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