wreck

Log This Dive

ISLA DE COLUMBRETES (POSSIBLY)

We have to be honest, the Isla de Columbretes is less a dive site and more a historical footnote you can snorkel over, but what a footnote it is. This motor vessel, originally charting a course from Las Palmas to Oran, ran aground back in 1984. Now, it sits just below the surface, barely two metres deep, a stark skeleton of its former self. For snorkelers, or very shallow freedivers, it's a fascinating glimpse into a maritime incident frozen in time. You can make out the entire 50-metre length of the hull, an impressive silhouette against the sandy bottom. Our favourite part is how the light plays across the twisted metal, creating these shimmering patterns. The wreck has become an artificial reef, of course. Schools of juvenile damselfish flit in and out of the rusted openings, and we’ve spotted small octopus tucked into crevices if you look closely. It's a calm spot, typically with good visibility, making it perfect for an easy afternoon in the water, especially if you're travelling with non-divers who still want to experience a bit of local history. We love that it's accessible to literally anyone comfortable with a mask and snorkel.