Merlan Inner Reef is so named after a yacht that struck on Point Lonsdale Reef in the past and drifted ashore just to the North West of this reef. The site lies near Merian Reef in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. This is a boat dive that can be dived on each side of the slack water. When a moderate swell is running keep clear of this site as the waves can break quite easily here, so only attempt when the swell is low.

It is a series of small detached reefs that lie in 7 metres of water and come within 2 to 3 metres of the surface. Each reef is separate from the next and you can swim between the reefs quite easily, but just be aware of your location, because if you are swept away, it could be a long swim. The reefs have many caves, ledges and crevices to explore, so take your time to explore and investigate. Often you will see some big Blue Groper or a large Crayfish, as well as many plate size Green-lip Abalone.

This is a dive for the open-water diver to explore a shallow reef system in relative safety. Just remember to plan the dive around slack-water when the currents are diminished.

Dive Type: Reef Dive

Imported from The Scuba Doctor