VIOLET MITCHELL - Andros

The Violet Mitchell, resting in a mere 5 metres, is our favourite kind of shipwreck dive. It’s a proper historical wreck, not some purpose-sunk playground, which gives it a real sense of character. She went down in heavy seas back in '86, and you can still feel that drama when you’re finning past her capsized hull. What we love here is the sheer accessibility. You can spend an entire hour exploring her 49-metre length, ducking into the cargo holds, or tracing the outline of the collapsed superstructure. Sunlight filters through the shallow water, illuminating schools of snapper that dart in and out of the metal framework. We often spot barracuda lurking in the deeper shadows, just watching you pass by. The wreck itself has become an artificial reef, draped in colourful sponges and soft corals, a gentle contrast to the rusty metal. It’s perfect for new wreck divers, or anyone who enjoys a long, relaxed dive where you can truly take your time to appreciate the details, perhaps even surfacing for a chat mid-dive before dropping back down.

Location

Andros, Bahamas, Caribbean

Coordinates

25.450000, -77.750000

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

5m

Marine Protected Area: South Berry Islands Marine Reserve