Some are the final resting places of men, while others were sunk on purpose to create marine life habitat. No matter how they got there, these creepy vessels are the perfect diving spots for those in search of a sunken spine-tingling thrill.
Shinkoku Maru — Photo courtesy of Hamish MorrisonShinkoku Maru, Micronesia
Is there anything creepier than a medical bay - complete with operating table - covered in coral beneath the depths of the ocean?
Spot this goose-pimple-producing site within the bowels of the Shinkoku Maru, a former Japanese tanker who participated in the attacks at Pearl Harbor in World War II.
Located in Truk Lagoon in the Pacific, along with several other World War II shipwrecks, this ship, where you can even spot bones, will definitely give you the willies.
USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg — Photo courtesy of Florida Fish & WildlifeUSNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Florida
Once a U.S. Air Force missile-tracking ship during the Cold War, the USNS Vandenberg is now the largest and most accessible artificial reef, according to Dive Key West.
The giant radar dishes, which were used to track the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules, add an otherworldly feel as you swim past this 520-foot structure. Explore the bridge, com rooms and crown nest.
Maru-Chuuk — Photo courtesy of Al Hornsby for PADIMaru-Chuuk, Micronesia
Six 500-pound bombs ripped open this cargo vessel, sending it smashing to the bottom of the ocean floor. The Maru-Chuuk, now one of the biggest World War II shipwreck destinations, is located in the Pacific's Eastern Caroline Islands.
The wreck is part of the "ghost fleet" of World War II shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon, which now teem with sea life.
Papoose — Photo courtesy of Scott JohnsonPapoose, North Carolina
Do sharks creep you out? Excellent! You'll see plenty when diving this tanker off the coast of North Carolina in what's dubbed "the graveyard of the Atlantic."
The Papoose, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942, is one of 2000 shipwrecks found along the shores of this state. Situated upside down, divers can penetrate the ship as far as the boiler room.
YO-257-Oahu, Hawaii
Off the coast of Oahu, one hundred and twenty feet deep, is the YO-257, a World War II Oiler Boat. It sits upright and has access holes cut into it for easier exploration.
Considered an advanced dive, it's not uncommon to see reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles resting on its decks.
U-352 — Photo courtesy of Bill Russ, VisitNC.comU-352, North Carolina
Another ship off North Carolina is the U-352, a German submarine that was sunk by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in 1942.
About 26 miles from Morehead City, the wreck is one of the most famous dive sites north of the Florida Keys.
Swim your way through the sub where Hitler's military once walked.
HMCS Yukon — Photo courtesy of Photo by Barbara Lloyd for Ocean SanctuariesHMCS Yukon, San Diego
Described as one of the best "underwater playhouses" by Discover San Diego, the 360-foot-long HMCS Yukon lies within San Diego's Wreck Alley. A Canadian destroyer escort, the ship was deliberately sunk off Mission Bay.
Swim past the bridge, deck gear and twin gun turrets, as well as through ominous interior passageways filled with eerie ambient light.
Access holes in the hull are designed to keep divers always within 30 feet of an exit should you need a quick escape.
USS Liberty, Bali, Indonesia
This WWII ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. While it did not sink, the captain had to steer it to the beach where it remained for many years.
Eventually, lava flow pushed it back into the water, where it now lies, near the village of Tulamben.
Try diving the wreck at night for an extra thrill and to spot unusual nocturnal creatures of the sea.
The Ellion — Photo courtesy of Benjamin Jones, Wanderlusters.comThe Ellion, Barbados
Carlisle Bay, on the west coast of Barbados, offers plentiful spooky shipwrecks and dozens of creepy-crawly marine species like eels and frog fish.
Some of the more notable abandoned ships open to divers include The Ellion, a 110-foot freighter that was deliberately sunk, and The Berwyn, a French tugboat now home to sergeant major fish.
A great home base for diving is Turtle Beach Resort, just 15 minutes away.
USCG Spar — Photo courtesy of Scott JohnsonUSCG Spar, North Carolina
A 180-foot Coast Guard cutter, the Spar is another intentionally sunk ship designed to become an artificial reef. It's also popular with sand tiger sharks, so keep an eye out for shark teeth souvenirs!
