So I participated in this month's Mapping Challenge at the Cartographers' Guild following the theme: submerged. For something unusual I decided to try a map structure I've never attempted - a cross-sectional elevation map (think of a fish tank and looking through glass to see the mapped area. This called Brigatine's Rest, Fool's Inlet - I did a little story which is on the map. The ship is not only under a 120' of water, but the aft in the ship has sunk beneath the mud and silt. The cut away view shows the interior of the ship. Beneath the waves I've got fish, a shark and a very cool octopus in the cave at the cliff base. With fish below, I included gulls or pelicans flying over the waves. I personally like the waves of the incoming tide is my favorite feature.
Perhaps this illustration map might give you inspiration for a pirate or undersea adventure... enjoy!
Link to larger image: Brigatine's Rest (http://www.gamer-printshop.com/cbg/brigatines-rest-final.jpg)
(http://www.gamer-printshop.com/cbg/brigatines-rest-thumb.jpg)