ALBERTINA

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

St Marys

Why dive here

With 384+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, eagle rays, humpback whales and nurse sharks - ALBERTINA offers some of St. Kitts's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Eagle Rays, Humpback Whales and Nurse Sharks · 384+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterWreck dive · max 6m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The *Albertina* is a properly historical wreck, a schooner that ran aground in 1969 after engine failure. At only 6 metres, it’s a brilliant, relaxed dive. We love that you can really take your time here, exploring the bow and stern sections, which are still largely intact. The shallow depth means ambient light floods the wreck, painting the corals and sponges in a soft, natural glow. What makes this site a standout for us is the way the *Albertina* has become a home. Look closely and you’ll spot yellowtail snapper darting between the broken timbers, or a wary moray eel peeking from a dark crevice. We’ve even seen nurse sharks napping under the main deck. It’s perfect for new wreck divers or anyone who just wants a beautiful, unhurried swim. Our tip: go in the late afternoon. The sun filtering through the water onto the wreck is just something else.

Typical ALBERTINA 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.

Today06:0317:5411h 50m daylightGolden hour 17:25

ALBERTINA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1969

Vessel Type

schooner

Cause

grounding

The schooner Albertina met her end in the warm Caribbean waters of St. Kitts. On July 16, 1969, while on a passage from St. Thomas to Dominica, the vessel suffered a critical engine failure. Powerless against the wind and waves, the Albertina was driven ashore and stranded, becoming a total loss. Fortunately, her demise was not a violent one, and she settled in a shallow, protected area.

Resting in just 6 metres of water, the wreck of the Albertina is now a fantastic site for novice divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers. The calm, clear conditions allow for long, relaxed bottom times exploring the remains of the schooner. Over the decades, the structure has become a thriving artificial reef, encrusted with colourful corals and sponges and attracting a vibrant population of reef fish, moray eels, and crustaceans. It's a perfect example of how the sea reclaims a vessel, transforming a maritime loss into a beautiful underwater habitat.