wreck

Log This Dive

HAWTHORN TRADER (PROBABLY)

The Hawthorn Trader, or what we’re pretty sure is the Hawthorn Trader, is one of those dive sites that just sticks with you. It’s an old cargo vessel, a proper ghost of the past, sitting upright in a shallow channel. We love how accessible it is; at just 3m deep, you can spend ages just soaking it all in, tracing the deck lines, imagining its working life. What makes it special for us is the way the light hits it through the surface, shimmering off the rust and illuminating the schools of snapper that have made it home. You’ll weave through the superstructure, watching parrotfish pick at the hull, and if you’re lucky, spot a nurse shark tucked under a plate. It’s a photographer's dream for wide-angle shots, especially around midday when the sun is directly overhead. Our favourite part? Peeking into the cargo holds, where the darkness gives way to glimpses of tarpon lurking in the shadows. It’s a calm, easy dive, perfect for extended bottom times and just enjoying the tranquility of history under the waves.