Overview
What started as a maritime tragedy has transformed into one of Neil Island's most biodiverse dive sites. The collapsed lighthouse structure, now reclaimed by nature, creates a unique artificial reef teeming with life. This shallow wreck has become a beacon for marine biodiversity.
The Wreck Story
Historical Background
- Original Structure: Colonial-era lighthouse
- Collapse: 2004 tsunami
- Current State: Artificial reef paradise
- Depth: Structure spans 5-12m
- Visibility: Usually 15-20m
Wreck Layout
Structure Zones
- Tower Base: 10-12m, encrusted with coral
- Mid Section: 7-9m, swim-throughs
- Upper Debris: 5-7m, fish aggregation
- Surrounding Reef: Natural coral extension
Dawn Dive Spectacle
Humphead Parrotfish School
The site's crown jewel is the dawn gathering:
- Numbers: 30-50 individuals
- Time: 5:30-6:30 AM
- Behavior: Spawning aggregation
- Size: Adults up to 1.5m
- Experience: Absolutely unforgettable
Dawn Diving Benefits
- Sleeping fish in cocoons
- Hunting predators
- Best visibility
- Calm conditions
- Unique photo opportunities
Turtle Haven
Sea Turtle Paradise
Lighthouse Wreck is a reliable turtle spotting site:
Species Present
- Green Sea Turtles: Most common
- Hawksbill Turtles: Regular visitors
- Olive Ridley: Occasional
Turtle Behavior
- Resting on wreck structures
- Feeding on algae growth
- Breathing at surface
- Cleaning station visits
- Curious about divers
Dugong Encounters
Gentle Giants
Regular Dugong sightings make this special:
- Frequency: 2-3 times monthly
- Best Months: December-March
- Behavior: Grazing nearby seagrass
- Approach: Slow and respectful
- Photography: Keep distance, no flash
Artificial Reef Success
Coral Colonization
The wreck hosts incredible coral growth:
- Hard Corals: Complete encrustation
- Soft Corals: Colorful gardens
- Sponges: Barrel and tube varieties
- Hydroids: Delicate formations
- Algae: Supports herbivore populations
Marine Life Abundance
Large Species
- Giant Pufferfish: Up to 60cm
- Titan Triggerfish: Territorial guards
- Giant Moray Eels: In wreck crevices
- Stingrays: Multiple species
- Groupers: Honeycomb and Malabar
Schooling Fish
- Batfish: Tall-fin and Orbicular
- Fusiliers: Thousands at dawn
- Yellow Snappers: Dense schools
- Barracuda: Juvenile schools
- Trevally: Hunting packs
Hidden Residents
- Scorpionfish: Perfectly camouflaged
- Stonefish: Extreme caution needed
- Octopuses: Day and Night species
- Cuttlefish: Masters of disguise
- Frogfish: Multiple color phases
Anemone Gardens
Clownfish Cities
The wreck hosts extensive anemone colonies:
- Magnificent Anemones: With Common Clownfish
- Bubble-tip Anemones: With Pink Skunk Clownfish
- Carpet Anemones: With Clark's Anemonefish
- Baby Anemones: Nursery areas
Extended Reef
Dream Coral Gardens
Beyond the wreck lies pristine reef:
- Distance: 50m swim from wreck
- Depth: 8-15m
- Condition: Untouched beauty
- Highlights: Massive table corals
- Access: Guide recommended
Photography Opportunities
Wreck Photography
- Structure with coral growth
- Fish schools with wreck background
- Sunlight through structure
- Wide-angle paradise
Marine Life Shots
- Turtle portraits
- Parrotfish schools
- Macro on wreck growth
- Behavior documentation
Safety Considerations
Wreck Hazards
- Sharp metal edges (gloves recommended)
- Entanglement risks
- Confined spaces
- Surge in shallows
- Territorial triggerfish
Best Practices
- Maintain buoyancy
- Watch for sharp edges
- Respect marine life
- Follow guide instructions
- Check surge conditions
Conservation Notes
The site demonstrates reef resilience:
- Natural reclamation
- Biodiversity increase
- Nursery habitat
- Research importance
- Protection success
Ideal Conditions
- Visibility: Best Nov-Apr
- Current: Minimal
- Surge: Check conditions
- Entry: Boat recommended
- Certification: Open Water sufficient
