Catalina Wreck
Why dive here
With 203+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, giant moray eels, lionfish, nautiluses and pufferfish - Catalina Wreck offers some of Rabaul & New Britain's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 30-31°C, warmest January, February, May.
The Catalina Wreck in Rabaul offers a compelling, if sombre, dive. This American reconnaissance plane met an abrupt end shortly after takeoff, scattering its remains across the seabed at 20 metres. We often spend time in the cockpit, a surprisingly intact section that still gives you a sense of its original layout. Look closely among the debris for resident lionfish and schools of snapper that have made homes in the twisted metal. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a scattered wreck, rather than one perfectly preserved.
Typical Catalina Wreck Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to Catalina Wreck
Dive shops near Catalina Wreck
Archipelago Diving
Scuba Ventures
Lissenung Island Resort
Lissenung Resort
Lissinung Island Resort
Reviews for Catalina Wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Catalina Wreck
Catalina Wreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Catalina Wreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-2.57, 150.85) (63km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
87°F · Range: 29–31.5°C
Air Temperature
27°C
81°F
Wind Speed
4.08 m/s
7.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1009.6 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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