Atoll Divers Seychelles
Google 5/5 (608 reviews)
4.7 km away as the crow flies
Mahe · Seychelles · Indian Ocean
Max. depth · 40 mAldebaran Wreck, Mahé: a purposefully sunk fishing vessel
Descend to 40 metres to explore the remarkably preserved structure of the 28-metre Aldebaran Wreck, now a vibrant artificial reef off the coast of Mahé.
What makes this site special
- Explore a 28-metre fishing vessel intentionally sunk in 2008.
- Dive to a consistent depth of 40 metres.
- Observe abundant batfish (Platax) around the wreck.
- Encounter moray eels (Muraenidae) in the wreck's crevices.
- Spot lionfish (Pterois volitans) patrolling the structure.
- Witness schools of trevallies (Carangidae) and fusiliers (Caesionidae).
- Identify gaterins (Haemulidae) near the wreck.
- Look for stingrays (Dasyatis) on the surrounding seabed.
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
Aldebaran Wreck about the site
The Aldebaran Wreck offers a dive into recent history, a 28-metre former fishing boat purposefully sunk on July 11, 2008. Situated off Willie's Bay on the northwest side of Mahé, it provides a unique opportunity to explore a vessel intentionally submerged to create an artificial reef. As you descend, the coherent structure becomes clearer, resting upright on the seabed, allowing for a thorough exploration of its decks and superstructure.
This wreck lies at a precise depth of 40 metres, making it a dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles. The descent brings you directly to the deck level, where the outlines of a working fishing boat are still discernible. The ambient light at this depth gives the wreck a characteristically subdued atmosphere, highlighting the contrast between its steel components and the vibrant marine life that has quickly colonized it.
The Aldebaran Wreck is now a thriving habitat, teeming with marine biodiversity. As you approach, you'll encounter schools of fusiliers and trevallies circling the boat, often in impressive numbers. The wreck's structure provides ample shelter, attracting various resident species that have made it their permanent home.
Exploring the wreck's interior and exterior reveals a dense concentration of life. Batfish (Platax) are often seen gracefully cruising around the superstructure, while the intricate crevices and shadowed areas host numerous moray eels. Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are also a common sight, their distinctive fins fanning out as they patrol their territories along the wreck.
Keep an eye on the sandy areas surrounding the Aldebaran and tucked within its framework, as stingrays (Dasyatis过去) are frequently observed resting or moving across the seabed. The presence of gaterins, schooling around the structure, further emphasizes the success of this artificial reef in attracting a diverse array of fish species.
Diving Aldebaran Wreck: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
The Aldebaran Wreck dive is consistently at a depth of 40 metres. This depth profile indicates that it is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with deep diving procedures.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Mahe
Dive centres in Mahe
Hotels in Mahe
Frequently asked questions about Aldebaran Wreck
What experience level do you need for Aldebaran Wreck?
Aldebaran Wreck is best suited to experienced divers who are comfortable with deep diving procedures. The site rests at a consistent depth of 40 metres, so you should be prepared for a deep profile before descending to the upright fishing vessel and exploring its decks, superstructure, and surrounding seabed.
How deep is Aldebaran Wreck?
Aldebaran Wreck lies at a precise, consistent depth of 40 metres. The descent brings you directly to deck level, where the former fishing boat rests upright on the seabed. At this depth, the ambient light is subdued, creating a contrasting setting of steel structure and colourful marine life.
What can you see at Aldebaran Wreck?
At Aldebaran Wreck, you can see batfish cruising around the superstructure, moray eels in crevices, and lionfish patrolling the structure. Schools of trevallies, fusiliers, and gaterins gather around the wreck, while stingrays may rest or move across the sandy seabed nearby.
What is there to explore at Aldebaran Wreck?
Aldebaran Wreck is a 28-metre former fishing vessel intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. You can explore its upright decks and superstructure, with the outlines of a working boat still visible. Its interior, exterior, framework, and surrounding seabed now provide shelter for diverse marine life.
