wreck

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ALIA 1 (FORWARD SECTION)

The Alia 1, or at least its forward section, sits upright at 30 metres, a proper old barge that feels much older than it is. We love how the hull is starting to collapse in places, creating these shadowy alcoves where snapper often hang out. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, then glide along the deck, where the anchor chain still sits coiled. It's a proper swim-through in parts if you’re comfortable, pushing through gaps in the mangled metal, but always check your buoyancy first. What makes this wreck special for us is the way the resident batfish school around the mast, a shimmering wall of silver that parts as you approach. Look closer, and you’ll spot nudibranchs on the encrusting corals, little bursts of colour on the rusted steel. The current here can pick up, so we always suggest diving this one on a slack tide if you want to explore the hold without battling the flow. It's a fantastic dive for those who enjoy a bit of history mixed with a healthy dose of marine life, offering a good 45-minute bottom time on a single tank.