Not all good things in Skyrim are found on land or underground in deep dark caves and dungeons. Those who happen to be Argonians or who otherwise have enchantments that allow them to dive deep into Skyrim's water will be pleasantly surprised to discover some of its sunken secrets.
Among shipwrecks that can be spotted from afar or exclusively discovered underwater are also actual vessels the player can visit for quest purposes — or to steal things if you're feeling brave enough. Without further ado, let's set sail and take a look at the finest ships and shipwrecks in Skyrim, ranked from not worth looting to absolutely worth visiting.
14 Northern Maiden
The Northern Maiden might be at the bottom of the list, but it's actually a very important ship, at least initially. It's the primary way to reach Solstheim at the beginning of the DLC, and all you need to do is head to Windhelm to board this ship.
After visiting Solstheim once, however, fast traveling bypasses having to hire this ship's captain to cart you around for 250 per trip. As such, it becomes mostly useless after its initial role at the beginning of the Dragonborn DLC's questline.
13 The Sea Squall
In the cold and snowy city of Dawnstar, you'll find The Sea Squall docked to its port, and it's a pretty small rudimentary ship with only three crew members. There's not much to see here or loot here, which is why it ranks among the lowest ships.
The only reason to come here is for a radiant quest for the captain himself, who will request that you find some fine-cut void salts. For a bit of extra coin it's as good as any job, but there are better ships to visit.
12 Wreck Of The Icerunner
The Icerunner is a unique wreck that only appears after you've turned off the light at Solitude's Lighthouse during the quest "Lights Out!" given by Jaree-Ra. This is an infamous quest, known for the fact that Jaree-Ra ends up betraying you after promising half of the cargo as a reward.
As such, the Icerunner itself doesn't have most of its goodies when the Dragonborn arrives. Only a chest can be found nearby its wreckage, but the real goods need to be taken by force from Jaree-Ra who has gone into hiding in a nearby cave.
11 Wreck Of The Winter War
This shipwreck is an interesting one, lodged between a bunch of rock formations northeast of Windhelm. It's overrun by bandits, but the good news is that it promises pretty decent loot, with a few chests lying around.
There's also a skill book that will level up lockpicking, and if you need some extra food to heal yourself the cooking station nearby is convenient once the bandits are taken care of.
10 Red Wave
This is another intact vessel, which is located in Solitude's harbor. A Dark Brotherhood quest is likely to send the player here, following a contract from Nazir to assassinate Safia. It's a difficult place to infiltrate due to the number of guards around, but the cargo isn't half bad.
There's a skill book for sneaking, as well as a bunch of iron and steel ingots. It's a dream come true for any blacksmiths who don't mind breaking the law for some good loot.
9 Pilgrim's Trench
Forget about one shipwreck, how about four different ships sunken at the bottom of the Sea of Ghosts? That's exactly what Pilgrim's Trench is. Located directly west from the College of Winterhold, it's a location worth visiting for some minor loot.
The surrounding area is also fairly decent, with a small encampment on an island nearby as well as plenty of salmon to catch when diving for the lost treasures of these vessels. The loot might not be significant, but it's a cool place to visit nonetheless.
8 Wreck Of The Strident Squall
If you have the Dragonborn DLC installed, head over to Solstheim's southern sea, and this ship will await you. Beware of the Reavers who inhabit this area, but worry not, because the loot makes the trek all the way here worth it.
There are a few bags with random loot, a scimitar, a mace, and a strongbox within the ship. It's also the location where you need to retrieve the original copy of the Lusty Argonian Maid for Cindiri Arano.
7 Hela's Folly
The best type of loot to find is something that's small but precious. Hela's Folly, located northeast of Dawnstar, is the go-to spot for some precious gems. A submerged shipwreck can be found just next to a lone Argonian's camp.
Both the camp and the wreck have some notable loot. From gems to two chests, this is a great spot if you're looking to earn money later. There's also a statue of Dibella in the camp which can be prayed to for a quick boost.
6 Wreck Of The Brinehammer
Probably one of the most well-known wreckages in Skyrim due to how photogenic it is, the Brinehammer is found in the Sea of Ghosts, between Dawnstar and Solitude. It's a fairly big wreck with sub-locations as well, and a shrine of Kynareth.
There's a skill book of archery and enchantment here, as well as tons of ore and some alchemy ingredients. Following the shore east from here the player can also find another skill book for Alteration spells.
5 The Silvermoon
Lake Ilinalta, located down the river that runs through Riverwood, is quite an interesting location. Not only is it home to a standing stone, but also Ilinalta Deep. And, if you look deep enough in the waters, you might come across the famous wreck of The Silvermoon.
There's a single chest here, as well as a bunch of alchemy ingredients that are usually found at the bottom of the sea. An axe can also be found here.
4 Orphan's Tear
On the northwestern coast behind Solitude, the wreck of the Orphan's Tear is found nearby a simple bandit camp. As you approach the three remaining bandits will most likely attack you on sight, to be prepared to fight for the loot.
There's a total of three chests here with randomized items, some potions, and a selection of alchemy ingredients. A cooking station in the camp is ideal if you want to make some extra food for your travels. Given the size of the wreck, the amount of loot is quite impressive.
3 Dainty Sload
The Dainty Sload is only a few steps away from Solitude's Lighthouse and is completely overrun by corsairs. Although the amount of loot here isn't as significant as in some other previous areas, this is an important area due to having one of the countless Stones of Barenziah within.
You'll also find a skill book for Speech and some random loot.
2 Wreck Of The Pride Of Tel Vos
Almost directly east from the College of Winterhold, located within the Sea of Ghosts, is what remains of this presumably Dunmer vessel. The place is now in control of some bandits and is surrounded by several major ore veins for those equipped with a pickaxe. This includes iron and corundum ore, as well as gold and silver which are on nearby bits of land.
The ship itself is relevant to a few side quests from Winterhold. What also makes this place pretty fantastic are its amenities — a tanning rack and a cooking station are available for any travelers. In terms of utility and ores, which are immensely difficult to find easily, this is easily one of the best places to check out.
1 The Katariah
Finally, the queen of all ships in Skyrim is without a doubt the Katariah, which is a vessel that only appears when the Emperor comes to visit Skyrim during the Dark Brotherhood questline. As such, it's highly guarded and full of dangerous enemies.
The ship is full of great loot, but some highlights include the Emperor's clothes, Gilded Wristguards, and a unique scimitar, the Windshear. There's also a two-handed skill book and a flawless ruby, so it's just another great reason to join the Dark Brotherhood.