Are you an active scuba diver searching for something both different and thrilling? We’ve got you covered! Read on to discover everything you need to know about one of the world’s most popular forms of recreational diving—wreck diving. Learn about the different types of wreck diving and explore the best dive sites across the globe, where you can journey back in time to stunning historical wrecks and encounter amazing oceanic life.
What is Wreck Diving?
Wreck diving is a type of scuba diving that focus on exploring wreck dive sites underwater, including sunken ships, airplanes, or other submerged historical structures. Many of them have transformed into artificial reefs as the passage of time goes by, attracting exciting aquatic life that you can encounter during your adventures. Wreck diving provides you with the perfect blend of history and aquatic exploration, making it a unique underwater experience like no other.
Types of Wreck Diving
Non-Penetration Diving
Non-penetration wreck diving is the safest and least hazardous form of wreck diving for divers of all levels. With this type, you’ll be able to explore the exterior of a wreck without having to go into any enclosed spaces. It’s perfect for beginners who are looking to try out this unique diving experience without the additional risks of going into the wreck.
Limited Penetration
On the other hand, limited penetration involves divers entering the wreck but staying within the light zone. This means that you’ll go about with your exploration in areas where natural light is still visible, and an easy exit is possible. It does require more experience and training for you as a diver, as you’ll need to reach a certain level of navigation skills and understanding of the wreck’s structure.
Full Penetration
Full penetration diving is the most advanced and challenging form of wreck diving. Divers fully enter or penetrate the wreck, exploring deeper and darker areas where no natural light reaches you. This category of diving requires specialized training, equipment, and a high level of experience, as it involves navigating narrow passages, dealing with silt, and managing the risks associated with confined spaces. Full penetration diving is only recommended for highly experienced divers who are well-versed in wreck diving techniques and safety protocols. If you’re eager to learn, you can always find a place that offers the TDI Advanced Wreck Diver Course for you to complete.
Best Wreck Diving Sites In The World
Truk Lagoon (Micronesia)
Truk Lagoon, also known as ‘Chuuk Lagoon,’ is one of the world’s best wreck diving destinations. Located in the central Pacific, this lagoon was the site of a massive naval battle during World War II, resulting in over 60 shipwrecks scattered across 77 square miles of the ocean floor. These wrecks now have abundant marine life, creating a breathtaking location where history and nature converge in one remarkable spot.
Iro Maru (Palau)
The Iro Maru in Palau is another iconic, world-famous wreck that’s located in the Pacific. This Japanese oil fleet tanker, sunk during World War II, rests at a depth of around 40 metres. It is well-known for its towering superstructure and rich coral growth surrounding it, making it a stunning spot to visit and explore.
USAT Liberty (Bali, Indonesia)
The USAT Liberty is one of Indonesia’s most popular wreck diving sites, well-known for being easily accessible off the shores of Tulamben, Bali. The ship was initially torpedoed by a Japanese submarine back in 1942 and now rests in shallow waters, making it a great introduction to wreck diving for any scuba diver across the globe.
SS Thistlegorm (Red Sea, Egypt)
The SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk during World War II, is one of the best places to wreck dive in the world. Located off the coast of Egypt, this popular liveaboard stop is particularly renowned for tis cargo, which include trucks, tanks, jeeps, ammo, and many more. Since it’s located at advanced recreational dive depths, many liveaboards will require you to at least complete an Advanced Open Water certification in order to explore this astonishing shipwreck safely.
Delsan Wreck (Tubbataha, Philippines)
The Delsan Wreck, located in the heart of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines, is a lesser-known but equally captivating dive site. This sunken vessel has become an integral part of the marine ecosystem, attracting large schools of fish, reef sharks, and even the occasional manta ray. The pristine waters of Tubbataha and the rich biodiversity surrounding the Delsan Wreck make it a dream destination for wreck divers seeking both adventure and natural beauty, especially during Tubbataha peak diving season.
Scuba Diving Tips for New Wreck Divers
1. Know your limits
It’s important to understand your own diving experience and comfort levels for wreck diving. Since this type of diving is quite specialized and can present its own additional risks, you should only go on dives that best suits your skills. If you’re just starting out, consider going for a wreck diver training course like PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course. The dive instructs there will guide you on how to dive safely and responsibly while exploring wrecks, giving you a solid foundation of skills for when you venture out to wreck sites on your own later.
2. Practice eco-friendly diving habits
When exploring wrecks, always be mindful of the marine life that has made the wreck their home. Some of the tips to practice sustainable scuba diving are to avoid touching or disturbing any part of the wreck or the surrounding coral. Ensuring your buoyancy is well-controlled is also important to prevent accidental damage to the environment.
3. Prepare your equipment well
Properly preparing your wreck diving equipment is essential for an enjoyable dive. In addition to regular diving tools, many wreck divers carry extra tools to support them. This includes dive lights to illuminate dark areas, reels and lines for better navigation inside the wreck, redundant air sources as an emergency measure for longer penetrations (or in case of primary air source failure), as well as durable wetsuits or dry suits to protect against sharp edges.
If you are planning to do wreck diving on a liveaboard, don’t forget about the liveaboard essential packing list. Other than that, we also recommend bringing your own dive knife as well, as it may help you free yourself or your buddy when you get entangled in fishing lines or nets on-site.
4. Familiarize with the site beforehand
Research the wreck site before your dive. Understanding the layout, depth, and potential hazards of the wreck will help you navigate it more safely. Some wrecks have strong currents or limited visibility, so knowing what to expect can make your dive smoother and more enjoyable.
5. Always dive with a buddy
Wreck diving involves more complex skills and can sometimes be dangerous, so it’s essential to have a diving partner with you at all times. Regardless of your experience level, a buddy enhances safety and ensures you have proper support when facing challenges underwater. Make sure to establish clear communication, agree on signals, and finalize the dive plan before you descend into the water.
Time to Go Wreck Diving For Your Next Holiday!
Ready to go explore exciting wrecks for your next scuba diving trip? Plan your stay with Solitude World Liveaboards and Resorts, where you can enjoy the best diving facilities, comfortable rooms, and delicious meals throughout the day in our liveaboards and resorts. In addition, our Lembeh Resort also has a PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course for everyone that’s new to wreck diving, where our certified dive instructors will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to explore these beautiful underwater remnants with ease and confidence.
Book your next diving holiday with us today!