Tignes - Loyalty Islands

The USS Emmons is not just a wreck, it's a profound dive. We find ourselves drawn back to it repeatedly. She sits upright at 40 meters, a silent memorial to the Battle of Okinawa. You descend into that deep blue and suddenly, there she is, her guns still raised as if ready for a fight, an incredibly powerful sight. The sheer scale of the Emmons is impressive. The wreck itself has become a thriving artificial reef. We love exploring the bridge area, where schools of fusiliers often swirl so thick they momentarily block out the light. Look for the banded cleaner shrimp tucked into crevices, their antennae waving. The coral growth here, particularly the large staghorn and brain corals, is surprisingly robust given the depth. Keep an eye out for humphead unicornfish patrolling the deck. Current can be a factor, so we always suggest timing your dive for slack tide. It makes for a much more relaxed exploration of this significant piece of history. This is definitely one for advanced divers who appreciate both history and healthy reef life.

Location
Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-20.844300, 165.418100
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Povilla Forest Reserve

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 Tignes

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 Tignes

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