Image category containing a queen snapper photo on the wreck, used as supporting evidence for the snapper wildlife bucket.
Purpose-sunk whale chaser wreck off Michaelmas Island.
Purpose-sunk whale chaser wreck off Michaelmas Island.
Cheynes III is a purpose-sunk whale chaser off Michaelmas Island in Albany, broken into two sections and dived as a local artificial reef. It suits a relaxed external wreck circuit with local boat access and a strong history as one of Albany's signature dive sites, but swell can bring surge and make the middle of the wreck less comfortable.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
10m - 23m
Depth Note
Shallowest confirmed figure is 10 m, and the wreck is commonly treated as a mid-range boat dive.
Best Season
Year-round, with calmer low-swell windows preferred.
Typical Conditions
Usually sheltered relative to exposed Albany sites, but southerly-to-westerly wind and swell can add surge and reduce comfort.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Do not plan penetration: the midship section is collapsed and is considered unsafe for entry. Treat the wreck as an external swim-around and keep an exit margin for changing swell.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; conditions are best in light swell and settled wind.
Legal Notes
Private-boat access is generally treated as open, but current boating rules should still be checked before launch.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
External wreck circuit only; the collapsed midship area makes penetration unsafe, so it is better treated as a swim-around wreck than an overhead dive.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target. The site is a boat-access wreck dive best left to scuba.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel-oriented site. Surface support is possible in calm weather, but the main interest is underwater.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Image category containing a queen snapper photo on the wreck, used as supporting evidence for the snapper wildlife bucket.
Context on the wreck's popularity, protected location, and general visibility relative to nearby Albany sites.
Albany operator page showing charter access to Cheynes III and the area's broader temperate marine life context.
Local dive-guide summary with visibility, swell window, penetration, and permit guidance.
Independent trip report describing good fish life around the wreck on a local Albany dive weekend.
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