CALEDONIE TOHO III - Isle of Pines

Some wrecks are just chunks of metal. The *Caledonie Toho III*, though, feels like a ghost. This old fishing vessel, broken and scattered across the sandy bottom, is one of our favourites around Isle of Pines for its sheer atmospheric charm. What's left of the hull sits upright, creating shadows and overhangs perfect for curious divers. We love poking into the nooks, imagining the crew's last moments as the ocean slowly reclaims their ship. Look for the big schools of surgeonfish swirling around the rusted mast, almost blending in with the blue. You’ll find plenty of inquisitive sweetlips peering out from under the broken decking, and we’ve spotted moray eels tucked deep inside the more intact sections. Visibility here is usually excellent, letting you appreciate the scale of the wreck, even with its broken lines. We’d suggest going slow, really letting your eyes adjust to the details. It’s not a deep dive, making it ideal for longer bottom times and really exploring without rushing.

Location
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-22.351055, 167.072220
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - CALEDONIE TOHO III

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The Caledonie Toho III is a modern fishing vessel that fell victim to the treacherous reefs surrounding the stunning Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. Likely a long-liner or tuna boat, as suggested by the Japanese 'Toho' in its name, it ran aground and was abandoned. The vessel could not be salvaged and was left to the elements, becoming a permanent, picturesque feature on the reef.

With a depth of 0 metres, the wreck sits with its hull and superstructure partially exposed above the turquoise water, making it a fantastic and easily accessible site for snorkelers and photographers. The submerged sections of the hull have become an artificial reef, attracting schools of colourful reef fish and the beginnings of coral growth. It's a striking sight, with the rusting, man-made structure contrasting beautifully against the vibrant natural backdrop of the New Caledonian lagoon.

Marine Protected Area: Yves Merlet

Nearby Dive Sites in Isle of Pines

Nearest Dive Centres to CALEDONIE TOHO III

Marine Life in Isle of Pines

Home to 161 recorded species including 102 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 10 sea snails & nudibranchs, 9 sea cucumbers, 7 sharks & rays, 6 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species