ANSA 9 - Azores

ANSA 9 is one of those sites we always recommend, especially if you’re keen on exploring a bit of history without needing to go deep. At a maximum depth of two metres, it's essentially a snorkel or freediving spot, but don't let that fool you. This is the wreck of the ANCRE, a tugboat that went down in the 1960s, and it’s surprisingly intact given how shallow it is. You can make out the structure of the hull, some of the superstructure, and even peer into parts that would have been interior spaces. What we love about ANSA 9 is how the light plays on the metal, especially around midday. Sunlight dapples through the water, illuminating the rust-coloured plates and the vibrant green algae that cling to every surface. Shoals of juvenile fish dart in and out of the crevices, using the wreck as a nursery. We’ve often seen curious octopus peeking out from under a plate, and the nudibranchs here are surprisingly colourful. It’s a photographer's dream for wide-angle shots, capturing both the wreck and the surface. Our favourite time to go is on a calm, sunny morning before the afternoon breeze picks up, when the water is glass-smooth. It’s a super accessible site, perfect for those days when you just want to grab your fins and explore something unique without the fuss of a full scuba setup.

Location
Azores, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.740276, -25.656805
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ANSA 9

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
grounding

The wreck of the ANSA 9 offers a dramatic sight against the rugged volcanic coastline of the Azores. Lying at a mere 2 meters, with parts of its hull and superstructure breaking the surface, this is a classic example of a vessel that lost a battle with the rocky shoreline. The name suggests a commercial or utility craft, possibly a barge or workboat, that ran aground in the notoriously unpredictable Atlantic weather. Its exposed position means it is constantly battered by the elements, leading to its slow and picturesque decay.

This site is less of a traditional scuba dive and more of an adventure for snorkelers, freedivers, and photographers. Exploring the ANSA 9 requires careful timing with the tides and swell, but the reward is a unique underwater experience. You can swim through its skeletal remains in sun-dappled water, observing how sea life quickly colonizes a wreck in the turbulent shallows. It's a powerful visual testament to the power of the ocean and a fascinating site for those looking to explore a wreck that exists in two worlds-above and below the waves.

Marine Protected Area: Porto das Capelas-Ponta das Calhetas

Best Time to Dive in Azores

The warmest water temperatures in Azores occur in January, averaging 16.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.8°C (air: 16.4°C)
  • February: 16.8°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • March: 16.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • April: 16.8°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • May: 16.8°C (air: 17.5°C)
  • June: 16.8°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • July: 16.8°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • August: 16.8°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • September: 16.8°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • October: 16.8°C (air: 20.9°C)
  • November: 16.8°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • December: 16.8°C (air: 17.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Azores

Nearest Dive Centres to ANSA 9

Marine Life in Azores

Home to 229 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 23 whales & dolphins, 18 sharks & rays, 11 other, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ANSA 9

Based on average water temperature of 16.8°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