ANNE E. ANDERSON

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Anegada Island

Why dive here

With 449+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and eagle rays - ANNE E. ANDERSON offers some of Virgin Gorda & Anegada's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 27°C.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Eagle Rays · 449+ species recorded

Water27°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.

Typical ANNE E. ANDERSON 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.

Today06:0218:4012h 38m daylightGolden hour 18:10

ANNE E. ANDERSON Wreck History

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.