Diving atShake'M (Trinidad and Tobago)
Shake'm (pronounced Shake-Em) is an advanced wreck dive, a 180ft freighter found off Quarantine Point. Its sudden capsizing, due to a shifting load during a storm, left its internal structure and cargo remarkably intact. This creates a compelling underwater landscape, allowing divers to explore various sections, from a spiral staircase to open cargo holds still filled with cement bags. The upright hull presents an expansive structure to navigate.
As evening covers Shake'M, the local air temperature is measured at 28°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 1.1 m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Imagine descending onto a 180ft freighter, Shake'm, an advanced wreck dive off Quarantine Point, where an abrupt capsizing has preserved a moment in time. This isn't just a sunken ship; it's a meticulously kept historical record.
Its sudden demise, caused by a shifting load during a storm, left instruments, furniture, equipment, and even cargo intact. This unique preservation transforms the wreck into a fascinating underwater spectacle for experienced divers. You might find yourself floating up the ship’s spiral staircase to the pilot house, envisioning its final moments.
Exploring her massive deck machinery reveals the scale of the vessel, while gliding along the length of her upright hull provides a sense of the wreck's overall impressive structure.
Furthermore, the open cargo hold still contains gigantic bags of cement, creating an almost surreal scene. While other sites nearby, like Divers Dream and Divers Thirst, are known for strong, unpredictable currents and pelagic life, Shake'm generally offers calmer conditions, though it's still crucial to be prepared for varied underwater environments in the region.
The dive profile typically ranges from 16-30 m (55-100 ft). This dive promises an engaging exploration, revealing a distinct story beneath the waves.
Shake'M
Conditions are Moderate
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Shake'M show 28° air, 28° sea temperature, 1.6 m waves, and 33 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal visibility for diving at Shake'm is generally observed between January and June. During these months, conditions typically lend themselves to clearer waters, enhancing the wreck experience. Air temperatures during this period are favorable, ranging from approximately 26.5°C (80°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in May. Rainfall is also comparatively low, with January seeing about 2.2 mm and May around 1.9 mm, minimizing runoff impact on visibility. As the year progresses into June through November, rainier conditions can usher in, potentially affecting water clarity due to runoff, particularly from the Orinoco River. For instance, June precipitation averages around 3.7 mm, and November sees about 3.1 mm. While humpback whale sightings are common in Tobago's waters from late January into May, encountering them specifically while diving is a rare event. Planning your dive during the drier, less rainy periods, typically the first half of the year, usually offers the best chance for good visibility and comfortable diving.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Categorized as an advanced wreck dive, Shake'm is suitable for divers with prior experience in similar environments. The dive profile extends from 16 to 30 m (55-100 ft), requiring comfortable navigation at depth. Conditions at Shake'm are often described as calm, particularly being off Quarantine Point. However, local currents in Tobago can be quite dynamic, and while Shake'm itself might be calmer, understanding regional current patterns is beneficial. Consistently, water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F). Visibility in the southern dive sites, where Shake'm is found, typically measures around 18 m (60 ft). Divers should be proficient in buoyancy control and wreck penetration if they plan to explore the interior, such as the spiral staircase or cargo holds. The site is a 180ft freighter, and its intact state offers a complex structure to explore.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Shake'm, an advanced wreck dive, requires careful adherence to safety protocols. Given the potential for dynamic conditions in the broader Tobago area, even at calmer sites like Shake'm, thorough dive planning is essential. Dive guides often emphasize the importance of listening to briefings and following instructions precisely, especially when currents are a factor at other sites. While Shake'm is noted for calmer waters, divers should always be prepared for changing conditions. It's highly recommended that divers carry their own inflated surface marker buoy (SMB). This tool is crucial for signaling the boat in case of separation or drift, ensuring the captain can maintain visual contact with the group. Awareness of your air consumption and no-decompression limits is paramount for safe exploration of the 16-30 m (55-100 ft) depths. Always dive within your certification limits and consider additional wreck diving training if planning extensive internal exploration.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Shake'M, Trinidad and Tobago. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Current diving conditions indicate water temperatures around 28°C (83°F) at Shake'M. Surface air temperatures are resting at 28°C (82°F).
Environmental conditions appear stable for the near future.
In water temperatures like these, 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit typically offers sufficient warmth for most recreational dives. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Some divers naturally tolerate cooler water better than others. Stronger winds may also make surface intervals feel cooler than usual.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Shake'm.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Shake'M
While Shake'm is primarily a wreck dive, the structure itself serves as an artificial reef, attracting various marine life. Nurse sharks are often seen relaxing under ledges, a common sight that adds to the wreck's ambiance. Turtles are frequently observed cruising around and crossing the site, offering graceful encounters. Divers often notice lobsters hiding in smaller crevices, while larger spaces might reveal the resting nurse sharks. Though the reef isn't fully covered with corals and sponges, impressive schools of fish are often present, adding vibrant movement to the sunken freighter. The intact cargo holds and deck machinery provide diverse habitats for smaller critters, complementing the larger marine encounters.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is Shake'm?
Shake'm is a 180ft freighter that capsized suddenly due to a shifting load during a storm. It's an advanced wreck dive located in the calm waters off Quarantine Point in Trinidad and Tobago. Its intact state makes it a fascinating site to explore.
What is the typical depth range for diving Shake'm?
The dive profile for Shake'm typically ranges from 16 to 30 meters (55-100 feet). This depth makes it suitable for advanced certified divers.
What makes Shake'm a unique dive site?
Its uniqueness stems from the abrupt capsizing that left its instruments, furniture, equipment, and cargo, including gigantic bags of cement, largely intact. This preservation offers a rare opportunity to explore a frozen moment in time within the wreck.
What kind of divers is Shake'm suitable for?
Shake'm is an advanced wreck dive, meaning it is best suited for experienced divers. Those with good buoyancy control and wreck diving training will get the most out of exploring its interior features.
How are the currents typically at Shake'm?
Conditions at Shake'm are generally described as calm, being situated off Quarantine Point. However, divers should always be aware that local currents in Tobago can be dynamic, so preparedness for varied conditions is wise.
Is specific equipment recommended for this dive?
Yes, a dive light is crucial for exploring internal sections of the wreck, and a cutting tool is advised for safety. Carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) and reel is also highly recommended for signaling the dive boat.
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Shake'M
Conditions are Moderate
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Shake'M show 28° air, 28° sea temperature, 1.6 m waves, and 33 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.