OKAVANGO - Antigua South Coast

The Okavango wreck isn't just another dive; it’s a portal back to a specific moment in 1996. This old barge, built in ‘51, was on its way from Montserrat to St. Maarten, loaded with a vehicle, livestock, and five passengers, when it took on water and capsized. Now it rests upright in 35m of water off Antigua’s south coast, a silent sentinel. We love the Okavango for its quiet solemnity. Dropping down, the outline of the 31-metre vessel slowly emerges from the blue. The cargo holds are open, inviting cautious exploration, and we often find ourselves peering into the shadowy interior, imagining its last voyage. This isn't a wreck with dramatic structural damage; it’s largely intact, giving it a ghost-ship feel. Schools of bar jacks often circle the mast, their silver scales flashing in the light, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from crevices in the hull. Look closely at the deck, and you’ll see scattered porcelain corals clinging on, providing shelter for small gobies. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of man-made structures by the ocean.

Location
Antigua South Coast, Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.033333, -62.533333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Redonda

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 OKAVANGO

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 OKAVANGO

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