ANA M'PORTILLA - Cabo de Palos

We’ve heard some call Ana M'Portilla a "training wreck," and sure, at just five metres, it's shallow. But don't let that fool you. This isn’t just a simple dip; it’s a proper wreck experience with a fascinating story. The motor vessel, classified as "dangerous" back in the day, now sits peacefully, broken into two main sections. Our favourite part is poking around the bow, which points north. You can still make out the anchor chain, heavy and barnacle-encrusted, leading away into the sand. The stern is a jumble of collapsed metal, but the propeller is often still visible, a dark silhouette against the sandy bottom. You can swim right into the cargo holds, where the light filters in from above, illuminating shoals of damselfish that dart between the frames. Look closely, and you’ll often spot a moray eel peeking from a dark corner or a conger eel snaking through the debris. The wreck itself is covered in a tapestry of sponges and anemones, especially vibrant when the sun breaks through the surface chop. This is a site we’d suggest for anyone looking to spend time exploring a genuine wreck without the pressure of depth or strong currents. It's a photographer's dream on a sunny day.

Location
Cabo de Palos, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.640335, -0.734500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ANA M'PORTILLA

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The Ana M'Portilla is a motor vessel resting in the shallows near Spain's renowned Cabo de Palos, a region famous for its marine reserve and historic wrecks. Lying at a mere 5 meters, this wreck is exceptionally accessible, making it an ideal site for novice divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers who can take advantage of the abundant natural light. While the story of how it sank is lost to time, its remains now serve as a home for the diverse marine life of the Mediterranean. The classification as a 'dangerous wreck' is a reminder for visitors to be mindful of sharp edges and potential hazards, but for the careful explorer, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a submerged world just a stone's throw from the coast.

Marine Protected Area: Mar Menor y Costa Oriental De La Region De Murcia

Nearby Dive Sites in Cabo de Palos

Nearest Dive Centres to ANA M'PORTILLA

Marine Life in Cabo de Palos

Home to 193 recorded species including 138 reef fish, 12 sharks & rays, 11 octopus & squid, 7 whales & dolphins, 5 other, 5 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species