wreck

Log This Dive

HERNAN CORTES

The Hernan Cortes wreck is a properly old timer. We’re talking 1855, a pilot boat, sunk due to a leak. It’s sitting in just 8 metres of water, so it’s a brilliant second dive or a long, shallow exploration. You don’t need much air for this one, which is just as well because we love to take our time picking through the remains. What you find today is a scattering of timbers, ribs, and hull plates, all beautifully encrusted. It’s less a defined shape and more an archaeological site, with a really unique atmosphere. Look closely and you’ll find moray eels tucked into crevices, nudibranchs slowly making their way across the wood, and plenty of damselfish darting amongst the broken structure. It’s an easy dive, current is usually negligible, making it perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to potter around a piece of history. Our favourite time to visit is late morning; the light filtering through the shallow water makes the metal and wood gleam.