wreck

Log This Dive

PRIMO BALTAZAR

Primo Baltazar is one of those wrecks that really tells a story, even if it’s a sad one. This old fishing vessel, just under 30 metres long, went down after a fire back in 1980, and now it sits in such shallow water, it’s practically begging to be explored. We’re talking a maximum depth of two metres here, which means phenomenal light penetration and long bottom times. It’s an ideal spot for new divers to get a feel for wreck diving without any of the usual depth or current concerns. Or, honestly, for anyone who just loves pottering around a piece of history. You can spend ages poking into what’s left of the wheelhouse, imagining the crew’s last moments on deck. The shallow depth means the wreck is completely encrusted with marine growth, a tapestry of sponges and anemones, creating miniature cities for juvenile fish. We’ve seen incredible numbers of ornate wrasse darting in and out of the metalwork, and often a grumpy-looking octopus tucked away in a shadowed corner. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before any boat traffic picks up, when the sun just starts to warm the water and the light streams through the surface like liquid gold. It’s a truly peaceful dive.