07/03/2026
The wreck of the Balboa is a hidden gem… hidden right in the middle of the George Town port!
The Balboa was a 375ft cargo ship that wrecked in the George Town harbor during a hurricane in 1932. The captain and crew abandoned the ship, which was carrying lumber that continued to wash ashore during the storm. The captain promised that if no one was hurt during the storm, he would use that lumber to do something beneficial. True to his word, he later used the lumber to help build a church on the waterfront.
Today the Balboa is scattered in 25-40 feet of water right in the middle of the port. It’s rare to get an opportunity to dive as it is right in the middle of the port traffic. We can only dive the wreck when there are no cruise or cargo ships in port and it is still up to the discretion of Port Authority.
When we do get the opportunity, it never disappoints. The wreck is teeming with life, large schools of reef fish, stingrays, tarpon and the occasional turtle or eagle ray.
