The Zanoni is a remarkably intact 338-ton three-masted barque that sank on her maiden voyage during a violent storm in 1867, lying upright in 18 m of water on a barren seabed 10 nautical miles southeast of Ardrossan. Discovered in 1983, this is one of Australia's best-preserved 19th-century merchant sailing wrecks, now encrusted with colourful sponges and home to abundant schools of fish. Access is by boat only within a strictly protected 550 m heritage zone — a true offshore adventure for certified divers.
The Zanoni Shipwreck
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 4.4 knPrecipitation 16 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
The Zanoni Shipwreck has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Wreck entanglement hazards danger
The wreck structure has rigging, sharp metal, and netting hazards; penetration of the wreck is not recommended without advanced wreck training.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Wreck entanglement hazards
The wreck structure has rigging, sharp metal, and netting hazards; penetration of the wreck is not recommended without advanced wreck training.
Moderate risk: Exposed open-water conditions
The wreck sits in open offshore waters of Gulf St Vincent, exposed to swells and wind from all directions. Diving should only be attempted in calm conditions.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Located in 18 m of water with potential for strong tidal flows through Gulf St Vincent.
Low risk: Legal enforcement - permit required
Diving without a valid permit is illegal within the 550 m protected zone; patrols and penalties apply.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Zanoni lies approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) southeast of Ardrossan on the east coast of the Yorke Peninsula. Boat access is required; arrange a charter with Adelaide-based dive operators such as Divers Delight, Diving Adelaide, or Adelaide Scuba. A mooring buoy has been installed at the site.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available in Ardrossan near the boat ramp at Fifth Street.
parking
A permit from the Maritime Heritage Branch of the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) is required to enter the 550 m protected zone — $5.00 permit fee.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports