2m
    Azores, Portugal
    Porto das Capelas-Ponta das Calhetas

    ANSA 9

    Best months: Aug–Sep

    Protected Area

    Porto das Capelas-Ponta das Calhetas

    Why dive here

    With 219+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and hammerhead sharks - ANSA 9 offers some of Azores's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 16-24°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeAug–Sep
    WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Hammerhead Sharks · 219+ species recorded
    Water16-24°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterWreck dive · max 2m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Typical ANSA 9 Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m2m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today05:4717:1411h 27m daylightGolden hour 16:39

    ANSA 9 Wreck History

    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.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANSA 9

    ANSA 9 Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for ANSA 9, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.87, -25.92) (22km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    22°C

    72°F · Range: 20.5–24.2°C

    Air Temperature

    21°C

    70°F

    Wind Speed

    10 m/s

    19.4 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1018.8 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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