ASTREA
Protected Area
Øyna
Why dive here
ASTREA is a wreck dive in Stavanger & Rogaland, Norway.
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.
Typical ASTREA 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.
ASTREA Wreck History
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.
Reviews for ASTREA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ASTREA
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