Esso Bonaire III

Esso Bonaire III

West Palm Beach Dive Sites

The Esso Bonaire III is one of three wrecks that make up the drift dive known as the Jupiter Wreck Trek located northeast of Jupiter Inlet.. (Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County)

West Palm Beach – Wreck Diving

This 147 foot tanker was built in Honduras in 1926. Unfortunately the tanker was seized by U.S. Customs after 55000 lbs of marijuana was discovered on board. Palm Beach Council purchased the Esso Bonaire III and sunk it in July 1989.

The wreck is at a depth of 90 foot and is one of three wrecks in close proximity which make up the Jupiter Wreck Trek. The other two wrecks are the Miss Jenny and the Zion Train. Although the wreck is open penetration is not advisable and the storms and hurricanes have taken their toll over the years.

The wreck remains intact and resting on its keel and is covered with corals and gorgonians and a very popular spot for the local marine life especially barracuda and nurse sharks.

Although there is not much to see at this wreck it is still worth the dive as it is part of the drift dive that takes you past all three wrecks.

Palm Beach Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Palm Beach scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below. With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This video was taken at the Mizpah which is close to the barge and it gives you an idea of what to expect with the numerous wrecks around West Palm Beach and what to expect diving off the Florida coast. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

This is a great dive in a mild current with the wreck intact and holes in the wheelhouse.

You may be fortunate to meet the goliath groupers that frequent this wreck and scuba divers have reported a dozen or more seen on one dive.

Unfortunately there has been reports of goliath groupers being speared in this area and hopefully this practice has been brought to a hault.