Andes Wreck - Antigua South Coast

The Andes Wreck sits just off Antigua’s south coast, a three-masted bark that went down in 1905. It’s a great introduction to wreck diving, with a maximum depth of 20 metres, and truly beginner-friendly. We love how much of the original ship is still discernible, especially the stern. You can make out the deck structure, even some of the cabins, all heavily draped in soft corals and sponges now. We usually drop in and spend a good portion of the dive poking around the bow, which has fragmented into some interesting swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for Banded Cleaner Shrimp in the crevices, and we’ve often spotted a Marbled Moray or two peeking from the darker recesses. Visibility here is consistently decent, rarely dipping below 15 metres, which really lets you appreciate the scale of the wreck as you approach. Our favourite time to dive it is first thing in the morning; the light filters down beautifully through the masts, creating some dramatic silhouettes. This site just has a very peaceful, ancient feel to it, perfect for anyone looking to connect with a bit of maritime history, or just enjoy a relaxed exploration.

Location
Antigua South Coast, Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.010000, -61.780000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8-20m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Andes Wreck

Year Sunk
1905
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
fire
Tonnage
1,315 GRT

The Andes was a proud, three-masted iron barque built in Glasgow in 1874, a testament to the golden age of sail. For decades, she plied the world's oceans, carrying cargo between continents. Her final voyage began in Trinidad in June 1905, her holds filled with a highly volatile cargo: 1,330 barrels of pitch destined for paving roads in Chile. This flammable material would ultimately seal her fate.

While at sea, the pitch cargo spontaneously combusted, and a fire broke out deep within the ship's hold. The crew fought bravely to contain the blaze, but the intense heat and flammable nature of the pitch made it an impossible battle. The captain steered the burning vessel towards Antigua, aiming for the safety of Deep Bay. The crew was forced to abandon ship as the fire raged, turning the Andes into a floating inferno. She burned for several days before finally succumbing and sinking into the calm waters of the bay.

Today, the wreck of the Andes is one of Antigua's most popular and beloved dive sites. Resting in shallow water between 8 and 20 meters, her broken hull is easily accessible to divers of all levels. Over a century beneath the waves has transformed the iron structure into a vibrant artificial reef. The ship's ribs and scattered plates are now encrusted with colorful corals and sponges, providing a home for schools of fish, moray eels, and countless crustaceans. It's a beautifully tragic site, where maritime history and marine life intertwine.

Marine Protected Area: Nelson's Dockyard

Best Time to Dive in Antigua South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Antigua South Coast occur in January, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • February: 27.2°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 27.2°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • April: 27.2°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • May: 27.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 27.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • July: 27.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 27.2°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 27.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • October: 27.2°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • December: 27.2°C (air: 26.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Antigua South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Andes Wreck

Marine Life in Antigua South Coast

Home to 234 recorded species including 201 reef fish, 7 other, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 hard corals, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Andes Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 27.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories