Papuan Explorer wreck dive

Protected Area

Vanua Rakiraki, Ra

Why dive here

With 382+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, eagle rays, giant moray eels, humpback whales and sperm whales - Papuan Explorer wreck dive offers some of Kadavu & Great Astrolabe Reef's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Eagle Rays, Giant Moray Eels, Humpback Whales and Sperm Whales · 382+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 20m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Papuan Explorer isn’t your typical deep, dark wreck. Sitting upright at 20 metres, this is a very accessible dive for anyone comfortable with a little penetration. We love how the relatively shallow depth means you get good ambient light filtering through the openings, highlighting the schools of glassfish that swirl inside the cargo holds. What makes this wreck special, for us, is the way the reef has simply enveloped it. Soft corals bloom from every surface, creating a vibrant, living sculpture. Look closely and you’ll spot crocodilefish camouflaged on the deck, and we've often seen reef sharks cruising past the stern. Our favourite part has to be the wheelhouse; it’s largely intact and feels like stepping back in time, even if it’s now home to several grumpy moray eels. This is a brilliant site for photographers, particularly on a sunny afternoon when the light really plays with the colours. We'd suggest getting there early if you want to avoid other boats, it can get a little busy.