ANNE SOPHIE - Algarve & Berlengas

The Anne Sophie wreck is deep. Let's get that out of the way first: 52 metres deep. But for those with the right training, this old yacht is a brilliant dive and our pick for a standout wreck in the Algarve. She went down in 1974 after springing a leak in a storm, sinking north of Cape St Vincent while being towed to shore. Now, she rests upright, and what we love about her is how intact she remains. You'll descend onto the deck, usually met by schools of sardines glinting in the shafts of light that still penetrate this far down. The wheelhouse is surprisingly open; you can poke your head in, imagining the chaos of her final moments. Our favourite detail is the mast, still standing, rising like a skeletal finger towards the surface, encrusted with jewel anemones and home to inquisitive conger eels. Keep an eye on your bottom time here; it’s easy to get lost in the details. The resident moray eels are often peeking from under plating, and sometimes you'll even spot a scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull. This dive really suits technical divers looking for a piece of history and a vibrant, albeit deep, artificial reef.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.083332, -9.000000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Wreck History - ANNE SOPHIE

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
storm

The Anne Sophie was a yacht on a long passage from the sunny Mediterranean to Lymington, UK, in the summer of 1974. Her journey came to an abrupt and dramatic end when she was caught in a fierce storm off the coast of Portugal. On July 16th, the vessel sprang a serious leak, and the crew was forced to head for the nearest shore. A rescue was mounted, and the stricken yacht was taken under tow, with the harbour tantalizingly close.

Tragically, the sea's grip was too strong. Before she could reach the safety of the port, the Anne Sophie succumbed to her damage and sank north of Cape St. Vincent. Thankfully, her crew was saved. Today, she lies at a depth of 52 metres, placing her firmly in the realm of technical diving. This is a challenging dive for experienced, deep-certified divers, who will find the remains of a vessel that fought hard but ultimately lost its battle against the Atlantic.

Marine Protected Area: Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina

Best Time to Dive in Algarve & Berlengas

The warmest water temperatures in Algarve & Berlengas occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 13.9°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 15.5°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 16.9°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 18.0°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 19.0°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 18.4°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 16.7°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 15.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Algarve & Berlengas

Nearest Dive Centres to ANNE SOPHIE

Marine Life in Algarve & Berlengas

Home to 121 recorded species including 61 reef fish, 20 whales & dolphins, 14 sharks & rays, 7 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 3 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ANNE SOPHIE

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories