wreck

Log This Dive

MERCEDES DE ABONA

The Mercedes de Abona, a wooden sailing vessel that went down in 1966, isn’t about depth or big pelagics. It’s about history and the surprising amount of life a shallow wreck can attract. Lying at just 9 metres, this is one of our favourite easy dives in the Canaries. The timbers are well-colonised now, soft with sponges and dotted with anemones. We love finning slowly around the bow, imagining the ship's last moments, then peering into the darker spaces where grouper often lurk. Visibility here is generally good, especially in the mornings before boat traffic picks up. Look closely in the crevices of the hull – you’ll often spot ornate wrasse darting in and out, and sometimes a shy octopus tucked away. It’s a perfect spot for photographers looking to practice wreck composition or for newer divers gaining confidence. You won’t get cold either; the shallow depth means comfortable water temperatures for most of the year.