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Ship Wreck
Dive Sites
in Murcia

Explore Spain's World War 1 and World War 2 ship wrecks adorned with marine corals and vibrant gorgonians. Discover exceptional penetration dives through cargo holds, passages, and marine life-rich areas.
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Dive into the rich history of La Manga and Cartagena in Murcia, dating back over 3000 years

Discover a remarkable opportunity to explore the depths of La Manga and Cartagena's maritime history. Immerse yourself in the world of shipwreck diving, where colossal wrecks from WW1 and WW2 stand as silent witnesses to the past. These wrecks, encrusted with marine corals and adorned with vibrant gorgonians, offer unparalleled penetration dives through cargo holds, walkways, and quarters.

An Intriguing Dive Experience

Navigate through the heart of history as you venture into cargo holds once filled with goods, walkways that once bustled with activity, and diverse quarters that tell tales of life onboard. Encounter the fascinating marine life that has made these wrecks their home, from big conger eels to an abundance of underwater inhabitants.

Unearth Ancient Artifacts

La Manga and Cartagena's maritime heritage spans over 3000 years, leaving behind a wealth of artifacts from ancient shipwrecks waiting to be discovered. Dive from shore to witness ancient anchors and cannons, offering a glimpse into a bygone era that holds secrets yet to be unveiled.

Embark on a Dive into History

Take the plunge and explore La Manga and Cartagena's underwater wonders, where history and marine life collide. Join us on a journey to uncover hidden treasures and immerse yourself in the rich maritime past of this captivating region. Dive into an experience that promises both adventure and intrigue, as you unravel the mysteries of the deep.

WRECK SITES

Naranjito Wreck Dive
The Isla Gomera / El Naranjito

Unearth the captivating story of El Naranjito, affectionately known as the "Orange Ship." Laden with thousands of oranges as its final cargo, fate took a tragic turn. Caught in a storm, the ship's load violently shifted, causing it to list and take on water. As the crew swam to safety, the Isla Gomera met its watery grave, relinquishing its cargo that would later wash ashore, carpeting local beaches for weeks.

Immerse yourself in history as you explore the remnants of El Naranjito. This fascinating wreck dive offers not only a glimpse into a tragic event but also a chance to venture into the engine room, now adorned with marine life. Discover the secret world of big conger eels that now call this underwater engine room home.

Depth: 28-45 metres

Level: Advanced with Deep Diver specialty or Tec Diver.

Embark on a dive that transcends time and brings you face to face with the past. El Naranjito awaits, a testament to the unpredictability of the sea and a poignant reminder of the stories that lie beneath the waves.

The Wreck of Italian Steamship Lilla

Step back in time to the maritime past as we unveil the story of the Italian Steamship Lilla. On the 13th of October 1917, this vessel met its fate, torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine just 10 kilometers east of Thomas Maestre Port along La Manga Strip. Originally named Thordisa, it later adopted the name Lilla.

Dive deep into history as you explore the remnants of Italian Steamship Lilla. Split into two near the engine room, this wreck offers passages to swim through, adorned with growth and vibrant marine life due to its long time beneath the waves. The engine room is home to big conger eels, while jacks, common dentex, and even occasional sunfish surround the site.

The ship's name, "Lilla," owes its origin to the cargo it carried – coal, known as "Carbonero" in Spanish. With a maximum depth of 45 metres and the deck resting at approximately 35 metres, this wreck is a Nitrox diver's delight, providing an extraordinary underwater adventure.

Depth Range: 35-45 metres

Level: Advanced Open Water with Deep Diver or Tec Diver.

Embark on a dive that bridges time and space, immersing you in the history of the Italian Steamship Lilla. Delve into its remains, encounter marine life, and touch a piece of the past that remains beneath the waves.

Ship Wreck Dives Cartagena
Tug Boat Wreck Cartagena
The CBA Tug and Harrier Jet & Helicopter

Once a working tug, this vessel was deliberately sunk by the navy in the 1950s for diver training. Measuring 20m in length and 4m in width, it beckons with areas for gentle penetration, revealing its intriguing interior.

Swim along the port side, tracing the vessel's contours to reach the bow. Just 20m to the left lies the Harrier jet fuselage, an impressive addition. Submerged around 15 years ago by the navy, it provides an up-close view of its engine and unmistakable characteristics. Take a seat in the cockpit for a photo-worthy moment.

Continuing your underwater journey, venture along the jet's tail to the wreck's bow. Traverse the starboard side, where holds and the bridge await exploration. Conclude your dive by ascending the mooring line from atop the bridge, pausing for a safety stop before surfacing.

Marvel at the marine life that calls this dive site home – from scorpion fish and moray eels to nudibranch and sea bream. With visibility ranging from 8 to 20m, and depths spanning 15 to 22m, this dive is ideal for open water divers. Enjoy calm conditions with a touch of gentle waves, ensuring a captivating experience.

The Turia and Ulla

On Wednesday 28th July 1999 two new wrecks appeared at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea between Cabo de Palos & Isla Grosa. These new wrecks were first used as minesweepers for the US Navy in the 1950s & was decommissioned, stripped & cleaned ready for their final role as a home for divers and fish.

The wrecks lie 300 metres apart on the sloping seabed, with their bow at around 35m and stern at some 31m. The top of the bridge of the Turia was damaged during the sinking and now lies on the bed off the ships port side. This leaves the highest point at a depth of around 21/22m. The Ulla is relatively in tact.
Already the shelter provided by the wrecks has attracted lots of small schooling fish (Anchovies, Sardines etc), which have in turn attracted larger predatory fish such as Mackerel and larger Bream.

As time goes on a wider range of fish have been attracted to the site, including visits by a solitary 2m long Sunfish. Situated in a relatively sheltered position, with good visibility (12m-30m)

Depth range: 28-35 metres

Level: Advanced

Turia Ship Wreck
SS Stanfield Shipwreck
SS Stanfield

The Stanfield's legacy now lies beneath the sea's surface at a depth of 45 to 62 metres. Its 120-metre length stands upright, a testament to its history. The wreck's bow, extensively damaged and split open, opens a passage into three different level decks. As you delve deeper, the ship's heavily encrusted exterior reveals the torpedo blast area on the port side, adorned with stunning red and black gorgonians.

Due to its remarkable depth, the Stanfield wreck beckons experienced technical divers. This site's complexity and depth make it a challenging but rewarding undertaking, suited for those prepared to manage decompression requirements.

Depth: 45-62 metres

Level: Technical dive (decompression)

Uncover the layers of its story, explore its intricate features, and immerse yourself in the depths where history and marine life intertwine. This deep technical dive offers a unique glimpse into a past marked by turmoil and a future of underwater exploration.

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