Faille de Poe - Loyalty Islands

Dropping onto the Mavis is like falling into a time capsule. You can almost feel the history clinging to the fuselage. This isn't just a wreck; it's an entire Japanese seaplane, mostly upright, propellers still in place, sitting on a silty bed at 29 metres. The starboard wing is gone, but the rest of the plane is eerily complete. We love the way the light filters through the typically 10-meter visibility, giving the whole scene a ghostly glow. Inside the cockpit, we often find schools of banded blue sprats darting around, while outside, longnose trevally cruise the perimeter. Keep an eye out for the common seahorse nestled among the delicate thin birdsnest corals that have started to colonise the airframe. The silty bottom means careful finning is key, but the reward is a truly immersive dive into a piece of wartime history, best suited for those who appreciate wrecks with a story to tell.

Location
Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-21.604100, 165.338900
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Poé

Best Time to Dive in Loyalty Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Loyalty Islands occur in February, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 27.6°C
  • May: 26.3°C
  • June: 25.4°C
  • July: 24.7°C
  • August: 24.2°C
  • September: 24.5°C
  • October: 25.2°C
  • November: 26.4°C
  • December: 27.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Loyalty Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Faille de Poe

Marine Life in Loyalty Islands

Home to 129 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 11 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Faille de Poe

Based on average water temperature of 26.3°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Faille de Poe?
At Faille de Poe, divers can explore an old river bed with a maximum depth of 23 meters. This site offers a unique experience for those looking to dive deeper into the New Caledonian waters.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Faille de Poe?
Faille de Poe is renowned for its exceptional fauna, offering a real festival of big fish. Divers can expect to encounter schools of barracudas, stingrays, jacks, and various sharks, along with the famous guitarfish. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Faille de Poe, and what experience level is recommended?
Diving at Faille de Poe is considered an intermediate challenge, primarily due to often strong currents. Divers should have a minimum of 20 logged dives to safely navigate this unique site in the Loyalty Islands.
When is the best time of year to dive Faille de Poe for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Faille de Poe is not specifically provided in our current data. We recommend checking our general When to Dive guide for broader seasonal insights into New Caledonia.
What diving certifications or experience are required to dive Faille de Poe?
To dive at Faille de Poe, a minimum experience of 20 logged dives is required. This ensures divers are adequately prepared for the site's conditions, including potential currents and limited visibility in this New Caledonian gem.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like when diving Faille de Poe?
Divers at Faille de Poe can typically expect challenging conditions, as the site often experiences a lot of current. Visibility is generally limited, with an average visibility of 12 meters, making it an adventurous dive in the Loyalty Islands.