wreck

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Avantis III

The Avantis III is one of those Mediterranean wrecks that just *feels* historic, even without knowing its backstory. We love it because it’s not just a pile of metal; it’s a fully formed ecosystem now, a proper reef in its own right. As you descend, the shape of the cargo ship emerges from the blue, usually around 20-25 metres, sloping down to a maximum depth of maybe 35 metres at the bow. The stern is our favourite part, with the propeller and rudder still largely intact, hosting a surprising number of scorpionfish and moray eels tucked into the crevices. We’ve had some incredible moments here, with schools of barracuda circling the mast structure, sometimes so thick they almost blot out the sun. The ambient light filtering through the water around the wreck’s superstructure is quite something, especially on a sunny afternoon. Inside the hull, if you’re comfortable with some wreck penetration, you’ll find plenty of open spaces, light streaming in through collapsed sections, and walls covered in colourful sponges and sea fans. It’s not a challenging wreck in terms of current, usually, but we’d suggest timing your dive for mid-morning when the light is best and boat traffic from the nearby island is still light. This site is a definite standout for anyone who appreciates a good wreck dive combined with thriving marine life.