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Wreck diving means diving in history. Each wreck has a story to tell, sometimes sad, sometimes heroic, but always an interesting one. These sunken means preserve things and belongings left behind by people onboard. Of course, not every wreck is a legendary vessel such as the Titanic, but scuba divers love them all the same.
You can penetrate through open spaces to see what is inside. Water preserves everything as it is left, like a time capsule. These impressive structures also attract unusually high densities of marine life.
You can see several different types of wrecks, from warships and cargo vessels to even aircraft
Factors That Make a Great Wreck Diving Destination
Most warship wrecks are World War II sunken ships. Places that used to be military bases have been turned into diving spots, as well as straits through which weapons and supplies were transported. For example, Thistlegorm, in the Red Sea, is a British cargo steamship that sank with its World War II artifacts down with locomotive trains, trucks, motorcycles, airplane wings, and so on. Truk Lagoon used to be the most impregnable and invincible military base but was overcome by United States aircraft during 1944 and 1945. More than 50 ships were sunk, and over 400 aircraft were destroyed. Underwater planes are another attraction. Among them, the most famous is Aichi E13A called Jake in Palau.
Not only are shipwrecks cultural icons, but they also form artificial reefs that provide a habitat for all kinds of marine life. Metal-made ships and wooden-hulled ones bring an alien, artificial feature to the bottom when they sink. Brilliantly colored corals and sponges coat the wrecks’ surfaces. Silvery schools of baitfish dart and shimmer around the structures, chased by sleek, fast-moving predators. Sharks sometimes cruise around wrecks, perhaps resting or looking for prey.
Wreck diving does have its ups and downs. For some wrecks, it may be a disadvantage that they lie at greater depths. Recreational divers are allowed to dive up to 40 meters; other ships can only be reached by technical divers. That means that not all wrecks can be made on a liveaboard trip. Don’t worry, you will still have plenty of options.
The good thing about wreck diving is that you aren’t confined to a specific season. Unlike in marine life, where the fish are always there waiting for you, you never have to wait for their migration season, at a certain water temperature, or at spawning time. You only have to consider two elements: water temperature and visibility.
Top Wreck Diving Destinations via Liveaboard
Description: Wreck haven of World War II with over 50 Japanese warships and planes sunk in it
Must-see wrecks: San Francisco Maru, Shinkoku Maru
Liveaboard: Pacific Master, Thorfinn
Description: Iconic clear water wrecks, full of marine life
Must-see wrecks: SS Thistlegorm, Rosalie Moller, Abu Nuhas ship cemetery
Best routes: Northern Red Sea liveaboards focused on wreck itineraries
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Description: Nuclear test site featuring intact warships and submarine wrecks
Must-see wrecks: USS Saratoga, Nagato
Liveaboard options: Pacific Master
Philippines – Coron Bay, Palawan
Description: WWII wrecks in a tropical environment
Highlight wrecks: Delsan Wreck, Malayan Wreck
Liveaboard options: Navis 1, Resolute, Discovery Palawan, Atlantis Azores, Solitude One
Description: Wreck diving heaven featuring WWII wrecks lying smothered by stunning reefs and swarming marine life
Highlight wrecks: Helmet Wreck, Iro Maru
Unique aspect: The combination of wreck dives with spectacular wall dives; via liveaboard routes
Liveaboard options: Solitude Gaia, Black Pearl, Ocean Hunter III, Palau Aggressor II, and Palau Siren
Practical Tips for Wreck Diving Liveaboards
Most recreational-level wreck dives do not require super specialized gear; however, there are some things you should always have or rent: a wreck reel, two reliable dive lights – a main light a backup dive computer to monitor your environment in depth, decompression stops, and dive times. A wreck reel and line will safely see you through the entry and exit points in the wreck, while a sturdy dive knife is a must for cutting lines or navigating any possible hazards.
It is necessary to master buoyancy control before a wreck dive. In this way, one can perfectly maneuver through the wreck in tighter spaces. Poor buoyancy can result in accidental contact with wreck surfaces or sediment disturbance, significantly reducing visibility.
The visibility inside wrecks is already poor, so try to avoid stirring up the sediment with wrong fin movements. Check your weights prior to the dive and then balance off by adjusting the air in your BCD to achieve the right buoyancy. Be always aware of your surroundings in order not to touch fragile structures or sharp edges.
Never touch or move anything while exploring a wreck. Even a minor bump or accidental touch can cause damage to a wreck and harm divers. These are underwater time capsules that, when preserved, could be enjoyed and learned from by future generations.
Wreck diving is an exciting way to learn history and explore artifacts while scuba diving. Though challenging, it has a number of advantages, including diving off-season and in various destinations. Exploring underwater time capsules on liveaboard trips is the way to go to make sure your diving experience is memorable and different