wreck

Log This Dive

ESCURIAL

Okay, the Escurial. We’ve spent some chilly hours on this one, and honestly, it’s a brilliant dive for its sheer accessibility and the history you can literally touch. This iron steamship, resting in just a metre of water, is basically a natural history exhibit at low tide. We’re talking about a wreck so shallow, you can often see parts of it breaking the surface, even at high tide if the swell isn’t too big. What we really love here is the way the metal has become a canvas for life. You’ll find dense clumps of mussels, thick mats of barnacles, and a surprising number of small crabs scuttling amongst the plates. We’ve seen quite a few blennies here, darting into crevices, and the occasional dogfish tucked away in the shadows if you look closely. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, perfect for snorkelers or freedivers, and even just a really interesting shore dive for those days when you don't want to gear up for depth. Plus, the feeling of touching a piece of maritime history, knowing it sank back in 1895 after a collision, is pretty cool. Keep an eye out for the distinct lines of the hull and framework; they’re still remarkably clear despite the passage of time and tide.