Arna wreck (El Vapor, Cabo de Gata)
The Arna, known as El Vapor, is a steamship wreck off the Cabo de Gata lighthouse, one of the best-known dives in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar park. One local guide gives a length of about 100 m with the shallowest deck at 26 m and sand at 42 m, while another travel page calls it about 30 m long; the sources differ. It has lain on the seabed for more than 90 years. Currents are common, so it suits advanced or technical divers and needs several dives to explore. Position estimated from the nearest coast or landmark, for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Spain – Andalusian Mediterranean coast (Almería, Granada, Málaga)
- Area: Cabo de Gata-Níjar (permit)
- Depth: 26–42 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: wreck
- Coordinates: 36.7185, -2.189 (approximate)
- Highlights: about 100 m long steamship wreck, best-known wreck in the park, deck from 26 m, sand at 42 m
- Permit: Cabo de Gata-Níjar is a Natural Park with a marine reserve. According to the Spanish fisheries ministry (MAPA), scuba diving in the reserve's outer waters needs prior authorisation from the Agriculture and Fisheries Functional Area of the Government Subdelegation in Almería; inside the waters of the Natural Park the authorisation depends on the Andalusian regional environment authority (Junta de Andalucía). Local dive centres registered for active tourism in the park arrange this for guided dives - go with one and confirm the current rules. (Source: MAPA marine reserve page)
- Issuer / contact: Subdelegación del Gobierno en Almería – Área Funcional de Agricultura y Pesca (outer waters); Junta de Andalucía, environment authority (Natural Park waters)
- Tips: Boat dive, usually from San José; enriched air and a torch are recommended, and strong currents are common in rough seas.