ANGELA - Medes Islands

Angela. Our kind of wreck. Not some deep, dark technical challenge, but a proper, accessible piece of history sitting upright in just eight metres of water. We love the way she’s split in two, bow and stern separated, creating this fantastic swim-through corridor that's become a busy apartment block for so many creatures. You’ll feel the slight surge pushing you gently through the gap, a cool current often carrying tiny jellies past. The Medes Islands can get a bit wild with currents sometimes, but Angela, tucked in close to the main island, usually offers a pretty calm dive. We always find moray eels peeking from every hole, and those little iridescent cardinalfish shimmer in the darker sections. It’s a photographer's dream on a sunny day, with shafts of light piercing the surface, illuminating the deck and the swarms of damselfish darting amongst the broken sections. A perfect second dive, or for anyone who just wants to spend some quality time exploring a proper wreck without the pressure of depth.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.400000, 4.566667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - ANGELA

Year Sunk
1984
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Angela was a German-built motor vessel that had been serving European trade routes since its launch in 1957. By the mid-1980s, it was operating under Italian ownership, undertaking regular voyages across the Mediterranean. In November 1984, the Angela departed Marseilles, France, for what should have been a routine passage to Sardinia, Italy.

As it sailed along the Spanish coast, the ship encountered a fierce storm. The powerful winds and high seas common to the region proved too much for the vessel. On November 15, 1984, the Angela was pushed off course and ran aground near the Medes Islands, a small, protected archipelago known for its rugged beauty and challenging currents. The ship was heavily damaged and eventually sank, becoming another victim of the Mediterranean's unpredictable weather.

The wreck of the Angela now lies in just 8 meters of water inside the renowned Medes Islands Marine Reserve. Its shallow depth and the incredible visibility make it a phenomenal dive for all certification levels. The remains have transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, bustling with marine life that thrives in the protected reserve. Divers can easily explore the structure, which is now home to moray eels, octopus, and dense schools of fish, all set against a backdrop of colorful sea fans and sponges.

Best Time to Dive in Medes Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Medes Islands occur in August, averaging 23.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.1°C
  • February: 13.3°C
  • March: 13.5°C
  • April: 14.4°C
  • May: 16.8°C
  • June: 20.5°C
  • July: 22.7°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 21.6°C
  • October: 19.4°C
  • November: 17.3°C
  • December: 15.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Medes Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to ANGELA

Marine Life in Medes Islands

Home to 78 recorded species including 56 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 5 octopus & squid, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ANGELA

Based on average water temperature of 17.6°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 18°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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 maximum depth for scuba diving at the Angela dive site?
The Angela dive site, a fascinating wreck in the Medes Islands, offers a maximum depth of 8 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers to explore the remains of this 70.4m long motor vessel. The Angela was built in 1957 and sunk on November 15, 1984.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Angela?
The provided data for the Angela dive site does not specify the types of marine life or coral divers can expect to see. However, as a wreck site, it typically attracts various species over time, transforming into an artificial reef. For general information on marine life in the region, you might explore our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Angela dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Angela dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 8 meters might seem appealing, the nature of a wreck dive often requires good buoyancy control and awareness. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What are the best times of year to dive at Angela for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the Angela dive site does not specify the best times of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in Mediterranean Europe, please refer to our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive to the Angela wreck.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Angela?
The data provided for the Angela dive site does not explicitly state any specific diving certifications required. However, given its intermediate difficulty and status as a wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is often recommended for such sites to ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience. Always check with local dive operators in the Medes Islands for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the Angela dive site?
The provided data for the Angela dive site does not include specific information regarding typical current or water conditions. Divers planning to explore this 8-meter deep wreck should consult with local dive centers in the Medes Islands for the most up-to-date conditions before their dive. The Angela is a motor vessel that grounded due to bad weather, highlighting the importance of checking conditions.