A Beginner’s Guide to Wreck Diving in the Marlborough Sounds
Have you ever wanted to explore a shipwreck? The Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand is a great place to start your wreck diving adventure. Here is a beginner’s guide to wreck diving in the Marlborough Sounds.
The Marlborough Sounds is a network of sea channels and inlets in the north-eastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with crystal clear waters, sheltered bays and tranquil beaches.
The Sounds is also home to a number of shipwrecks, making it a popular destination for wreck diving. If you’re thinking of exploring some of the wrecks in the Marlborough Sounds, here is a beginner’s guide to help you get started.
Before you start wreck diving, it is important to get some basic training. You should learn how to use diving equipment and be familiar with safety procedures. It is also a good idea to join a dive club so you can go on dives with experienced divers.
When you’re ready to start wreck diving, the Marlborough Sounds is a great place to start. There are a number of wrecks in the area, ranging from small fishing boats to large cargo ships.
Most of the wrecks in the Marlborough Sounds are located in shallow water, so they are suitable for beginner divers. The visibility is also good, so you’ll be able to see the wrecks clearly.
If you’re a beginner diver, it is best to start with a small wreck. The wreck of the SS Penguin is a good choice. The Penguin was a small cargo ship that ran aground in the Marlborough Sounds in 1911.
The Penguin is located in shallow water and is easy to access. The visibility is also good, so you should be able to see the wreck clearly.
Once you’ve explored the Penguin, you can move on to some of the larger wrecks in the Marlborough Sounds. The wreck of the SS Wairarapa is a good choice. The Wairarapa was a large cargo ship that sank in the Marlborough Sounds in 1886.
The Wairarapa is located in deeper water, so you will need to use a dive boat to reach the wreck. The visibility is good, but the wreck is large and there is a lot to see, so it is best to visit the Wairarapa with an experienced diver.
When you’re planning your dive, it is important to check the tides. The Marlborough Sounds has a large tidal range, so the depth of the water can vary by several metres. You should also check the weather forecast, as strong winds can create waves and currents that make diving conditions unsafe.
Once you’ve checked the tides and the weather, you’re ready to dive. Remember to take your time and enjoy exploring the wrecks of the Marlborough Sounds.