Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) - Iron Bottom Sound

The Catuan wreck is a solid choice when you’re diving out of Bayahibe. We love a tugboat wreck, they just have a certain character, and this 33-meter vessel, sunk intentionally in 2006, is no exception. It sits upright and relatively intact at a max depth of 20 meters, making it a comfortable dive for anyone from newly certified open water divers to those with hundreds of logged dives. What really makes the Catuan shine is how quickly marine life has adopted it. Swim through the wheelhouse and engine room - the penetrations are easy and well-lit - and you'll often find yourself surrounded by big schools of French grunts and sergeant majors. We’ve seen hawksbill turtles grazing on the hull, and it’s not uncommon to spot nurse sharks napping under ledges or barracudas hanging off the bow. The visibility averages around 16 meters, which is usually plenty to take in the wreck’s full outline as you approach. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just as the sun gets high enough to really illuminate the interior spaces.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.340100, 157.276700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Marine Protected Area: Nusa Roviana

Best Time to Dive in Iron Bottom Sound

The warmest water temperatures in Iron Bottom Sound occur in January, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • March: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • April: 30.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • July: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • August: 30.5°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • September: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • November: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • December: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Iron Bottom Sound

Nearest Dive Centres to Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)

Marine Life in Iron Bottom Sound

Home to 415 recorded species including 320 reef fish, 29 hard corals, 18 sea snails & nudibranchs, 16 sea cucumbers, 7 seagrass & algae, 5 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 30.5°C.

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck dive site?
The Aichi D3A 'Val' dive bomber wreck itself rests upside down at a depth of 10-15 meters. The maximum depth for this fascinating dive site is 19 meters, making it accessible for many divers. You can learn more about this site on its DivePlnr page.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck?
Divers exploring the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck will discover a fully intact Aichi D3A “Val“ dive bomber, resting upside down on the seabed. This captivating wreck is teeming with marine life, including shrimp, lionfish, angelfish, and trevally, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Additionally, the plane is situated on the edge of a vibrant reef, surrounded by healthy hard corals.
Is the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck a difficult dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While it's a fascinating site, its classification suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers who are still gaining experience. Divers should have appropriate training and comfort levels for wreck diving to fully enjoy this unique site in Iron Bottom Sound.
What is the best time of year to dive the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Solomon Islands, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource. Always check local conditions and forecasts before planning your dive.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required to dive the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck. Given its intermediate difficulty and status as a wreck dive, it is advisable to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty in wreck diving. Always confirm specific requirements with local dive operators in the Iron Bottom Sound area before planning your dive.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck dive site?
Divers visiting the Aichi D3A 'Val' wreck can expect an average visibility of 12 meters, offering clear views of the intact aircraft and surrounding marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this dive site. It's always recommended to check with local dive operators for real-time current information before your dive.