ALEGRIA NO.1 - Providenciales

The *Alegria No.1* isn't some deep, dark enigma, and that's precisely why we love it. This 30.5-meter motor vessel ran aground on the reef back in '76, later revealing a stash of marijuana in its hold – a proper pirate tale for a dive site. What makes it a standout for us is its accessibility; the wreck sits shallow, with parts of the hull often breaking the surface on a calm day. You'll find the *Alegria* draped in soft corals, a testament to how quickly the reef reclaims its own. We’ve seen schools of snapper circling the bow, and a curious barracuda often hangs out near the stern. Finning through the superstructure, you can almost feel the history. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers, especially when the sun filters through the shallow water, illuminating the colours of the sponges and sea fans. This is a perfect afternoon dive, especially for those who appreciate a wreck with a story you can almost touch.

Location
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, Caribbean
Coordinates
22.308332, -72.661670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ALEGRIA NO.1

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The wreck of the ALEGRIA NO.1 has one of the most colorful backstories in the Turks & Caicos. In April 1976, this motor vessel ran hard aground on the treacherous reefs off North Caicos during a storm. When authorities arrived to investigate, they found the ship abandoned-the crew had vanished. A subsequent search of the vessel revealed the reason for their hasty departure: one of its holds was packed with a large shipment of marijuana. The ship was part of the illicit drug trade that plagued the Caribbean during that era.

Deemed impossible to refloat, the ALEGRIA NO.1 was left to the elements. Decades of relentless wave action have since broken the ship apart, scattering its skeletal remains across the reef flat. Visible from the surface, the wreck is a popular and dramatic landmark. Divers and snorkelers can explore the twisted metal framework, now completely integrated into the coral ecosystem. It serves as a unique photo opportunity and a stark reminder of the islands' wild, smugglers' past, while providing a habitat for parrotfish, snapper, and countless other reef dwellers.

Best Time to Dive in Providenciales

The warmest water temperatures in Providenciales occur in January, averaging 26.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 26.4°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • March: 26.4°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • April: 26.4°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • May: 26.4°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • June: 26.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • July: 26.4°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 26.4°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • September: 26.4°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • October: 26.4°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • November: 26.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 26.4°C (air: 25.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Providenciales

Nearest Dive Centres to ALEGRIA NO.1

Marine Life in Providenciales

Home to 127 recorded species including 105 reef fish, 16 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 whales & dolphins, 1 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALEGRIA NO.1

Based on average water temperature of 26.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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