Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)
Protected Area
Nusa Roviana
Why dive here
With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) offers some of Iron Bottom Sound's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest January, April, December.
Drop down onto the Aichi D3A 'Val' and you're immediately struck by how complete it is. This Japanese dive bomber from WWII rests upside down at around 15 metres, but it's not a broken mess of metal. The wings are still there, the engine cowling largely intact, giving it a real sense of its former self. We love seeing the propeller blades reaching up from the sand, almost beckoning you in. The Val sits right on the edge of a healthy reef, so you get the best of both worlds. Look inside the cockpit for the Barred Blenny or Pacific short-bodied pipefish peeking out. Around the fuselage, you’ll find lionfish sheltering in the crevices. Our favourite is exploring the wing sections, where Blacklined Filefish drift past, and the nearby corals hold plenty of Sangi Cardinalfish. It’s a site that suits those who appreciate history and enjoy a closer look at the smaller stuff that has made this wreck home. Visibility averages 12 metres here, which is more than enough to appreciate the scale of the aircraft.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) Wreck History
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
combat
The Aichi D3A 'Val' was one of the most significant aircraft of the Pacific War. As the Imperial Japanese Navy's main dive bomber, it participated in almost every major action, from the opening shots at Pearl Harbor to the final, desperate battles of the war. Its deadly accuracy earned it the distinction of sinking more Allied warships than any other aircraft in the Axis arsenal, a testament to its design and the skill of its pilots.
Lying in the historic waters of Iron Bottom Sound, this Aichi D3A Val is a spectacular and incredibly accessible aircraft wreck. Resting upside down but fully intact in just 10-15 meters of water, it's a perfect dive for all experience levels. The clear, shallow water allows for excellent photo opportunities, and divers can easily explore the aircraft's distinctive elliptical wings and fuselage. Over the decades, it has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, bustling with marine life that now inhabits this fascinating piece of WWII history.
Reviews for Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)
Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-9.03, 159.16) (58km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
85°F · Range: 28.7–30.5°C
Air Temperature
27°C
80°F
Wind Speed
3.74 m/s
7.3 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.5 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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