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Wreck Diving: Top Sites Around the World
Scuba enthusiasts who want to add a dash of exploration and challenge to their underwater quests should definitely give wreck diving a go. One of the diving disciplines gaining popularity across the globe fast, wreck diving is a perfect way to test your scuba skills and experience marine life from a whole new perspective.
If you don’t know where to dive in for an inspiring wreck-bound adventure, we have five of the World’s top sites here for you to consider before your next daring trip to the underwater realm.
The Yongala, Australia
Known as one of the world’s finest wreck diving site, the Yongala contains the remains of a ship which sank off the Queensland coast during a cyclone in 1911. In 1981, the site was granted protection based on the Historic Shipwrecks Act.
The 109-meter wreck is located 90 kilometers to the southeast of Townsville and the site abounds in colourful marine flora and fauna such as fascinating corals, sea snakes, turtles, bull and tiger sharks, manta rays, octopus and stunning schools of fish.
The Zenobia, Cyprus
Another dive-worthy site, the Zenobia in Cyprus is the the wreck of a roll-on-roll ferry that sank in 1979, a few months after its maiden voyage. Located outside Lanarka harbor, the body of the ship rests on its side, and over 120 vehicles which were onboard when the vessel sank are still inside.
The dive begins at 16 meters, and the maximum dive depth totals 42 meters. The wreck is packed with breathtaking sights and picturesque marine life so you’ll probably want to go back several times to explore it thoroughly.
USS Coolidge, Vanuatu
Formerly a luxury passenger liner for the Pacific-borne voyages of the rich, the President Coolidge was redesigned into a troop carrier in World War II. The ship sank after hitting mines as it was transporting the 43rd Infantry to the Espiritu Santo harbor in New Hebrides.
The vessel rests on its side at the depth of 17-70 meters, bow to stem. Now protected by law as a Marine Reserve, the wreck still holds artillery and jeeps, along with some noteworthy details like the lavishly carved fireplace in the main smoking salon.
USAT Liberty, Bali
Another World War II vessel that sank in the line of combat, USAT Liberty in Indonesia attracts seasoned divers from across the globe. Struck by a torpedo fired from Japanese submarine I-166, the 120-meter ship slid under water, breaking at several points. Resting on a black sandy slope only 30 meters of the Tulamben shore, the Liberty boasts a vivid crust of soft corals, anemones, gorgonians and crinoids.
At 9-30 meters of depth, the ship is not open to dives, but you can still see the guns, anchor chain, boilers, toilets and other items that were onboard during the vessel’s final voyage. In addition to that, the site is populated by over 400 species of fish and other marine critters so you’ll definitely need more than one dive to take it all in.
The Yong Hua, Koh Lipe
A large fish processing boat which sank after a fire broke out onboard in 1996, the Yong Hua rests on its starboard side at 42 meters of depth. Scuba fans diving in Koh Lipe usually reach the wreck by descending along the mooring line, and the wreck touchdown point is at 28 meters.
Sizing 50 meters in length, the wreck is now a home to abundant reef flora and fauna including black and soft corals, gorgonians, sea fans, barrel sponges, snapper, fusiliers, lionfish, scorpionfish, tuna, groupers and chevron barracudas.
Wreck entry is not allowed for safety reasons (due to medium to strong currents), but the site is well worth checking out, especially in the dry season from November to May.
Ready for your next wreck? Then pick your favorite site and dive in – we guarantee you’ll love every minute of it!
What’s your favourite wreck dive? Tell us in the Scubaverse Forum.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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