Andes (Wreck) - Antigua South Coast

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.

Location
Antigua South Coast, Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.126900, -61.890300
Type
wreck

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: Fort Barington

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth of the Andes Wreck dive site in Antigua?
The Andes Wreck dive site in Antigua has a maximum depth of 13 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers. The wreck itself is a three-masted steel merchant sailing ship that sank in Deep Bay.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Andes Wreck?
Divers exploring the Andes Wreck can expect to encounter a fascinating 100-year-old three-masted steel merchant sailing ship. The wreck is home to numerous reef fish, and you might spot stingrays hanging around in the sand near the structure. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Andes Wreck, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the Andes Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While not explicitly for advanced divers, beginners should have some experience or be accompanied by an instructor due to its classification. Its maximum depth of 13m is manageable for many certified divers.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the Andes Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the Andes Wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on dive seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section. We recommend checking with local dive operators for current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Andes Wreck?
Given the Andes Wreck is classified as an intermediate dive, a basic open water certification is typically required, with some experience highly recommended. Divers should feel comfortable with wreck diving fundamentals. No specific advanced wreck certification is explicitly stated as mandatory in the provided information.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the Andes Wreck dive site?
Divers at the Andes Wreck can generally expect good average visibility of 11 meters. Information regarding typical water temperatures or specific current conditions at this site is not provided in the available data. It's always a good practice to consult with local dive centers for the most up-to-date conditions.