AFRICAN VIOLET - Canary Islands

The African Violet is a bit of a local legend, and for good reason. She’s a 61-metre motor vessel, purposely sunk back in '83, sitting upright and mostly intact on a sandy seabed at 24 metres. We love how accessible she is, with open cargo holds perfect for a gentle penetration if you’re comfortable, letting ambient light stream in and highlight the schools of glassy sweepers darting through the beams. Down here, it’s not about huge pelagics, but the smaller, more intimate stuff. Look for ornate wrasse flitting over the deck plates, and we’ve often spotted scorpionfish camouflaged against the rusted metal, waiting for an unsuspecting meal. The bow is our favourite, with its anchor chain leading off into the blue, creating a dramatic backdrop for photographs. It’s a superb dive for anyone who enjoys wreck exploration without strong currents or excessive depth, making it a solid choice for advanced open water divers looking to hone their skills. Best dived in the morning before any wind picks up, keeping the visibility clear.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.150917, -15.402200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Wreck History - AFRICAN VIOLET

Year Sunk
1983
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The story of the African Violet is one of quiet decay followed by a sudden disappearance. Built in Hamburg in 1959, this motor vessel spent its final days not on the high seas, but at rest. For a year and a half, she lay at anchor off Las Palmas, a silent silhouette against the Canary Islands' skyline. Then, on October 8, 1983, she slipped beneath the waves for reasons that remain unclear, sinking in the very spot where she had waited for so long.

Today, the African Violet rests on a sandy bottom at a depth of 24 meters. Her solitary end has made her an intriguing destination for divers. The wreck is largely intact, offering a fascinating glimpse into a mid-century cargo ship's structure. Over the decades, the vessel has been claimed by the Atlantic, becoming a thriving artificial reef teeming with the vibrant marine life characteristic of the Canary Islands, including moray eels, damselfish, and schools of bream.

Marine Protected Area: Área marina de La Isleta

Best Time to Dive in Canary Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Canary Islands occur in September, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C
  • February: 19.5°C
  • March: 19.3°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 20.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 22.6°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 23.7°C
  • October: 23.5°C
  • November: 22.4°C
  • December: 21.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Canary Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to AFRICAN VIOLET

Marine Life in Canary Islands

Home to 80 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 2 octopus & squid, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 worms.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AFRICAN VIOLET

Based on average water temperature of 21.5°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°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