pinnacle

Log This Dive

Bellatrix

Bellatrix is a wreck dive, and we think it's one of Fernando de Noronha's most compelling. The tugboat was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef, now resting upright at 29 meters. We love tracing the deck, noting the barnacles and soft corals that have begun to cloak the metal, softening its industrial edges. Head for the bow, and you'll often find a lazy nurse shark tucked underneath, almost part of the structure. This wreck really shines with its resident schools of horse-eye jacks, which often swirl around the mast, flashing silver as they turn. If you're comfortable with wreck penetration, the wheelhouse is a straightforward, open swim-through, just be mindful of your buoyancy. We’ve found angelfish picking at the coral patches near the stern, and every now and then, a massive red grouper will eye you from a shadowy corner. Visibility here is usually excellent, often pushing past 20 meters, which makes the whole wreck visible as you descend. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, just after the sun has climbed high enough to really illuminate the deck.