ALBATROS - Balearic Islands

The Albatros, now that's a wreck with a story, even if it’s a bit of a tragedy. This old steamship, 89 metres long, ran aground in '69. You find it sitting upright at a comfortable 10 metres, which makes it perfect for a long, relaxed dive. We love that you can spend ages just cruising over the deck, peeking into what's left of the superstructure. What really gets us about the Albatros is the light. Even on an overcast day, the sun finds its way through the water, illuminating patches of the hull. You'll often see schools of sea bream drifting through the shadows, and we've spotted some impressively sized moray eels tucked away in the darker corners of the engine room. It’s not a site for big pelagics, but the sheer scale of the wreck, so shallow, means you feel like you’re exploring history rather than just observing it. Our favourite part? The bow, where the chain still stretches out, slowly being claimed by the Mediterranean. It’s a gentle dive, suited for anyone who loves wrecks without the pressure of deep water or strong currents.

Location
Balearic Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.750000, 3.433333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - ALBATROS

Year Sunk
1969
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

Built in Norway in 1950, the SS Albatros served as a reliable steamship for nearly two decades. In the autumn of 1969, under the ownership of Garibship Nav Ltd., she embarked on what would be her final voyage, a passage from the bustling port of Barcelona, destined for Constantza on the Black Sea.

On October 25, 1969, her journey was cut short in the waters of the Balearic Islands. The vessel ran hard aground on a rocky seabed, sustaining fatal damage that sent her to the bottom. Today, the Albatros rests in a mere 10 meters of water, making it a spectacular and accessible wreck dive. Its shallow depth allows for long bottom times and bathes the wreckage in natural light, revealing a structure that has become a thriving artificial reef, teeming with Mediterranean marine life. It's a perfect site for novice wreck divers and underwater photographers alike.

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Marina de Levante de Mallorca-Cala Ratjada

Best Time to Dive in Balearic Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Balearic Islands occur in August, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 14.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.3°C
  • February: 14.8°C
  • March: 15.2°C
  • April: 16.4°C
  • May: 19.3°C
  • June: 22.5°C
  • July: 26.2°C
  • August: 27.4°C
  • September: 25.9°C
  • October: 23.4°C
  • November: 19.6°C
  • December: 16.5°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Balearic Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to ALBATROS

Marine Life in Balearic Islands

Home to 150 recorded species including 110 reef fish, 11 octopus & squid, 11 sharks & rays, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALBATROS

Based on average water temperature of 20.2°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°C water
  • 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