AMERSFOORT
Protected Area
Two Foot Bay Sanctuary
Why dive here
With 155+ marine species recorded in the area - including orcas, sea turtles, sperm whales and pufferfish - AMERSFOORT offers some of Barbuda's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 27°C.
The *Amersfoort* isn't about depth; it's about story. Sunk back in 1927, this old steamship lies spread across the seafloor in just three metres of water, making it a dream for snorkelers and divers who want to take their time. We love drifting over the scattered remains of its hull, imagining the ship's final moments. You’ll see the outlines of bulkheads, twisted metal plates, and where the superstructure once stood, all now encrusted with sponges and soft corals. It’s not about big pelagics here, but rather the smaller, more intricate life – parrotfish grazing on algae, tiny blennies peering from crevices, and juvenile snapper darting through the shadows. The shallow depth means fantastic light penetration, especially around midday, painting the wreck in blues and greens. It’s our favourite spot in Barbuda for a truly relaxed exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak up a piece of history without worrying about bottom time. Go early to avoid any afternoon chop.
Typical AMERSFOORT Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
AMERSFOORT Wreck History
Year Sunk
1927
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
storm
The wreck of the Amersfoort is one of Barbuda's most accessible and intriguing historical sites. This vessel met its end on September 20, 1927, likely falling victim to a powerful hurricane that swept through the Leeward Islands that year. Today, it lies in the crystal-clear shallows at a depth of just 3 meters. Because it is so shallow, parts of the hull and superstructure are often visible from the surface, breaking the waves and serving as a constant reminder of the sea's power. Its accessibility makes the Amersfoort an ideal location for snorkelers and novice divers, offering a safe and fascinating introduction to wreck exploration.
Reviews for AMERSFOORT
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AMERSFOORT
AMERSFOORT Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AMERSFOORT, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (17.61, -61.8) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
26.96°C
81°F
Air Temperature
28.2°C
83°F
Wind Speed
6.66 m/s
12.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1014.8 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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