Scuba diving in Hellcat

  • must see
Diver level
Experienced
Depth
Average: 54 m
Maximum: 55 m
Visibility
Average: 10 m
Maximum: 30 m
The Hell Cat F6F was an American plane. In 1956, during a training exercise, a young Navy pilot practicing low-altitude flight made a wrong move and the plane touched the water. The pilot ejected himself from the cockpit but the Hell Cat sank down to 55m/180ft. Today the wreck lies untouched on the sea bed. Divers can explore the cockpit and its glass shield, the wings mounted with machine-guns along with the fuselage that's still there, in perfect condition. The engine is still there as well. Unfortunately, the propeller disappeared upon the crash, but a similar one is on display at the local museum. Hell Cat is a great dive, but is recommended for CMAS *** / DiveMaster only.

When to go

The best time for diving this site is from April to October. The average water temperature stays around 20C/68F from late May to mid November. Depth of the site is 55m/1801ft. Water visibility is good, 10-30m/32-98ft.

Reachable from

Liveaboards with trips to Hellcat

Reviews about Hellcat

  • 10
    Overall impression
  • 8
    Visibility
  • 9
    Sealife
  • 10
    Difficulty