ASTORIA

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Ensenada de Portier-Lamas

Why dive here

With 139+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, orcas, sea turtles, sperm whales and pufferfish - ASTORIA offers some of Isla de la Juventud's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 27°C.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Orcas, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Pufferfish · 139+ species recorded

Water27°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 1m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Now, Astoria. Not every wreck needs to be a deep technical dive to be genuinely interesting. This bulk carrier, grounded off Cabo San Antonio back in ’78, sits in just one metre of water. You read that right: one metre. We love it because it’s entirely different. It’s an exposed, skeletal structure, often breaking the surface, and frankly, it’s a masterclass in how marine life adapts to the harshest environments. Think of it as a living art installation. The sheer scale of the ship, at 195 metres long, is still impressive even if only bits remain visible. You’ll be snorkelling and free-diving rather than scuba, poking around rusted plating and twisted rebar. The sun filters through the shallow water, illuminating clouds of small baitfish darting amongst the shadows. We’ve seen juvenile barracuda lurking, and the way the light plays off the barnacled surfaces makes for incredible photos. It’s a photographer’s dream, honestly, especially late afternoon when the light softens. We’d suggest bringing a good wide-angle lens for this one. It’s not about finding rare species; it's about appreciating the raw power of the ocean claiming back this massive steel hulk. For divers who appreciate history and don't mind skipping the tanks for a day, it’s a fascinating look at the intersection of man-made structures and the natural world.

Typical ASTORIA 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.

Today05:1217:5712h 46m daylightGolden hour 17:27

ASTORIA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1978

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Built in Hamburg, Germany, in 1960, the Astoria served as a bulk carrier for nearly two decades. Its career came to an abrupt end on December 28, 1978. While on a long passage from New York to Brazil, the vessel ran into trouble in the Caribbean and grounded firmly off Cabo S, near Cuba's Isla de la Juventud. The damage was catastrophic, and the ship was declared a total loss, abandoned where it lay.

Lying in a mere one meter of water, the wreck of the Astoria is less of a scuba dive and more of a snorkeler's paradise or a landmark for kayakers. For years, the vessel has been battered by waves and tropical storms, breaking it apart and scattering its remains across the shallow reef. The engine block and other large sections of the hull are often visible from the surface, encrusted with coral and algae. It provides a fascinating and easily accessible site to witness the power of the sea and explore a shallow-water ecosystem teeming with juvenile fish and invertebrates that have taken refuge in the ship's metallic skeleton.