Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 1 (Wreck) - Iron Bottom Sound

Mi Dushi, tucked away on Klein Bonaire, is one of those sites where we can just drift along, letting the current do the work. It's a wall dive, sure, but it starts shallow, around 5 meters, making for a super relaxed entry before it drops away to about 20 meters. We always find it has a brilliant array of sponges and corals, particularly the bigger star corals and those distinct yellow pencil corals that seem to glow. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff here too; we often spot orangespotted filefish flitting between the corals, and the bluestriped grunts usually hang out in big schools. Visibility is typically fantastic, pushing 20 meters, so you can really appreciate the scale of the wall. We’d suggest hitting this one earlier in the day if you can, before the other boats show up, for a truly peaceful dive. It’s ideal for divers who love a gentle drift and want to spend time exploring the nooks and crannies of a healthy Caribbean reef.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-9.109500, 160.185800
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Tulagi Island

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 Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 1 (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 Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 1 (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

What is the maximum depth of the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck) dive site?
The maximum depth for diving the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck) dive site is 29 meters. The wreck itself rests upright on a very silty bottom, with parts of the aircraft extending from 26m to 33m.
What remains of the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 wreck for divers to explore?
Divers exploring the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck) will find the most intact of the seven "Mavis" seaplanes in the bay. The aircraft is largely complete, sitting upright on a silty bottom, with the only significant missing part being the starboard wing. This offers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of history.
How challenging is diving the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 wreck, and is it suitable for recreational divers?
Diving the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck) is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. While it is a wonderful wreck, divers should be prepared for challenging visibility conditions, which can add to the complexity of the dive. Recreational divers with appropriate experience and comfort in low visibility conditions may find it suitable.
What are the optimal seasons or conditions for diving the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 wreck?
The provided data does not specify optimal seasons or conditions for diving the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck). However, divers should be aware that the site typically presents challenging visibility, averaging around 10 meters. It's always advisable to check local conditions and forecasts before planning your dive in Iron Bottom Sound.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 wreck?
Given the intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 29 meters at the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck), an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is typically recommended. This certification ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper dives and potentially challenging conditions, such as the noted challenging visibility at this site.
What are the typical underwater visibility and current conditions at the Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 wreck dive site?
The Kawanashi “Mavis” Seaplane #1 (Wreck) dive site typically experiences an average underwater visibility of 10 meters. Divers should be prepared for challenging visibility conditions at this site, which can impact the dive experience. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions.