One of Spain’s Top Wreck Dives
The Naranjito wreck is easily one of my favourite dive sites around Cartagena – and for good reason. It’s also one of the most famous wreck dives in Spain.
This 51-meter-long cargo ship sank on April 14, 1946, when a violent storm caused its cargo of oranges to shift dramatically. As the ship began taking on water, it quickly went down. Tragically, not everyone onboard could be rescued. For weeks, oranges washed ashore, earning the wreck its local nickname: “El Naranjito” (The Little Orange).
What to expect underwater
Located just one nautical mile from the coast, the wreck is easily accessible by boat. It sits upright on the seafloor, with the shallowest part at 28 m and the deepest section – the propeller and rudder – at 42 m.
This makes it ideal for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or a Deep Diver specialty. Using Nitrox can significantly extend your bottom time, and for those planning to explore the deeper parts of the wreck, a light Trimix mix (e.g. 25/25) is recommended.
How I dive the Naranjito
The dive starts at a permanent mooring line attached near the winch at the bow. I personally like to swim a few meters away after descent to admire the striking bow view from a distance – one of my favourite photo angles!
I then usually follow the starboard side of the wreck toward the stern. Keep an eye on the blue water – lucky divers may spot sunfish (Mola mola) here! Depending on your gas mix, a detour to the propeller and rudder at 42 m is an unforgettable highlight.
The three boilers in the engine room are still in great condition. They can be seen through a vent opening on the top deck, so no wreck penetration is required. The following cargo hold is often full of moray eels and groupers.
Finally, you’ll reach the bridge, which sits at the shallowest part of the wreck. It’s a vibrant zone with seabream schools, damselfish, and even barracudas hanging around.
During ascent and deco stops along the line, keep your eyes open – larger fish and schooling pelagics are not uncommon. While currents at the Naranjito can be strong, the line is secure and provides a safe hold for all stops.
Dive Requirements
To dive the Naranjito safely, you should have:
Advanced Open Water Diver certification or Deep Diver specialty
Nitrox or Trimix for extended bottom time and safety
Wreck diving experience is a plus
My Conclusion
This wreck dive is the perfect combination of history, technical challenge, and underwater beauty. For me, the Naranjito remains one of the most iconic dive experiences in Spain – not just for its structure, but also for the life it hosts and the atmosphere it creates.
📩 Got questions or want to dive the Naranjito yourself? I’m happy to help – feel free to reach out!
