ASTREA - Stavanger & Rogaland

Okay, so you’re in Stavanger, and the weather’s a bit… Norwegian. But don’t let that put you off *Astrea*. This isn’t a deep dive, not even close, but it’s a brilliant one. We love that it’s right there at 5 metres, making it perfect for longer bottom times, even on a single tank. The *Astrea* is a roll-on/roll-off vessel, a big old girl at over 100 metres long, that went down in 1991. You’ll be finning along the deck at about 3 metres, looking down into the cargo holds. It's fascinating to see the ramps and vehicle decks now completely open to the sea. Light pours in, and the structure is just covered in life. Expect to find plenty of crabs scuttling over the metal, and the deeper recesses are full of cod. It’s not about vibrant corals here, but the sheer scale of a wreck so shallow, so accessible, is what makes it special. We’d suggest going on a calm day; while it’s sheltered, a bit of surface chop can make the top deck feel a bit swirly. It’s an easy, rewarding dive for anyone looking for something a bit different, especially if you’re into wreck photography without the pressure of depth.

Location
Stavanger & Rogaland, Norway, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.481860, 6.248500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ASTREA

Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
grounding

The M/S Astrea was a 109-meter roll-on/roll-off ferry with a long career under several different names. Launched in 1971, she served routes across Europe for two decades. Her final voyage took place on September 20, 1991. While on passage from Bergen to Sauda in Norway, the vessel struck the bottom and began taking on water. A desperate attempt was made to beach her to prevent a total loss, but the maneuver failed.

The Astrea slipped back into deeper water and settled on the seabed, where she rests today. Lying at a depth of only 5 meters, the Astrea is a fantastic and highly accessible wreck dive. Her massive structure is largely intact, offering an incredible playground for exploration. Divers can swim along her car decks and superstructure, peering into a vessel that was operational just a few decades ago. Its shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration, making it a popular site for photographers and new wreck divers alike.

Marine Protected Area: Øyna

Nearby Dive Sites in Stavanger & Rogaland

Nearest Dive Centres to ASTREA

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical dive depths encountered on an Astrea liveaboard itinerary in the Galapagos?
Information regarding typical dive depths encountered on an Astrea liveaboard itinerary in the Galapagos is not available in the provided data context. The data specifically describes the Astrea wreck dive site in Stavanger & Rogaland, Norway, which is found at a depth of 5 meters. This wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at the dive sites visited by the Astrea yacht in the Galapagos?
Details about the marine life divers can expect to see at dive sites visited by an Astrea yacht in the Galapagos are not provided in the available data. The context describes the Astrea wreck in Norway, a roll on-roll off vessel sunk in 1991. For general marine life information, you might explore the DivePlnr wildlife database.
How challenging are the currents and overall diving conditions at the sites typically visited by the Astrea liveaboard in the Galapagos?
The provided data does not contain information about the challenging currents or overall diving conditions at sites typically visited by an Astrea liveaboard in the Galapagos. The Astrea wreck site in Norway is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification refers to the wreck itself, not general current conditions for a liveaboard.
When is the best time of year to book an Astrea liveaboard trip for optimal diving conditions and marine life sightings in the Galapagos?
Information regarding the best time of year to book an Astrea liveaboard trip for optimal diving conditions and marine life sightings in the Galapagos is not available in the provided data. The context focuses on the Astrea wreck in Norway. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can visit the DivePlnr when-to-dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required to join an Astrea liveaboard trip in the Galapagos?
The provided data does not specify the scuba diving certifications required to join an Astrea liveaboard trip in the Galapagos. The information pertains to the Astrea wreck dive site in Norway, which is an intermediate difficulty dive. Requirements for liveaboards typically vary and are not detailed here.
What are the usual current strengths and visibility conditions like at the dive sites on an Astrea liveaboard itinerary?
Details on the usual current strengths and visibility conditions at dive sites on an Astrea liveaboard itinerary are not available in the provided data. The context describes the Astrea wreck site in Stavanger & Rogaland, Norway. This particular wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive.