Diving atRelitto Angelika (Italy)
Relitto Angelika offers a compelling dive into the Strait of Bonifacio's depths. Descending upon this Greek cargo motor ship, divers encounter its two main sections, resting at a max depth of 18 m (59 ft). The site presents opportunities for short penetrations, revealing the scale of the vessel. Its notable bronze helix is a primary feature. Navigating the separate wreck pieces allows for exploration of both its exterior and accessible interior spaces.
Tonight's objective overview for Relitto Angelika shows an air temperature of 16.5°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.16m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
41.2591, 9.2415
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Relitto Angelika presents a compelling glimpse into maritime history beneath the Strait of Bonifacio. This Greek cargo motor ship, approximately 70 meters long, met its fate in the 1980s during a severe storm while traversing these turbulent waters.
Powerful tempest forces tore the vessel into two significant sections, now resting separated on the seabed. Exploring these fractured remains, divers typically encounter the wreck's deeper sections around 18 meters. The wreck's structure offers intriguing short penetrations for appropriately certified divers, allowing glimpses into its past functionality and internal workings.
A particularly striking feature remains the large bronze helix, still affixed and remarkably preserved. Its sheer size is impressive.
Hull separation provides distinct areas for exploration, from the more intact bow section to the scattered stern, allowing for comprehensive navigation of the site. Debris scattered around the main pieces further extends the exploration, creating a diverse underwater landscape.
Many divers reflect on the ship's somber past, palpable in its silent descent. It forms a tangible link to an era of commercial shipping, now transformed into an artificial reef.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving conditions at Relitto Angelika are typically found from late spring through early autumn. During these months, surface conditions are calmer, with average wave heights dropping to around 0.7-1.0 meters (2-3 ft) and wind speeds generally ranging from 23-26 km/h (14-16 mph), which contributes to higher dive scores, often rated "Good" throughout this period. Water temperatures reach their warmest between July and September, ranging from 20-26°C (68-79°F). Air temperatures are most comfortable for surface activities during the summer, peaking around 26.5-26.6°C (80°F) in July and August. Rainfall is also minimal, often below 1 mm (0.04 inches) during peak summer, improving overall clarity. Conversely, winter months, from January to March, present cooler water temperatures of 14-15°C (57-59°F) and higher wave activity, making surface conditions more challenging. Planning a dive in the shoulder seasons like May, June, or September can also offer favorable weather with fewer crowds, with air temperatures averaging 18-23°C (64-73°F).
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Experiencing Relitto Angelika, divers quickly sense shifts in the water column. A violent thermocline is frequently encountered, marking a distinct boundary between warmer surface waters and cooler deeper layers, impacting thermal comfort. Visibility is generally fair, allowing for a good appreciation of the wreck’s scale once close, though stirred sediment can momentarily reduce it. Starting from a shallow depth of about 5 m (16 ft), the wreck extends to its maximum recreational depth, making it accessible for Open Water divers. Drift is typically weak, only rarely becoming moderate, which significantly aids navigation around the two large sections of the vessel. Exploring the site involves traversing over scattered remnants of the hull and examining the intact bronze helix. This provides an engaging visual journey through the ship's past, revealing the details of its former life as a cargo vessel. Divers should be prepared for varying temperatures due to the thermocline.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving Relitto Angelika requires an Open Water Diver certification due to its accessible depth range. While some short penetrations are possible into the wreck's sections, divers undertaking these should possess appropriate training and experience for overhead environments. The site is known for a potentially violent thermocline, which can cause significant temperature drops and impact comfort, necessitating proper thermal protection. Though drift is usually weak, monitoring current conditions is always advisable. Always adhere to PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices, including proper buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the wreck or stirring up sediment, which could reduce visibility. Consulting local dive professionals familiar with the site is crucial for current conditions and specific safety briefings before entering the water.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 17°C (62°F), many divers find a 5-7mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Divers performing multiple dives may appreciate slightly warmer protection later in the day.
Environmental conditions appear stable for the near future.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Relitto Angelika
Relitto Angelika's metal structure provides a habitat for various marine species, drawing them to its intricate surfaces. As an artificial reef, the wreck attracts schooling fish that find shelter within its broken hull and around its prominent features like the bronze helix. While direct observations vary, some divers have noted the possibility of encountering pelagic species such as sharks, dolphins, or even turtles in the surrounding waters. Closer inspection of the wreck often reveals moray eels, crabs, and nudibranchs nestled within crevices, making the underwater landscape a vibrant ecosystem thriving on the sunken vessel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of dive site is Relitto Angelika?
Relitto Angelika is a wreck dive, specifically the remains of a Greek cargo motor ship. It consists of two main sections that broke apart during a storm.
What is the maximum depth of the Relitto Angelika wreck?
Diving the wreck, its deepest point is approximately 18 meters. Shallower sections can be found around 5 meters.
Is wreck penetration allowed or possible?
Short penetrations into the wreck's main sections are possible. Divers attempting these should have appropriate training and experience for overhead environments.
What are the typical water temperatures at the site?
Water temperatures vary seasonally, ranging from 14-15°C (57-59°F) in winter (January-March) to 20-26°C (68-79°F) in summer (July-September). A violent thermocline is often present.
What dive certification is required for Relitto Angelika?
An Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for exploring this site due to its recreational depth range.
How strong are the currents at this wreck site?
Currents at Relitto Angelika are typically weak, though they can rarely become moderate. Divers should always be mindful of local conditions.
What kind of marine life can be observed on the Relitto Angelika?
As an artificial reef, the wreck attracts schooling fish, moray eels, crabs, and nudibranchs. Some divers have also reported potential sightings of larger pelagic species such as sharks or turtles in the area.
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