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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth and what marine life can be seen when diving in the Apostolos Andreas area of the Karpaz Peninsula?
The typical diving depth for the Apostolos Andreas dive site is 5m, making it accessible for many divers. While the provided data does not specify particular marine life sightings for this site, the waters around Jamaica are generally rich in Caribbean biodiversity. For more information on common species, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for scuba diving sites around Apostolos Andreas, and are there options for beginners versus experienced divers?
The Apostolos Andreas dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is best suited for divers who have some experience beyond their initial certification. While not ideal for absolute beginners, experienced divers will find it a rewarding exploration.
What are the best months to go diving near Apostolos Andreas for optimal water conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the Apostolos Andreas dive site does not specify the best months for optimal water conditions or marine life sightings. However, general information for diving in Jamaica can often provide insights into seasonal variations. For more detailed information on when to dive in the region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to explore the dive sites in the Apostolos Andreas region of the Karpaz Peninsula?
The specific scuba diving certifications required to explore the Apostolos Andreas dive site are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty classification, divers would typically need at least an Open Water Diver certification, with advanced training often recommended for wreck dives. Always check with local dive operators in Ocho Rios for precise requirements.
What are the usual underwater currents and visibility conditions experienced by divers in the Apostolos Andreas area?
The provided data for the Apostolos Andreas dive site does not include specific information on usual underwater currents or visibility conditions. These factors can vary greatly depending on weather, tides, and local geography. Divers should always consult with local dive centers in Ocho Rios for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.
Beyond marine life, what unique underwater features, such as wrecks or geological formations, can divers expect to explore in the Apostolos Andreas region?
Divers exploring the Apostolos Andreas site can expect to encounter a significant historical wreck. This site is a motor vessel, built in 1937 and sunk on July 19, 1967, after running aground. With impressive dimensions of 129.5m x 17.7m, it offers an extensive and fascinating underwater structure to explore, though it is classified as a Dangerous wreck.