ALBERTINA - St. Kitts

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.

Location
St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.333334, -62.700000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ALBERTINA

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.

Marine Protected Area: St Marys

Best Time to Dive in St. Kitts

The warmest water temperatures in St. Kitts occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in St. Kitts

Nearest Dive Centres to ALBERTINA

Marine Life in St. Kitts

Home to 393 recorded species including 318 reef fish, 27 hard corals, 11 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALBERTINA

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°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