Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)

Protected Area

Nusa Roviana

Why dive here

With 292+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, sperm whales and whitetip reef sharks - Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) offers some of Gizo & Western Province's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Sperm Whales and Whitetip Reef Sharks · 292+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 26m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Dropping down to the Aichi D3A 'Val' dive bomber, it’s not hard to picture it in its heyday, before it came to rest upright on the seabed at 26 metres. This is one of our favourite wreck dives for its sheer intactness and the sense of history that just hangs in the water around it. You can clearly make out the cockpit, the engine cowl, and the wings, which are still mostly attached. We particularly love poking around the tail section, often finding schools of small glassfish shimmering inside the fuselage. This site is a fantastic introduction to wreck diving. The depth is manageable, there’s usually no current, and the visibility tends to be excellent, making it incredibly easy to navigate. Look closely, and you'll spot resident lionfish tucked into crevices and anemonefish darting amongst the soft corals that have started to bloom on the metal. It’s a genuinely evocative dive, perfect for photographers and anyone keen to touch a tangible piece of wartime history.

Typical Aichi D3A ’Val’ (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 26m - 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.

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Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) Wreck History

Vessel Type

aircraft

Cause

combat

The Aichi D3A, known to the Allies as the 'Val', was the primary carrier-borne dive bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. A fearsome and effective weapon, the Val was the first Japanese aircraft to bomb American targets, playing a key role in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Throughout the war, this aircraft type was credited with sinking more Allied warships than any other Axis aircraft, cementing its place in military history.

This particular Val wreck rests at 26 meters in the waters off Gizo, a key battleground in the Solomon Islands campaign. For divers, it's a direct link to the intense aerial combat that defined the Pacific Theatre. Exploring the remnants of this legendary dive bomber, now colonized by coral and home to reef fish, offers a poignant and fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in world history.