Some sites have witnessed history and still bear traces of it today. Dive in Scotland, Bali, and the Solomon Islands on wrecks rich in history, remnants of past conflicts that have become shelters for many species.
The oldest: The century-old wrecks of Scapa Flow
In northern Scotland, the Orkney Islands harbor the famous natural port, Scapa Flow, well known to divers and historians. In June 1919, at the end of World War I, several dozen ships of the German Imperial Navy were scuttled on the orders of their admiral. Although many wrecks have been salvaged, seven remain submerged and accessible to divers: the SMS Markgraf, the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm, the SMS König, the SMS Brummer, the SMS Dresden, the SMS Cöln and the SMS Karlsruhe, located between 16 and 45 meters deep.
These marine carcasses, covered with life, have become vibrant ecosystems. Colorful anemones, starfish, and sea urchins coexist around these relics, also sheltering crabs, lobsters, and congers. The luckiest divers might even spot seals. Don’t forget to explore the Churchill Barriers, built between 1940 and 1944 to prevent enemy submarine incursions.
Head above water
Discover the Orkney Islands, starting with the charming port of Stromness, ideal for your diving outings. Do not hesitate to venture south to explore the Highlands and their majestic lakes.
Practical
- Time difference : No difference in winter, +1 hour in summer.
- Water temperature : 12°C in summer.
- Ideal season : From June to September.
- Equipment : Dry suit (certification required).
- Diving level : Advanced, deep diving certification required for dives beyond 40 meters.
- Budget : 8-night stay from €2,740, including breakfasts, flights, and 10 dives.
- Organizer : C6Bo.
The unknown: Memories of battles in the Solomon Islands
In the heart of the Pacific, the Solomon Islands, an archipelago of 992 islands, are still little explored by divers. However, during World War II, they were the scene of battles between Japanese and allied forces, leaving behind hundreds of wrecks. Guadalcanal and Tulagi islands perfectly illustrate this tumultuous past, especially in Iron Bottom Sound, where many wrecks lie.
In Guadalcanal, you can access wrecks like the Hirokawa maru and the Kinugawa maru from Bonegi beach. Also dive on a B17, a Japanese I-1 class submarine, or the USS John Penn. Around Tulagi, search for the wrecks of four seaplanes and the RNZN Moa, one of the few New Zealand war wrecks in the world. Also explore the Aaron Ward and the Kanawha, where it’s possible to explore the engine room and kitchens.
Head above water
The archipelago charms with its natural landscapes: mountains, volcanoes, tropical forests, and turquoise lagoons. Discover the World War II relics adorning these islands.
Practical
- Time difference : -10 hours in winter, -9 hours in summer.
- Water temperature : 28 to 30 °C all year round.
- Ideal season : From April to November.
- Equipment : 3 mm suit.
- Diving level : Beginner to advanced, depending on the wrecks (3 to 85 m).
- Budget : 10-night cruise, flights, full board and 4 dives per day, starting from €8,590.
- Organizers : H2O Voyage, Ultramarina, Oceanes.
The popular: The Liberty, wreck of all divers in Bali
On the east coast of Bali, the wreck of theUSAT Liberty is often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Targeted by a Japanese submarine in 1942, it was beached on Tulamben beach. In 1963, after an eruption of Mount Agung, it was pushed back to sea and now lies between 5 and 28 meters deep, attracting divers, snorkelers, and curious visitors.
Over the years, the wreck has transformed into a habitat for a multitude of marine creatures. Large gorgonians and hard and soft corals colonize its structure, while jacks, fusiliers, groupers, pygmy seahorses, and blacktip reef sharks animate the surroundings. Don’t miss the night dive, where shrimps and moray eels hunt under the lights of torches.
Head above water
Explore Bali: its volcanoes, tropical forests, beautiful waterfalls, and terraced rice paddies. You’ll discover a vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery on every dive excursion.
Practical
- Time difference : -6 hours in summer, -7 hours in winter.
- Water temperature : 26 to 28 °C.
- Ideal season : From April to October.
- Equipment : 3 mm suit.
- Diving level : Beginner to advanced.
- Budget : 7-night stay, flights, breakfasts and 10 dives from €1,649.
- Organizers : Most tour operators.
The choice of pros
A stay on Sangat Island
Olivier from Energy Trip agency invites you to discover Coron Bay. In 1944, an epic conflict occurred here between the Japanese navy and the American forces.
Why choose Sangat?
Explore historical wrecks: gunships, cargo ships, Japanese submarine hunters, and seaplanes.
Learn more : 10-night stay, flights, 18 dives, and full board included, from €3,800 www.energy-trip.com
Two cruises in Egypt
Édith from Oceanes agency offers two itineraries in the Red Sea. From Hurghada, dive on mythical wrecks like Giannis D, Carnatic, and the famous Thistlegorm.
Second itinerary : Our southern cruise around Elba Island includes a new wreck: the Grumman HU-16 Albatross seaplane at a depth of 5 to 15 m.
Learn more : 7-night Northern cruise, 16 dives, full board from €1,800. Southern cruise, 10 or 11 nights, 23 dives from €3,200 www.oceanes.com
GPS coordinates
- Scotland: 58°53′42″N – 003°04′32″W
- Solomon Islands: 09°15’50”S – 160°04’17”E
- Indonesia: 08°16’39”S – 115°35’34”E
- Philippines: 11°57’49”N – 120°04’12”E
- Egypt: 27°48’51”N – 033°55’12”E
This article, initially written by Margot Harty for the print edition of PLONGEZ!, has been adapted for the web.
opening image © Orkney.com