Andes (Wreck)

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Fort Barington

Why dive here

With 229+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and orcas - Andes (Wreck) offers some of Antigua South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 27°C.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 229+ species recorded

Water27°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Andes wreck is probably our favourite shallow dive on Antigua’s south coast. It’s an old barque, sunk back in 1905, and now sits broken up across the seabed in Deep Bay, maxing out at 13 metres. We love how accessible it is; even with modest air consumption, you can really take your time poking around the ribs and hull plates that scatter the sandy bottom. You’ll find schools of grunts and snapper often hanging motionless inside the larger sections of the wreck, almost like they’re still sheltering in the cargo hold. Look closely on the coral-encrusted metalwork for little nudibranchs and flatworms. The resident batfish often sit camouflaged against the sand nearby, and we’ve often spotted stingrays fanning themselves into the sediment, so keep an eye out for their tell-tale outlines. Visibility averages around 11 metres, which is usually enough to appreciate the scale of the wreckage. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys a leisurely explore of a historic site without the pressure of depth or strong currents.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:5418:2812h 35m daylightGolden hour 17:59

Andes (Wreck) Wreck History

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.