CAPITAN ANTONIO - Vlora

Capitan Antonio. She’s a big girl, this one, a 93-metre motor vessel that went down in a storm back in '87. We love a wreck with a story, and this one certainly has it. She’s shallow, only sitting at 10 metres, so it’s a long bottom time even for less experienced divers. The sheer scale of the ship is impressive as you descend; her bow points to the surface, almost inviting you in. You’ll spend most of your dive exploring the deck and superstructure. We usually find schools of damselfish flitting around the old cranes, and a few inquisitive groupers have made the darker corners their home. Look closely in the hold, there's often an octopus or two tucked away. Visibility here can be a bit variable, especially after a good blow, but on a calm day, the sunlight streaming through the openings in the wreck is quite something. Our tip? Go early, before the thermocline really sets in and stirs things up. It’s an easy dive, mostly about soaking in the atmosphere of a vessel reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Vlora, Albania, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.083332, 17.141666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - CAPITAN ANTONIO

Year Sunk
1987
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The M/V "Capitan Antonio" was a modern motor vessel built in Gijon, Spain, in 1970. In January 1987, while on a voyage from Taranto to Genoa, Italy, the ship ran into trouble in the Adriatic. On January 10, it ran aground in the picturesque Bay of Vlora, Albania. Despite efforts to save her, the vessel was lost and settled onto the shallow seabed, becoming an instant, and unintended, dive attraction.

Thanks to its unfortunate end, the Capitan Antonio is now one of the most accessible and popular wrecks in Albania. Lying in just 10 meters of water, it is a perfect site for novice divers, photographers, and those on their first wreck diving course. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times with no need for decompression, and the clear Adriatic waters often provide superb visibility. The wreck is broken into sections, making it easy and safe to navigate, and its metallic structure is now home to a variety of Mediterranean marine life, offering a vibrant and fascinating dive for all experience levels.

Nearby Dive Sites in Vlora

Nearest Dive Centres to CAPITAN ANTONIO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Capitan Antonio dive site?
The Capitan Antonio dive site has a maximum depth of 10 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow wreck dive, suitable for divers looking for accessible wreck experiences in Vlora, Albania.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can be seen at the Capitan Antonio dive site?
The Capitan Antonio is a significant motor vessel wreck, measuring 93.6m x 14.6m, which sank on January 10, 1987. It was built in 1970 and is classified as a dangerous wreck, offering a fascinating historical structure to explore. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often attract various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Capitan Antonio wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Capitan Antonio wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and intermediate rating, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners. Divers should have appropriate experience and training to safely explore this fascinating site in Vlora, Albania.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Capitan Antonio wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the Capitan Antonio is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, divers typically need at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving and navigating a site classified as a "Dangerous wreck." Always consult with local dive operators in Albania for their specific requirements.
What is the best time of year to dive the Capitan Antonio wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Capitan Antonio wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you can refer to our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking with local dive centers in Vlora for current conditions and recommendations.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Capitan Antonio dive site?
The provided data does not include information on the typical current and visibility conditions at the Capitan Antonio dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck in Vlora, Albania should consult with local dive operators for up-to-date reports on these conditions.