Beware of impersonators: We only email from @sheiswanderlust.com. Any other address is not us.

Pablo Escobar's Crashed Plane

Pablo Escobar’s Crashed Plane

An Unusual Dive Site in the Bahamas

Just off the coast of Norman’s Cay in the Exumas, the remains of a drug-smuggling plane linked to Pablo Escobar sit submerged in the Bahamian waters. Once used to transport illicit cargo during the height of the Medellín Cartel’s operations, this sunken aircraft has become one of the most intriguing and unusual attractions in the Bahamas.

The plane (a Curtiss C-46 Commando) is believed to have crashed during a failed landing in the late 1970s or early 1980s, while on route to South Florida. They attributed the crash to a drunk pilot and a night of low visibility.

Surprisingly, the cargo was recovered before the arrival of the authorities. Today, its rusting fuselage rests beneath the surface, drawing snorkelers, divers, and curious travelers, surrounded by clear waters that make for good visibility.

I visited the site through a day tour I booked from Nassau, which included a boat ride to Norman’s Cay and a stop at the plane wreck. With basic scuba gear (mask and snorkel) provided by the tour operator, I was able to swim over and around the wreck. It’s not a shallow site, so you do need to be comfortable swimming.

There is also a lot of marine life around, which is clearly visible as you are swimming around.

Although there are other wrecks in the area, as the air space of the region was relatively unpatrolled in those times, they are not as accessible as this one. Norman’s Cay was presumed to be the headquarters and transshipment base of Carlos Lehder’s cartel, as well as a hub for Escobar’s operation, thanks to its strategic location close to Miami. They took over the cay by purchasing small portions of the island to the locals. This area was later recovered in 1982 by an operation held between the Bahamian Government and the US.

What to Know Before You Go

Access: Only accessible by boat; most tours depart from Nassau or nearby islands.

Swimming conditions: The water is deep, and while currents are typically manageable, you should be comfortable in open water.

Gear: Basic snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) is usually provided on guided tours.

Photography: Bring a waterproof camera or a waterproof case if you want to capture the experience — visibility is excellent.

Selene swimming by pablo escobar's plane

Why Visit?

If you’re looking to do something a little different in the Bahamas, this dive site offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and marine life. It’s not your typical white-sand beach or resort stop — and that’s exactly what makes it worth the visit.

Location

Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?

This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.

Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?

This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.

Tour bahamas

More things to see in Bahamas

She is Wanderlust Logo

    Beware of impersonators: We only email from @sheiswanderlust.com. Any other address is not us.

    HOME

    ABOUT

    BLOG

    DESTINATIONS

    CONTACT

    SHOP

    Subscribe and get exclusive
    travel trips and getaways

      FROM A FEMALE

      TRAVELER

      TO OTHER TRAVELERS

      out there

      © 2025 She is Wanderlust. All rights reserved

      Privacy Preference Center

      Privacy Preferences