AGHIA ANASTASIA - Tobago

The Aghia Anastasia isn't just a wreck; it's a colossal piece of history brought to life by the Caribbean Sea. We dive it again and again because of its sheer scale, a 134-meter steamship, now utterly covered in growth. Dropping down, the bow looms first, then you follow the deck structure, seeing where the ocean has peeled back sections, revealing ribs and cargo holds. Schools of grunts and snapper hang in the shadows of the deeper sections, particularly towards the stern, where the light struggles to reach. Our favourite part has to be the engine room access, if conditions allow penetration. The sunlight filters through the gaps above, creating these ethereal shafts of light that illuminate the machinery below, now fused with coral. You’ll spot plenty of barracuda too, often just hovering motionless, watching you with that blank stare. Current can be a factor here, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide to properly explore the deeper sections without fighting a surge. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a strong sense of place, a solid challenge, and plenty of opportunities to just drift and absorb the sheer magnitude of it all.

Location
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Coordinates
11.066667, -60.933334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Wreck History - AGHIA ANASTASIA

Year Sunk
1950
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Aghia Anastasia, a steamship built during the height of World War II in 1943, survived the conflict only to be lost to the sea in a dramatic two-act tragedy. In June 1950, the 134-meter vessel ran hard aground off the coast of Tobago. A salvage operation was mounted, and crews successfully managed to refloat the massive ship. However, the victory was short-lived; the damage sustained was too great, and the Aghia Anastasia succumbed to its injuries, sinking shortly after being pulled free.

Today, she rests at 36 meters, offering an impressive and atmospheric dive. Her sheer size is the first thing that strikes you as you descend through the blue Tobagonian water. The wreck is largely intact, with her wartime-era superstructure, cargo holds, and deck machinery providing a complex and fascinating environment to explore. The ship has become a well-established artificial reef, attracting large schools of fish, barracuda, and the occasional turtle, making a dive on the Aghia Anastasia a journey through both maritime history and a vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Marine Protected Area: Buccoo Reef / Bon Accord Lagoon Complex

Best Time to Dive in Tobago

The warmest water temperatures in Tobago occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 24.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tobago

Nearest Dive Centres to AGHIA ANASTASIA

Marine Life in Tobago

Home to 344 recorded species including 323 reef fish, 5 other, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays, 2 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AGHIA ANASTASIA

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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