| Site Type: | Wreck, scenic reef and mega fauna |
| Depth: | Top: 5M Median: 13M Bottom: 21M |
| Location: | Amongst the dive sites to the west of Lady Elliot |
Though this dive included the Wreck, the actual wreck is typically just a small part of the dive which will cover both a sandy bottom, and probably, finally, a section of reef. When traversing across the sandy bottom it pays to look up and around. We discovered several mantas passing behind us, as well as turtles – the younger ones tender to be more inquisitive of divers than the older ones – who have obviously seen it all before.
As usual we encounter a turtle in the sand.
This guy seemed particular interested in my Fix neo 2000 – or more likely that weird light coming from that rubbery, bubbly thing.
Often you’ll find solitary barracudas close to the sandy bottom or hovering at 45° just above it.
The wreck of the Severance is just 21m and despite the fact it was only sunk in 1999 already has some hard and soft corals. Below the bow you will find sweetlips, and amongst many others moon wrasse call it home.
It is also a good place to see mantas during the season.
If you sit still and quietly on the bottom they will often come in for a closer look. (But don’t exhale when they are overhead).
It was close to the Wreck that we saw this almost all-black manta.
Whilst you’re sitting on the bottom, waiting for the next fly-by, have a look around. There are blennies and grubfish, like this Blacktail all around.
I can’t resist taking a shot at any colourful fish, and so my camera is naturally attracted to this Emperor Angelfish.
Before he takes off across the coral. This shot gives a good impression of what much of the reef around Lady Elliot is like. The water is clear, and in the distance it has that blue-ness associated with the deeper waters at the edge of the shelf. The corals are in perfect condition, the fish life is diverse and the light is good.
Most of the mid-sized reef fish, angels, butterflies, banners, idols and surgeons are all to be found somewhere along the dive.
And a final reminder – always look under as well as over, there is always something, like this Blotched porcupinefish that will reward you.
