Dive Center retain the existing complimentary standard rental benefit.
How many guests are needed to confirm the trip?
A minimum of 10 guests is required to confirm the WIT offshore tour.