wreck

Log This Dive

Barbara Beach

Coral Gardens, off Great Dog Island, is one of those places that completely reinvents itself. We remember it as a pleasant, if unremarkable, reef. Now, though, the additions here really make it shine. We’re talking about three airplane wrecks that have been cleverly configured to look like sharks, resting on the sandy bottom at around 14m. The whole setup has a wonderfully art-project feel, especially with "The Cathedral", an archway made from old mooring lines, now encrusted with sponges, that hovers gently in the water column. It’s an interesting contrast to the natural reef, and the marine life seems to love the new structures. We’ve spotted everything from curious barracudas patrolling the wing sections to shy garden eels poking their heads out of the sand nearby. Keep an eye out for the Red Clingfish, clinging to the corals, and the tiny Nine-lined goby tucked away. It’s a site that suits everyone, particularly those who appreciate a bit of creative flair mixed with their reef exploration. Visibility usually hovers around 17m, making for clear views of this evolving underwater landscape.