wreck

Log This Dive

NIAGARA

The Niagara, an old motor vessel scuttled in ‘83 after a run-in with customs, really is something else for a shallow wreck. At just four metres deep, it’s a brilliant dive for newer wreck enthusiasts, or those just wanting a long, relaxed exploration. We love how much of the original ship is still discernible; you can spend ages picking out details of the superstructure, almost feeling the history of its final, fiery moments. While it’s no deep reef, the life here is surprisingly rich. Schools of juvenile barracuda often hang around the bridge, shimmering in the sun, and the metal plates are fuzzy with a soft blanket of algae, home to blennies and small scorpionfish. Our favourite part is swimming through the cargo holds, feeling the cool shadow as the light filters down. Visibility often hits 20 metres or more here, especially on a calm morning, letting you take in the sheer scale of the 115-metre hull stretched out beneath you. It’s a great second dive to unwind on, or a perfect spot for underwater photography, with plenty of light to capture the ship’s moody atmosphere.