Trinidad & Tobago is a beautiful twin island republic that is filled with natural gifts, riches and an enchanting bliss that invites visitors to embark on adventures and tours of all kinds. It is considered one of the richest islands in the Caribbean due the reserve of oil and petroleum and these have helped to boost its growing economy. In addition to this, the country has a list of attractions for people that are looking for fun both on land and in water. Despite the many attractions that are present, we will present one the most well known underwater treasures which is the Maverick Ferry.
The Maverick Ferry was intentionally sunk in 1997 to give Tobago a diving treasure that would lure tourists from all over the world to see its structure. The initiative has been positive with the ferry being voted among the top 100 diving spots worldwide. This dive site if perfect for those that love drift diving and during the night it is a spectacular scene to see up close and personal. The ferry is 350 feet long and the top is located at 15 meters. Before becoming a wreck site, it was used to travel between Trinidad and Tobago. Now reports and reviews have it as one of the best dive sites to see in Tobago and a must see among other famous sites.
You may hear the name ‘Scarlet Ibis’ when you make reference to the Maverick Ferry. This is because this was the original name of the ferry before it was sunk and renamed. Due to the nature of the products that it carried in the past, the ferry had to be cleaned up and the waste that was present removed before it was sunk off Mount Irvine. This initiative has made it possible for the ferry to have the diverse sea life that now uses it to call home. Divers that go to the site will be impressed with the dimension of the top deck and bottom which are 60ft and 100 ft respectively. They will also have easy access to the rear due to the fact that the hatches have been removed to make this possible.
Visibility is usually around 50ft and the artificial reef is home of a popular visitor which has attracted many people and that is a large barracuda which has been affectionately dubbed as ‘snaggletooth’. This massive barracuda is 6ft in length and has transformed the Maverick into its favorite spot for quick visits.
Other Attractions on the Maverick
Apart from the impressive dimensions of the Maverick to admire there is also a lot of marine life that will let the mind of any diver go back and forward in admiration. The spectacular coral growth that has been formed on its railing and anchor chains has created a beautiful cover that is perfect for getting high quality shots under water. Apart from this, there is also the presence of many types of fish that come to the large ferry to feed and for shelter. The marine growth that is on the ferry has made it possible to have a continuous food chain and divers will notice that predators are often nearby looking to feed on the small species of fish.
There is also a 4-foot jewfish that is part of the attraction and divers will find that they will discover even more life within the Maverick due to the fact that all the doors and windows have been removed before it was sunk. Access into and out of the Maverick is facilitated with this fact. It is possible to reach as far as the diesel rooms that lay covered with marine life.
Vibrant sponges also leap up from the Maverick giving the ferry a vibrant decoration that is rich in color and different forms. The presence of corals and large sea creatures make this dive spot a perfect ‘wreck diving’ sanctuary for any one that is looking to have a memorable dive in Tobago.
In addition to the underwater creatures that are mentioned above, divers will be thrilled with the presence of clams, reef building crabs, bait fish, jacks and sennet that have made the wreck their home.