MAKAWARU

Why dive here

With 119+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue-spotted stingrays, giant moray eels, grey reef sharks, pygmy seahorses and sea turtles - MAKAWARU offers some of Mabul & Kapalai's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue-Spotted Stingrays, Giant Moray Eels, Grey Reef Sharks, Pygmy Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 119+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Makawaru is a classic Mabul wreck, a wooden motor vessel that’s more skeleton than ship these days. We’re talking about a wreck so shallow, its stern actually breaks the surface at low tide. This is a site you want to hit on a sunny morning. The light penetration through the mast and into the collapsing hull is just gorgeous. It’s an easy float around, perfect for photographers or those who just want a relaxed dive. Look for the resident giant frogfish nestled in the sponges near the bow. Our favourite trick is to spot the ornate ghost pipefish hiding amongst the hydroids – they’re always there, if you have a keen eye. You’ll also find schools of juvenile snapper flitting between the ribs of the hull, and a surprising number of nudibranchs on the encrusted wood. Honestly, Makawaru is a proper delight, proving you don’t need depth for character.