Aldebaran Wreck - Inner Islands

The Aldebaran Wreck, a deliberately scuttled fishing boat from 2008, sits upright on a sandy bottom, its mast reaching up towards the light. We love how the hull has been completely claimed by life in such a short time. You’ll find Montipora corals forming textured carpets along the decks, and the wheelhouse is often home to some chunky Argus Grouper watching you pass. Our favourite time to drop in is early morning, before the thermocline settles too deep, as that’s when we’ve seen the most activity with Dorado flashing by in the blue. At around 30 metres, it's a dive for those comfortable with depth, but the calm conditions usually mean you can take your time circling the 28-meter long vessel. Look closely for the smaller residents: Sandfish darting from cover, and we’ve found some surprisingly bold Dragonfish tucked into crevices. It’s an absorbing wreck dive, not for penetration, but for appreciating how quickly the ocean reclaims and repurposes.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.612600, 55.396200
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Aldebaran Wreck

Year Sunk
2008
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
scuttled

Deliberately sunk in 2008, the Aldebaran Wreck is one of the premier deep dives in the Seychelles' Inner Islands. This 28-meter-long fishing boat was prepared and scuttled to create a thriving artificial reef, settling perfectly upright on a vast sandy plain. Its final resting position, with depths ranging from 28 to 40 meters, means this site is strictly for advanced divers with experience in deeper profiles and managing their bottom time effectively.

The wreck itself acts as an oasis in the sand, attracting a huge concentration of marine life. Divers are often greeted by large schools of fusiliers and snappers that cloud the superstructure. The sandy bottom is a prime location for spotting stingrays and eagle rays, while the wreck's nooks and crannies provide homes for moray eels, scorpionfish, and giant groupers. The Aldebaran is a testament to successful reef creation, offering a challenging and profoundly rewarding dive experience.

Marine Protected Area: Baie Ternay Marine National Park

Best Time to Dive in Inner Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Inner Islands occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 26.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C
  • February: 29.0°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 29.8°C
  • June: 28.5°C
  • July: 26.8°C
  • August: 26.6°C
  • September: 27.4°C
  • October: 28.3°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 29.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Inner Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Aldebaran Wreck

Marine Life in Inner Islands

Home to 184 recorded species including 156 reef fish, 8 hard corals, 6 sharks & rays, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aldebaran Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Aldebaran Wreck dive site in Seychelles?
The Aldebaran Wreck dive site in Seychelles has a maximum depth of 35 meters. The wreck itself lies on a sandy bottom at depths ranging from 28 to 40 meters, making it a deep and engaging dive.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Aldebaran Wreck?
Divers exploring the Aldebaran Wreck can expect to discover a colorful variety of small reef fish and fascinating macro life. You'll also likely encounter moray eels and different kinds of scorpionfish, adding to the vibrant underwater experience. The wreck itself is a 28-meter long fishing boat, sunk in 2008, providing an interesting artificial reef structure to explore.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Aldebaran Wreck, and is it suitable for experienced divers?
The Aldebaran Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to its depth, which ranges from 28 to 40 meters, it is specifically recommended and only accessible by experienced divers. This ensures divers have the necessary skills for a safe and enjoyable exploration of the wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive the Aldebaran Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Aldebaran Wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on when to dive in the Seychelles, please refer to our When to Dive guide to help plan your trip.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Aldebaran Wreck?
While the data specifies that the Aldebaran Wreck is only accessible by experienced divers due to its depth, it does not explicitly state specific diving certifications required. Divers should ensure they have the necessary training and experience for dives ranging from 28 to 40 meters. We recommend checking with local dive operators in the Seychelles for their specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Aldebaran Wreck dive site?
The average visibility at the Aldebaran Wreck dive site is 17 meters, offering clear views of the wreck and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. Divers should always consult with local dive centers for up-to-date information on currents before their dive.