RFA ENNERDALE - Inner Islands

The RFA Ennerdale, a behemoth of a tanker, hit a submerged object and went down in 1970. She lies broken now, but what a dive. At 28 metres, it’s a site for advanced divers, no question, but the rewards are huge. We love descending onto the deck and seeing the sheer scale of the thing – 216 metres long, she just keeps going. The stern is our favourite part; you can often spot large groupers patrolling the propeller shafts, and the deck plates here are home to a vibrant community of scorpionfish and nudibranchs. We've seen schools of snapper circling the superstructure, and the occasional silvertip shark glides by in the blue. Exploring the open cargo holds gives you a real sense of the ship’s past, sunlight piercing through the rust-eaten metal, creating an almost cathedral-like effect. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, you get incredible views of the whole wreck, a metal mountain on the sand. It’s a proper wreck dive, a chance to really feel the history and see how marine life reclaims man-made structures.

Location
Inner Islands, Seychelles, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.497066, 55.521435
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Mamelles

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 RFA ENNERDALE

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 RFA ENNERDALE

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 RFA Ennerdale dive site and what are the typical depths encountered?
The RFA Ennerdale dive site has a maximum depth of 28m. Divers exploring this fascinating wreck can expect to encounter depths around this range.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the RFA Ennerdale?
The RFA Ennerdale is a substantial tanker vessel, measuring 216.4m in length and 30.2m in width, offering extensive wreck features to explore. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided context, wrecks of this size often become artificial reefs teeming with various species. Divers can investigate the structure of this impressive wreck, which sank in 1970 after striking a submerged object.
How challenging is diving the RFA Ennerdale wreck, and is it suitable for intermediate divers?
Diving the RFA Ennerdale is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is indeed suitable for intermediate divers, though its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests that proper training and caution are advised. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and aware of potential hazards.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the RFA Ennerdale for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at the RFA Ennerdale. For general information on when to dive in the Inner Islands of Seychelles, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the RFA Ennerdale?
Given the RFA Ennerdale's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 28m, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary experience and training for deeper wreck dives. While not explicitly stated, additional wreck diving specialty certifications would further enhance safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical visibility, water temperature, and current conditions at the RFA Ennerdale dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical visibility, water temperature, or current conditions for the RFA Ennerdale dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.