wreck

Log This Dive

NORMA J

The Norma J is one of our favourites on Antigua’s south coast, a wooden sailing vessel that ran aground way back in 1972. You’re looking at a maximum depth of two metres here, which means phenomenal natural light and endless bottom time. We love drifting over her skeletal remains; the timbers are well broken up, but you can still make out the ribs and deck planks in places. It’s an easy, relaxed snorkel or a super shallow dive that feels more like an archaeological dig. What really sells the Norma J for us isn’t the wreck itself, but how nature has taken over. The remaining structure is carpeted in colourful sponges and soft corals, a real nursery for juvenile reef fish. Keep an eye out for tiny gobies darting between the crevices and parrotfish grazing on algae right off the hull. Visibility here is usually excellent, so you get brilliant wide-angle views of the whole site. It’s perfect for photographers wanting to practice natural light shots, or anyone just looking for a peaceful, sun-drenched hour exploring a bit of maritime history.