SS America - Canary Islands

We’ll be honest, when most people think “Sweden” they aren’t thinking “epic wreck diving”. But they should be, and the Blücher is a prime example of why. This isn’t some broken-up hull. She’s a 200-metre cruiser, a German warship that met her end in 1940, and what we love is just how much of her is still there, upright, and largely intact. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, then the huge gun turrets loom out of the murk. Visibility can be a challenge – this is the North Sea, after all – but when it’s good, the sheer scale of the ship is staggering. Exploring the Blücher is a journey through history, with ammunition, equipment, and even some personal effects still scattered around. The torpedo room is a favourite spot, or exploring the bridge area, imagining what it must have been like. Marine life has well and truly moved in; we’ve seen big shoals of pollock and saithe swirling around the superstructure, and the deck plates are thick with mussels. Our top tip: go in late summer or early autumn for the best chance of settled weather and clearer water, though even then, be prepared for a proper deep, dark dive. It’s definitely one for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a genuinely significant piece of history.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.345833, -14.180500
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cueva de Lobos

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 SS America

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 SS America

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