Mikhail Lermontov Wreck – Marlborough Sounds & Nelson/Tasman

Site Overview

The Mikhail Lermontov wreck is one of the world's great recreational wreck dives, a massive 155-metre Soviet cruise liner that sank in Port Gore in the Marlborough Sounds in 1986 and now lies on its starboard side at depths of 12 to 36 metres. The sheer scale of the wreck is staggering, with the enormous hull creating an artificial reef that has been colonised by dense jewel anemones, sponges, and marine growth over nearly four decades since the sinking. Colossal groupers, some exceeding 20 kilograms, patrol the wreck exterior with characteristic curiosity, approaching divers fearlessly in the protected waters. Blue cod are abundant throughout the wreck, their distinctive colouration adding visual interest against the dark hull. The wreck is fully penetrable for qualified wreck divers, with extensive interior spaces including passenger cabins, dining rooms, the theatre, engine rooms, and crew quarters that create a comprehensive and unforgettable wreck exploration experience. The unusual orientation of the wreck on its side means that corridors run vertically and cabins are oriented at 90 degrees, creating a disorienting but fascinating underwater environment. The sheltered location in the Marlborough Sounds ensures calm conditions with minimal current, making the Lermontov accessible to experienced divers year-round. The combination of massive scale, extensive penetration opportunities, diverse marine life, and sheltered conditions makes the Mikhail Lermontov one of the premier wreck dives on the planet.