Dive Site: Ennerdale Wreck

About Ennerdale Wreck

The Ennerdale Wreck, located northeast of Mahé, is one of the Seychelles' most renowned dive sites. This British oil tanker, which sank in 1970 and was later blown up to prevent an oil spill, now lies scattered across the seabed, forming a complex artificial reef. Measuring over 200 meters in length, the wreck offers a substantial area for exploration. Over the decades, the Ennerdale has transformed into a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Corals have extensively colonized its structure, providing a habitat for a diverse array of marine species. The site's depth makes it suitable for advanced divers, offering unique opportunities to explore its intricate remains and observe the marine life that thrives there. Encounters with large pelagic species are common at the Ennerdale. Eagle rays and groupers are frequently observed gliding through the wreck, while reef sharks and bull sharks are also known to patrol the area. The combination of its historical significance as a shipwreck and its current role as a bustling marine habitat makes the Ennerdale a captivating destination for experienced divers seeking a challenging and rewarding underwater adventure. While visibility can be a factor, especially outside the dry season, diving the Ennerdale offers an extraordinary experience. The strong currents at depth add to the challenge, ensuring a dynamic and exhilarating dive for those prepared for its conditions.

Dive site facts: Ennerdale Wreck

Depth

30 m

Current

Strong at depth

Visibility

Low visibility possible

Water temperature

25–29 °C

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, pelagic

Region / port

Mahé

Coordinates

-4.67, 55.42

Conditions & Currents

The Ennerdale Wreck is known for its strong currents at depth, presenting a significant challenge for divers. These conditions necessitate advanced diving skills and careful planning, as navigating against or within strong flows requires good buoyancy control and air management. Divers should be prepared for potential drift and understand their entry and exit strategies in relation to the prevailing currents. Visibility can be affected by these currents and seasonal weather patterns, sometimes being low, which further emphasizes the need for experience. The dynamic water movement, while challenging, also contributes to the rich marine life found around the wreck, attracting larger pelagic species. Experienced divers who are comfortable with current are best suited for this site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Eagle ray

common

Grouper

common

Reef shark

occasional

Bull shark

occasional

Coral

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Ennerdale Wreck involves descending to approximately 30 meters to reach the scattered remains of the British oil tanker. The dive typically begins with a descent directly to the main sections of the wreck, allowing exploration of its vast structure. Due to strong currents, divers often navigate along the wreck, utilizing its size for shelter and as a reference point. The dive proceeds through various sections, observing the extensive coral growth and diverse marine life. Turnaround is usually determined by gas consumption or no-decompression limits, especially given the depth and potential for current. The safety stop is conducted in the shallower waters above the wreck, often with a visual reference to the anchor line or a safety buoy.

Underwater photography

Capturing the Ennerdale Wreck requires a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scattered tanker and its impressive coral formations. Due to the depth and potential for low visibility, external strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, as well as to cut through any particulate matter. Be prepared for strong currents, which can make stable shots challenging; consider using a fast shutter speed or increasing ISO. For marine life such as eagle rays and sharks, a fast autofocus system is beneficial. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems and to maintain position in challenging conditions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Aldebaran Wreck

  The Aldebaran Wreck, a 28-meter (92-foot) fishing vessel, was intentionally sunk on July 11, 2008, by the Seychelles Tourism Board to…

• Shark Bank (Mahé)

  Shark Bank, located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Mahé in open water, is a submerged granite plateau that rises from depths…

• White Bank

  White Bank is a captivating dive site situated off Praslin, a highlight among the Seychelles' granitic Inner Islands.

• Channel Rocks

  Channel Rocks is a distinguished dive site nestled between Praslin and La Digue, forming part of the granitic Inner Islands of Seychelles.

• L'Ilot

  L'Ilot is a small, granite island located approximately half a kilometer from Mahé, easily accessible from Beau Vallon.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Seychelles is primarily through Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Most dive trips to the Ennerdale Wreck originate from Mahé, with dive centers located around Beau Vallon offering boat excursions. Dive packages often include transport to the site and equipment rental. Liveaboards operating in the Seychelles also typically include the Ennerdale in their itineraries, providing an excellent way to combine this wreck dive with other significant sites. There are no specific permits mentioned for diving the wreck, but it's always advisable to confirm with your chosen dive operator about any marine park fees or local regulations. Trip lengths vary, from single-day excursions to multi-day liveaboard adventures.

Safety & environment

Diving the Ennerdale Wreck requires advanced certification and experience due to its depth and the presence of strong currents. Divers should always carry appropriate safety equipment, including a surface marker buoy (SMB) and a dive computer. Recompression chambers in the Seychelles are limited, with the nearest typically located on Mahé, emphasizing the importance of conservative dive planning and strict adherence to no-decompression limits. Evacuation from the site to a medical facility can be time-consuming, so comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation is crucial. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and ensure your equipment is well-maintained.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ennerdale Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ennerdale Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Ennerdale Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m

$288/day

Explorer 1

Seychelles

6 guests17 m

$522/day

Sea Pearl

Seychelles

16 guests36 m

$212/day