DJARFOGO - Santo Antão

We love Djarfogo. This wreck off Santo Antão isn't just a sunken ship; it’s a time capsule. Dropping down, you feel the history. The Djarfogo, a 36.6-meter motor vessel, went down in heavy weather back in 1993. Now, she rests upright at 30 meters, a proper, substantial wreck that really gives you something to explore. Her bridge is still intact, and we love poking around there, imagining the final moments. The cargo hold is open, a gaping maw where light filters in, revealing schools of glassy sweepers darting through the shadows. The coral growth is fantastic – huge gorgonian fans sway in the gentle current, and the hull is covered in sponges and anemones. Look for moray eels peering from crevices and big groupers lurking in the darker corners. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, it stretches to 20 meters, making the whole wreck visible as you descend. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story and enough structure to warrant a good 40-minute bottom time. Not for beginners, mind you, but any experienced wreck enthusiast will find it a rewarding dive. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light penetration into the holds is just magical then.

Location

Santo Antão, Cape Verde, Indian Ocean & East Africa

Coordinates

16.817684, -25.076967

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

30m

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Natural de Santa Luzia