ASTILLEROS GONDON II - Canary Islands

Astillero Gondon II, just off Isla Lobos, is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Canaries. The 60-meter carrier vessel went down in 1975 during heavy weather, and the way it settled makes for some fantastic exploration. You’ll find it mostly intact, lying on its side at a max depth of 20 meters, which means plenty of ambient light filters down, creating these shifting patterns on the deck plates. We love finning through the cargo holds, where schools of amberjacks often swirl, sometimes so thick you almost swim through them. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices, and the nudibranchs that cling to the superstructure – there’s always something new to spot if you take it slow. This site really suits divers who enjoy a good penetration or just appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-preserved wreck, watching marine life reclaim it over decades.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.768167, -13.835000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - ASTILLEROS GONDON II

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The Astilleros Gondon II was a relatively new vessel, built in Valencia just five years before her demise. In the spring of 1975, the carrier was on a short inter-island voyage between Arrecife and Puerto del Rosario in the Canary Islands. On April 8th, the ship was caught in severe weather, a common peril in the Atlantic. The powerful storm proved too much for the vessel, and she was lost to the waves, sinking to the seabed.

Today, the Astilleros Gondon II rests in just 20 meters of water, making it a fantastic and accessible wreck dive for certified divers. The clear, warm waters of the Canary Islands provide excellent visibility, revealing a vessel that has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. Divers can explore the ship's superstructure and cargo holds, which are now patrolled by schools of barracuda, damselfish, and moray eels peeking from crevices. It serves as a perfect example of how nature reclaims a maritime tragedy, turning it into a thriving underwater ecosystem.

Marine Protected Area: Sebadales de Corralejo

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 ASTILLEROS GONDON II

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 ASTILLEROS GONDON II

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Astilleros Gondón II?
The Astilleros Gondón II dive site has a typical depth of 20 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training for moderate depths, allowing for a thorough exploration of the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Astilleros Gondón II?
Divers at Astilleros Gondón II can explore the impressive remains of a 60.7m x 9.1m carrier vessel, which sank in 1975. This non-dangerous wreck offers a unique underwater feature to investigate. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Astilleros Gondón II dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Astilleros Gondón II dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is not typically recommended for absolute beginners. Divers should have adequate experience and certification for intermediate-level wreck diving to safely enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to dive Astilleros Gondón II for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at Astilleros Gondón II. For general guidance on diving conditions in the Canary Islands, you might consult our When to Dive section for broader seasonal insights.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Astilleros Gondón II?
Given that Astilleros Gondón II is an intermediate-level wreck dive, divers should possess appropriate certification for this difficulty. While no specific certification is explicitly listed, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, with wreck diving specialty training, would be highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for a safe and enjoyable exploration of the site.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Astilleros Gondón II dive site?
The provided data does not detail the usual currents or specific water conditions for diving at Astilleros Gondón II. While the vessel sank during heavy weather, this refers to the historical event and not necessarily the typical diving conditions. Divers planning to visit should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and conditions in the Canary Islands.