Diving atNaranjito (Spain)
For an expert approach to the Naranjito wreck, understand that this 51-meter cargo ship demands careful dive planning. Its stern sits at 42 m / 137 ft on a sandy bottom, heeled to starboard. Proficiency in deep diving and wreck navigation becomes vital here, allowing you to appreciate the site's structure safely. Advanced Open Water Diver certification is a minimum requirement, ensuring divers possess the foundational skills for this compelling Spanish Mediterranean site.
As evening covers Naranjito, the local air temperature is measured at 17.3°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.56m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
37.6299, -0.6770
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Known locally as El Naranjito, this 51-meter cargo vessel carries a poignant history beneath the Mediterranean's surface, just a mile from the Spanish coast. The ship, originally named Isla Gomera, sank on April 14, 1946, after a storm caused its orange cargo to shift dramatically, leading to a swift descent.
Resting upright on a sandy bottom, it presents an impressive silhouette for divers. Its structure remains in excellent condition, with the bridge still intact and the engine room and holds offering accessible opportunities for wreck penetration to appropriately qualified divers. A permanent mooring line guides descent to the bow winch gear, allowing exploration over the front hold and key features.
Shallowest parts, like the bridge or forecastle deck, are found around 28 m / 92 ft, while the stern settles deeper at 42 meters, providing a varied dive profile for Advanced Open Water and technical divers.
Best Time to Dive
Optimizing visibility is key for appreciating the scale of the Naranjito wreck. Conditions for good visibility tend to be more stable during months with lower average wave heights and minimal rainfall. The months from June through August often present the calmest surface conditions, with average wave heights around 0.73-0.80 meters. Rainfall is also minimal during this period, averaging as low as 0.32 mm in July, contributing to clearer waters. While specific water temperature data isn't consistently reported, the generally warm air temperatures, peaking at over 27°C / 81°F in July and August, indicate a favorable climate for diving. Good dive scores from April through December suggest extended periods for enjoyable conditions.
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
Navigating Naranjito begins with a descent down its permanent mooring line, typically secured at the bow. Divers then proceed over the front hold towards the bridge, exploring portions of the wreck that dip to 42 meters. The forecastle deck offers shallower exploration at around 28 meters. A slight incline towards the bow means divers naturally shallow up along the rail, a detail to remember for buoyancy control. Currents can sometimes be strong, necessitating attention to line holding during the dive and safety stop. Surrounding water often feels warm and clear, particularly during ascent, enhancing the overall dive experience. Diving here caters to those seeking both structural exploration and the chance to witness pelagic life in the blue.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching the Naranjito requires careful consideration of its inherent challenges, primarily its depth and potential for strong currents. Divers must hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification to manage the depths effectively. The site's depths, ranging from approximately 28 to 42 meters, make Nitrox and Deep Diver qualifications highly beneficial, extending no-decompression limits for comprehensive exploration. Wreck Diver certification is advisable for anyone planning to penetrate the engine room or holds. Given that currents can be robust, divers should be prepared to hold onto the mooring line, both during descent and ascent, to maintain position and control. Always plan your dive thoroughly and remain within your certification limits.
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
Conditions in the coming days are expected to stay within a similar temperature range.
Many experienced divers would consider 5mm wetsuit an appropriate choice here.
Current dive conditions indicate that water temperatures around Naranjito are sitting at roughly 18°C (65°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 17°C (63°F).
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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Marine Life at Naranjito
Upon reaching the wreck, one might first notice the dynamic activity around the structure. Moray eels are often present, camouflaged within the wreck's crevices, alongside schools of barracuda and groupers that patrol the deeper sections. Keep an eye out into the blue, as the Naranjito is known for visits from Mola Mola, or Giant Sunfish, which frequently come to the wreck for cleaning, sometimes appearing in groups. Banded shrimps can also be spotted, often hiding within the foredeck head, adding a touch of macro interest to this significant artificial reef.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Naranjito?
The Naranjito is a 51-meter long cargo ship, originally named Isla Gomera, that sank in 1946. It lies upright on a sandy bottom and is a popular wreck dive site in Spain.
What are the depths of the Naranjito wreck?
Wreck depths vary; shallowest parts, such as the bridge or forecastle deck, are around 28 meters. The stern, the deepest section, rests at 42 meters.
What diving certification is required for Naranjito?
Divers must have at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification. Deep Diver and Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) qualifications are highly beneficial for exploring the full wreck and extending bottom time.
Can I penetrate the Naranjito wreck?
Yes, the engine room and holds are in excellent condition and offer opportunities for wreck penetration. This should only be attempted by divers with appropriate wreck diving training and experience.
Are there strong currents at the Naranjito?
Currents at Naranjito can sometimes be strong. Divers should be prepared to hold onto the permanent mooring line during descent, the dive, and ascent for safety and stability.
What kind of marine life can be seen at the Naranjito?
Divers can expect to see Moray Eels, Barracuda, Amber Jacks, and Groupers. Notably, Mola Mola (Giant Sunfish) frequently visit the wreck for cleaning, offering a unique sighting.
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