BYRON NO. 16 - Moorea & Tahiti

The Byron No. 16 wreck off Moorea is a proper dive, one we always enjoy for its sheer size. This 97-meter fishing vessel went down in '88, and it’s been settling into the sand ever since. The stern section is the most intact, rising impressively from the seabed, and it’s a blast to explore the open holds. We’ve found barracuda often hang around the deeper parts, schooling lazily, and the exterior hull is covered in sponges and anemones. Our favourite part is the penetration into the massive engine room, if you're comfortable with overhead environments. Light filters in from various openings, illuminating the machinery within. It's a surreal experience, feeling the cooler water inside and imagining the ship in its working days. Watch for the resident moray eels that have made the darker crevices their home. This site is best for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a substantial structure with plenty of character. If you're new to wrecks, it’s still worth a look from the outside; the scale alone is impressive.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.033333, -149.550000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BYRON NO. 16

Year Sunk
1988
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

In September 1988, the 97-meter fishing vessel BYRON NO. 16 was undertaking a long journey from Papeete, Tahiti, to Puerto Rico when it fell victim to the reefs of French Polynesia. The vessel ran hard aground, ending its voyage and its career in the shallows. Due to its position, the wreck was never fully submerged, leaving a permanent and dramatic scar on the idyllic landscape.

Lying at a depth of 0 meters, the BYRON NO. 16 is not a scuba dive in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a spectacular landmark, with portions of its hull and superstructure permanently exposed to the air. This makes it a phenomenal site for snorkelers and photographers, who can explore the interface between the rusting, man-made structure and the vibrant coral reef that is slowly claiming it. The visible, decaying ship set against the backdrop of Tahiti's turquoise waters and lush mountains creates a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable scene.

Best Time to Dive in Moorea & Tahiti

The warmest water temperatures in Moorea & Tahiti occur in April, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C
  • February: 28.5°C
  • March: 28.9°C
  • April: 29.0°C
  • May: 28.4°C
  • June: 27.6°C
  • July: 26.7°C
  • August: 26.4°C
  • September: 26.3°C
  • October: 26.6°C
  • November: 27.2°C
  • December: 27.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Moorea & Tahiti

Nearest Dive Centres to BYRON NO. 16

Marine Life in Moorea & Tahiti

Home to 141 recorded species including 116 reef fish, 7 hard corals, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sea cucumbers, 2 whales & dolphins, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BYRON NO. 16

Based on average water temperature of 27.6°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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