Lively Shipwreck
Protected Area
Mermaid Reef
Why dive here
With 365+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, giant moray eels, grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and humpback whales - Lively Shipwreck offers some of Rowley Shoals's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 26-31°C, warmest January, February, March.
We love a wreck that feels like a real discovery, and the Lively at Rowley Shoals delivers exactly that. It’s not just a collection of scattered parts; this is a proper shipwreck, a British clipper that ran aground way back in 1879. You really get a sense of history here. We’ve found ourselves finning through huge schools of fusiliers, so thick they almost block out the light, darting between the corroded ribs and plating. Keep an eye out for the resident trevally and groupers that patrol the deeper sections of the wreck. This site is a fantastic choice for experienced wreck divers who appreciate the story behind the metal, and it offers plenty to explore without feeling overwhelming. Visibility here is usually excellent, often pushing 30 metres, which makes those penetration sections feel a lot more comfortable. Our favourite part? The way the sunlight shafts through the gaps in the hull, illuminating the clouds of glassfish sheltering within. It’s a proper adventure.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for Lively Shipwreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Lively Shipwreck
Lively Shipwreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Lively Shipwreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-17.32, 119.35) (6km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
29°C
84°F · Range: 26.6–31°C
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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