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MAL ABRIGO

Mal Abrigo isn't your typical deep wreck dive. It’s a shallow, broken up wreck, sitting in just two metres of water, but that's precisely its charm. We love it because it’s a tangible piece of history you can practically walk through. The wooden ribs of the old fishing boat, which ran aground back in 1968, are mostly exposed now, sculpted by decades of waves and surge. What you experience here is less about exploring intact compartments and more about appreciating the slow decay and the life it now supports. Look closely into the nooks and crannies of the timbers – we’ve often spotted small crabs scuttling amongst the barnacles, and sometimes juvenile fish dart in and out of the skeletal remains. It's a fantastic spot for snorkelers or very shallow freedivers who want to spend time observing the intricate details of a disintegrating wooden vessel. The water can be cool, especially outside of summer, so a good wetsuit is a smart move. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny morning when the light penetrates the water, illuminating the wreck’s ghostly silhouette.