ANNE E. ANDERSON - Virgin Gorda & Anegada

The Anne E. Anderson, she's a proper little time capsule, sitting upright in about five metres of water just off Mountain Point. We love this site for its sheer accessibility and the sense of history it offers, all without needing to go deep. You’re essentially swimming around a century-old schooner that sank back in 1894, and it’s remarkable how much of her wooden hull is still intact. What you'll experience here is a gentle drift over her deck, watching parrotfish nibble at the growth, and sometimes we spot a curious barracuda eyeing us from the bow. The shallow depth means sunlight penetrates everything, illuminating the details of her ribs and the vibrant sponges now clinging to her. It’s perfect for a relaxed dive, a long snorkel, or even a try-dive, and our favourite time to visit is mid-morning before any wind picks up, when the water is often like glass. This isn't a site for big pelagics, but for an intimate look at a wreck and the small reef fish that call it home, it’s spot on.

Location
Virgin Gorda & Anegada, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.746666, -64.313330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ANNE E. ANDERSON

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The ANNE E. ANDERSON is a whisper from the great age of sail, a historical wreck whose precise story has been partly lost to time. Believed to be a three-masted Canadian schooner, she likely met her end in the early 20th century, a victim of one of the powerful hurricanes that sweep through the Caribbean. These wooden trading vessels were the backbone of inter-island commerce, carrying goods like lumber and salt, but they were always at the mercy of the weather. The Anderson now lies scattered on the seabed off Anegada, a silent monument to that bygone era.

For divers and snorkelers, the wreck of the ANNE E. ANDERSON offers a beautiful and serene experience. Lying in just 5 meters of crystal-clear water, her remains are easily accessible to everyone. While the wooden hull has long since disintegrated, what remains are the ship's 'bones'-large sections of timber framing, ballast stones, and iron fittings like anchors and chains, all heavily encrusted with vibrant coral. The site is a haven for juvenile reef fish, and the bright Caribbean sun illuminates the scene, making it a perfect spot for underwater photography and a gentle introduction to the maritime history of the British Virgin Islands.

Marine Protected Area: Anegada Island

Best Time to Dive in Virgin Gorda & Anegada

The warmest water temperatures in Virgin Gorda & Anegada occur in January, averaging 26.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.8°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • February: 26.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 26.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • April: 26.8°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • May: 26.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 26.8°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 26.8°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • August: 26.8°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 26.8°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • October: 26.8°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • November: 26.8°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 26.8°C (air: 26.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Nearest Dive Centres to ANNE E. ANDERSON

Marine Life in Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Home to 462 recorded species including 371 reef fish, 39 hard corals, 11 sharks & rays, 9 other, 6 seagrass & algae, 6 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ANNE E. ANDERSON

Based on average water temperature of 26.8°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