White Reef - Bay of Islands

We love diving North Carolina wrecks, and the LCU 1468 is a perfect example of why. It’s not just a pile of metal; this landing craft is a genuine piece of history, and you feel that as soon as you drop down. The structure is still largely intact, offering easy penetration for those with the right training, and plenty to explore on the exterior for everyone else. Look for the massive schools of baitfish that swirl around the bow, often herded by amberjacks darting in and out of the shadows. Our favourite part is the engine room, if you can squeeze in, where the machinery is encrusted in anemones and small corals. We’d suggest a good dive light to pick out the details and the smaller critters, like the blennies peering from every crevice. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so pick a calm day if you can, and be prepared for a bit of current. It’s a classic North Carolina wreck dive: gritty, full of life, and just plain cool.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.193000, 174.297700
Type
wreck

Wreck History - White Reef

Year Sunk
1980
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
385 tons

The LCU-1468 served a long career with the U.S. Navy as a Landing Craft Utility. These flat-bottomed workhorses were designed for a single, crucial purpose: to ferry troops, vehicles, and equipment from larger ships onto hostile shores. With its large, open cargo area and a bow ramp that could be lowered onto a beach, the LCU-1468 was a vital link in amphibious military operations for decades.

After being decommissioned, the vessel was given a new mission. In 1980, it was cleaned and purposefully sunk off the coast of North Carolina to become part of the Onslow Bay Reef, designated as artificial reef site AR-145. Today, the LCU-1468 sits upright and intact on the seabed, its military past still clearly visible in its distinctive shape. The open well deck creates a fantastic swim-through for certified divers, and the entire structure is heavily encrusted with marine growth.

As part of the famed 'Graveyard of the Atlantic,' this wreck attracts an incredible amount of marine life. It is a favorite haunt for schools of amberjack and is frequently visited by sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and goliath groupers. The LCU-1468 is a superb wreck dive, offering a piece of military history that has been fully reclaimed by the sea.

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to White Reef

Marine Life in Bay of Islands

Home to 172 recorded species including 100 reef fish, 22 sharks & rays, 11 whales & dolphins, 10 other, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at White Reef?
White Reef offers a comfortable depth range for divers, with a maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it an excellent site for divers of various experience levels to explore the vibrant underwater environment.
What marine life and coral formations are commonly seen when diving White Reef?
Divers at White Reef can expect to see a healthy, almost fully covered reef, a testament to its recovery within the Rahui. The site is home to diverse marine life, including the friendly Hiwihiwi kelp fish, Sandbaggers Wrasse, Snapper, and various other schooling reef fish. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
Is White Reef considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
White Reef is explicitly described as a wonderful dive site, particularly suitable for beginner divers and snorkelers. Its gentle conditions and manageable maximum depth of 15m make it an ideal location to gain confidence and enjoy the underwater world.
When is the best time of year to dive White Reef for optimal conditions and marine activity?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive White Reef for optimal conditions or marine activity. For general information on diving seasons and conditions in the region, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at White Reef?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving at White Reef. However, given its suitability for beginner divers, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be appropriate for exploring this site.
How strong are the currents at White Reef, and what are the general diving conditions like?
While the data does not explicitly state current strength, White Reef is described as a wonderful dive site for beginner divers, suggesting generally calm and manageable conditions. Divers can expect an average visibility of 10 meters, offering clear views of the recovering reef and its marine inhabitants.