One of the best-kept snorkeling secrets on the island is the Wreck of the Gamma, which is just south toward town from George Town Villas.

The bow sits in three feet of water and the stern is in about a depth of 12 feet. The site is off the beaten path so it gets little usage. The Gamma was a cargo ship that used to port at the islands weekly. It washed ashore when it became disabled in a nor’wester.

There are two ways to get there. You can walk, as the shoreline is a marine park, but remember your sandals because it is iron shore in that direction. The iron shore, which protects us from storms, can be tough on your feet. You can also snorkel all the way to the wreck, as there is much to see just off shore.

Once you arrive at the wreck, you may see about every fish on the card. There is a chance to see some tarpon that rest here before the nightly feeding at The Wharf restaurant. There is even an occasional turtle. At your own risk you can enter the wreck from the south side, but watch out for jagged metal edges. You might get a chance to see King George, a well-fed and handsome green Moray eel. He hides in the stern compartment.

A few guidelines:

Please don’t feed the fish.

Please don’t touch anything.

If there are waves, stay far from the iron shore or you will learn where the name comes from.

Watch out for spiny black creatures called sea urchins. They are a sign of a healthy reef, but can inflict nasty wounds.

~ by Beau Pierce