APOSTOLOS ANDREAS - Ocho Rios

We love the Apostolos Andreas for its sheer scale, a truly massive wreck broken into pieces but still impressively large. This isn't your typical small Caribbean wreck; she’s an old motor vessel, built in 1937, and ran aground back in '67. You’ll spend most of your dive just taking in the sheer amount of crumpled steel, great sheets of it, twisted and contorted. It’s shallow, only 5 metres, which means you get fantastic light penetration, really highlighting the rust-coloured hull against the bright blue. Visibility is usually excellent here. Even with the historical context, what really gets us is how the reef has taken hold. Schools of snapper dart through the shadows beneath the larger sections, and you’ll spot parrotfish grazing on the coral growth. Our favourite part is navigating through the larger open areas where the hull has collapsed in on itself; it feels like exploring a submerged industrial playground. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time soaking in the atmosphere of a grand old ship transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. You'll want to take a wide-angle lens for this one.

Location
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.529167, -75.763054
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - APOSTOLOS ANDREAS

Year Sunk
1967
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
4,772 GRT

The Apostolos Andreas, a Panamanian-flagged freighter built in 1937, was on an epic journey from Guantanamo, Cuba, to China in July 1967. Its voyage was cut dramatically short when it ran hard aground on the treacherous Formigas Bank, a shallow reef off the easternmost tip of Jamaica. The impact caused extensive damage to the ship's bottom, leading to catastrophic flooding that sealed its fate. The crew was rescued, but the vessel was declared a total loss and abandoned to the sea.

Today, the wreck of the Apostolos Andreas is an incredible site for novice divers and snorkelers. Resting in just 5 metres of warm, clear Caribbean water, it is bathed in sunlight, which illuminates the entire structure and the abundant marine life that now calls it home. Divers can easily explore the ship's remains, which are scattered across the reef top. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times, making it a perfect location for underwater photography and for those taking their first breaths exploring a real shipwreck.

Best Time to Dive in Ocho Rios

The warmest water temperatures in Ocho Rios occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Ocho Rios

Nearest Dive Centres to APOSTOLOS ANDREAS

Marine Life in Ocho Rios

Home to 367 recorded species including 309 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 sea urchins, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for APOSTOLOS ANDREAS

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°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