¿Sabías que un pirata escocés escondió aquí un tesoro que aún buscan buceadores? Escucha la leyenda que te hará mirar el mar con otros ojos.
Access is exclusively by sea, generally through boat excursions departing from La Romana or Bayahibe in the morning. As it is an open-air underwater archaeological site, it can be visited during daylight hours, although tour operators usually offer departures between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
There is no physical ticket office at sea; the cost is included in excursion packages to Catalina Island, which range from $50 to $100 USD depending on the operator. We recommend checking updated prices and booking in advance through trusted websites to secure your spot on the boat.
Exploring the shipwreck itself usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes while snorkeling, which is enough time to see the cannons and the anchor. However, the full excursion to Catalina Island, including the boat trip and beach time, usually takes half a day or a full day.
Yes, it is the Quedagh Merchant, abandoned by Captain Kidd in 1699 and discovered in 2007, becoming a Living Museum of the Sea. It is one of the few authentic pirate shipwrecks in the Caribbean, with cannons and remains preserved in shallow water.
The best time is during the dry season, from December to April, to ensure the best underwater visibility. Morning visits are recommended, when the sea is usually calmer and the sunlight perfectly illuminates the corals and cannons just 3 meters deep.
Direct access to the shipwreck requires swimming and snorkeling, so it is not wheelchair accessible. However, people with reduced mobility can enjoy the catamaran ride and the coastal views of Catalina Island without entering the water.
Right next to it is The Wall, an impressive coral reef drop-off ideal for experienced divers. In addition, you can relax on the pristine beaches of Catalina Island, famous for their white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Bring an underwater camera and biodegradable sunscreen so as not to damage the corals. To enrich your experience, we suggest downloading a specialized audio guide that tells the fascinating story of Captain Kidd as you sail to the site.
¿Prefieres escuchar en español?
🇪🇸 Escucha la audioguía de Captain Kidd's Sunken Ship en español