AXPI-MENDI

Protected Area

RNI Ilhéu dos Pássaros

Why dive here

AXPI-MENDI is a wreck dive in Boa Vista, Cape Verde.

CharacterWreck dive · max 3m

AXPI-MENDI is a cracker of a wreck dive, especially for those who appreciate history and shallow water. This old steamship, run aground off Boa Vista, sits in just 3m of water, meaning you get incredible bottom time. What we love about it is how accessible it is, even if you’re relatively new to wreck diving, but it still has plenty of character to keep experienced divers happy. You’re pretty much guaranteed clear, bright conditions here, with sunlight dappling through the water onto the rusted metalwork. We’ve spent ages just finning slowly around the boiler and engine room, imagining the ship’s past. It’s no surprise that the wreck has become a fantastic artificial reef. Keep an eye out for moray eels peering from crevices and big schools of goatfish swirling around the hull. Our favourite moments here are always spent spotting the little details, like the portholes now encrusted with sponges. It’s a great spot for photographers too, the ambient light is just superb for capturing the scale and atmosphere of the wreck.

Typical AXPI-MENDI 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.

Today05:1817:5112h 33m daylightGolden hour 17:22

AXPI-MENDI Wreck History

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

2,836 GRT

The Axpe Mendi was a Spanish steamship that fell victim to the rugged coastline of Boa Vista, Cape Verde, during the First World War. In 1916, while carrying general cargo, the vessel ran aground and was lost. Unlike many wartime wrecks, her demise wasn't due to enemy action, but to the timeless dangers of navigation error and treacherous shores. The powerful Atlantic waves quickly broke the ship apart, scattering its remains across the shallow reef.

Today, the Axpe Mendi is a fantastic wreck for snorkelers and divers of all levels. Resting in just 3 meters of crystal-clear water, the site is incredibly accessible. While over a century of ocean forces has flattened much of the structure, the ship's massive boilers and sections of the engine stand proud of the seabed, providing a focal point for the dive. The wreckage has become a thriving artificial reef, colonized by corals and swarmed by the colorful fish that make Cape Verde a vibrant diving destination. It's a perfect and picturesque introduction to wreck diving.