Jake SeaPlane - Rock Islands

Dropping onto the Jake SeaPlane wreck, you're immediately struck by the sheer lack of fuss. It's a bomber, an Aichi E13A "Jake" reconnaissance seaplane, resting upright in about 15 metres. No dramatic canyons here, just open water and the plane. We love the way the light filters down, illuminating the cockpit and the engine, still mostly intact. It feels like stepping back into a very specific moment in history. The plane itself is a magnet for the smaller stuff. We've spent ages just watching the Pink Squirrelfish dart in and out of the fuselage, while the Onelined wrasse pick over the coral growth. Keep an eye out for those Bearded Flathead Gobies, they're masters of camouflage on the wing. You can swim through the cockpit, which is a tight squeeze but worth it for the sense of being inside. Our favourite part? The way the soft corals have started to colonise the propeller blades, turning them into these vibrant, swaying sculptures. It's a mellow dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates a bit of quiet contemplation with their history.

Location
Rock Islands, Palau, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.369153, 134.448460
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Ngerkebesang Conservation Zone

Best Time to Dive in Rock Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Rock Islands occur in October, averaging 30.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.8°C
  • February: 28.4°C
  • March: 28.8°C
  • April: 29.3°C
  • May: 29.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.9°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 29.9°C
  • December: 29.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Rock Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Jake SeaPlane

Marine Life in Rock Islands

Home to 198 recorded species including 171 reef fish, 15 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 starfish, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Jake SeaPlane

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 13 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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