Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or have a curiosity for diving in unusual places, there are spooky dive sites around the world just waiting to be explored. Bring your bravest dive buddy because these creepy dive sites are not for the faint of heart. Read about eight of the spookiest dive adventures below and find out why you should go!
1. Underwater Statue of Jason Voorhees
At the bottom of an abandoned, water-filled mine in Minnesota is one of the world’s most notorious killers. Jason Voorhees, star of the popular Friday the 13th horror film series, is entombed underwater, hockey mask and all.
The statue was installed by two dive buddies and is one of many submerged objects divers can discover while exploring open-pit mines near Crosby, Minnesota. Follow these directions from Scuba Diving magazine to visit Jason in his watery grave or simply book your trip below.
2. Yonaguni Monument
In 1986, divers discovered a mysterious rock formation near Japan’s Yonaguni Jima Island. Sport Diver describes the structure as similar to a Mayan temple, “with narrow passageways, dead-straight steps and terraces, angled corners, holes, channels and intricately shaped rocks.”
To this day, no one is sure whether the Yonaguni pyramid is a natural formation or evidence of a civilization that existed 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. Is Yonaguni Japan’s Atlantis? Or is it evidence of alien visitation? Perhaps it’s simply the master architect mother nature showing us what she can do.
3. Turtle Tomb
Sipadan, Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful diving and one of the creepiest dive spots. At a dive site called Turtle Tomb, hundreds of turtle skeletons (and a few dolphins) litter the sandy bottom. The animals who lost their lives in the cave got lost and couldn’t find their way out. For this reason, the dive is restricted to advanced divers with cavern training and experience.
4. Mine Diving Sweden
You’ll need special permission from locals to dive the Tuna Hästberg mine. The adventure begins 80 meters/262 feet below ground. Divers make their way down 400+ dark stairs wearing hard hats while dive gear is transported by trolley and winch. A local expert will suggest routes through the labyrinthine network of tunnels based on your training and experience. A guide can be arranged if needed. Sidemount and technical dive training are not required, but strongly recommended. Many of the passageways are narrow and the majority of the site is an overhead environment.
5. A Flooded Village
Lyngnstøylsvatnet is a dive site, located in Norway, that tells a haunting story. This lake was once part of a farm in Norangsdallen, but everything changed on May 26, 1908. A sudden rockslide from the mountain Keipen blocked the river Lygna, flooding the valley and creating a lake almost overnight. As a result, the farmhouses of Norang and Stylstad, along with their roads and surrounding trees, became submerged and have been preserved in the cold waters for over a hundred years.
Today, Lyngnstøylsvatnet is a hidden gem that draws tourists and divers alike. Divers from all over Norway and beyond come to explore the ruins up close, experiencing the blend of adventure and history beneath the surface. Whether you’re seeking thrills or a glimpse into the past, Lyngnstøylsvatnet promises an unforgettable dive filled with mystery and beauty.
6. Salem Express
In December 1991, the passenger ferry Salem Express collided with a reef in the Red Sea and sunk. More than 500 people lost their lives and, due to dangerous conditions, some of the bodies could not be recovered.
The wreck of the Salem Express is a controversial dive site as many feel it is disrespectful to recreationally dive a vessel that is also a grave site. Those who choose to visit the wreck can see artifacts including luggage, clothing, children’s toys, and (tragically) two life rafts.
7. Chuuk Lagoon
If you’re a diver looking for a thrilling mix of history and adventure, Chuuk Lagoon in Micronesia is an absolute must! Known as the ‘Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon,’ this underwater graveyard is home to over sixty Japanese warships and aircraft that sank during World War II. Today, these wrecks are covered in colorful coral, creating a hauntingly beautiful underwater museum. What makes it even spookier are the remnants left behind—gas masks, sake bottles, and even human bones—offering a chilling glimpse into the past.
Diving among these wrecks feels like stepping back in time, where the vibrant marine life contrasts starkly with the ghostly artifacts of war. The massive ships loom in the depths, casting long shadows that add to the ‘spooky vibe’. For anyone seeking a dive that’s both unforgettable and a little haunting, Chuuk Lagoon is the perfect spot.
8. Cenote Angelita
Cenote Angelita in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is one of those dive sites that stays with you long after you surface. Despite its name, which means “Little Angel,” this cenote has an eerie, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The dive starts out calm, with crystal-clear water for the first 90 feet (27 meters), but at around 100 feet (30 meters), things get surreal. You’ll hit a dense layer of hydrogen sulfide that forms a thick, misty cloud—almost like an underwater river. Once you pass through it, the scene below feels like stepping into a different world, with sunken trees and branches reaching out through the murky haze.
This layer not only dims the natural light but gives the whole scene a ghostly, haunted vibe, as if you’ve stumbled upon an underwater ghost forest. The dive can be challenging due to the shift between fresh and saltwater, but if you’re up for the adventure, it’s an unforgettable experience!
Prepare for Spooky Adventures
Are you ready to explore some of the spookiest dive sites in the world? From haunting shipwrecks to spooky underwater caves, these locations offer a unique blend of adventure and mystery. However, many of these thrilling dives require specialized certifications to ensure safety and competence. Courses like PADI’s Wreck Diver, Sidemount Diver, and Tec Diver provide essential training for navigating these intriguing environments, allowing divers to explore with confidence.
PADI Adventures App
Don’t forget to use PADI Adventures when you go. It’ll geo-locate your position and tell you everything there is to do in your new location. There’s no more need to spend hours searching the Internet, and no need to walk into each dive center to check pricing and availability when you’re on the go. Booking your diving adventures has never been easier!
The PADI Adventures app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Download it now, and dive into some ‘spooky’ adventures!
