MARCAR - Santo Antão

The Marcar, a big steamship from 1942, sits upright at just 15 metres, making it an ideal wreck dive for most certification levels. We love that it’s not too deep, giving you plenty of bottom time to really explore its massive structure. You can fin along the deck, peer into the holds, and even poke around the engine room, which is often swarming with schools of grunts and barracuda. Look out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices; we always spot a few here. What really makes Marcar special is how the coral has started to reclaim it. Expect to see bright orange cup corals clinging to the metalwork, and colourful sponges softening the ship’s edges. The light filtering through the open deck sections creates an eerie, beautiful atmosphere, especially on a sunny morning – our favourite time to dive it. Visibility here is usually good, often 20 metres or more, which helps you appreciate the sheer scale of the 134-metre long vessel. It’s a proper wreck experience without the usual depth demands, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to spend quality time exploring a piece of history. Just be mindful of the occasional surge if there’s a swell running.

Location

Santo Antão, Cape Verde, Indian Ocean & East Africa

Coordinates

16.883133, -25.016384

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

15m

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Natural de Santa Luzia