wreck

Log This Dive

MAGDALENA (FORE SECTION)

We love a good wreck, and the Magdalena’s bow section, just off Arraial, is one of our favourites for a relaxed dive. The ship went down in 1949, splitting apart as it was towed, leaving the fore section grounded on rocks. You hit a maximum depth of 13 metres, perfect for just cruising around. What you get is this beautifully broken-up wreck, a skeletal structure of twisted metal and exposed ribs. Sunlight filters through, creating these dramatic shadows that dance with the gentle surge. Schools of angelfish flit in and out of the crevices, and we’ve often spotted green sea turtles munching on algae growing on the hull. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is softer, and the currents tend to be calmer, making it easier to explore the nooks without getting pushed around too much. It’s not a penetration dive, but you can poke your head into some of the more open sections, imagining the ship’s past life. This site is brilliant for photographers, or anyone who just wants to soak in some history with a healthy dose of marine life.