KINUGAWA MARU - Iron Bottom Sound

Diving the Kinugawa Maru is a raw, visceral experience. We love this wreck precisely because it’s still so recognisably a ship, broken but not disintegrated, lying on its side in 45m. The bow is an absolute mess, a twisted knot of steel where the torpedo hit, but the stern is surprisingly intact. That’s where you’ll find the two Type 95 Ha-Go tanks, their barrels still pointing out into the blue. It’s an eerie feeling, seeing them there, completely out of context. We always make a point of looking for the ship’s bell, though it’s pretty well encrusted now. Inside, the holds are open, revealing stacks of sake bottles and scattered pottery – incredible to think they’ve been there since 1942. The resident sweetlips are bold, swimming right up to your mask, and we’ve seen barracuda circling high above the superstructure. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a deeper profile. Come prepared for limited visibility if there’s been a lot of rain, but honestly, it just adds to the atmosphere here.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-9.378667, 159.870560
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Komarindi

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 KINUGAWA MARU

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 KINUGAWA MARU

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 Kinugawa Maru dive site and what are the depths of its key features?
The Kinugawa Maru dive site reaches a maximum depth of 45 meters. As a substantial motor vessel measuring 133.2 meters long and 17.7 meters wide, the entire wreck structure is found at this depth.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the Kinugawa Maru wreck?
The Kinugawa Maru itself is a significant historical artifact, a motor vessel sunk on November 15, 1942, during World War II. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks in Iron Bottom Sound typically become vibrant artificial reefs. Divers can explore the remains of this 133.2-meter long vessel, which was built in 1938.
Is the Kinugawa Maru wreck suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered an advanced dive?
The Kinugawa Maru wreck is classified as an intermediate dive. With a maximum depth of 45 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate training and experience for deeper wreck dives.
What are the best times of year or conditions to dive the Kinugawa Maru for optimal visibility and experience?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or optimal conditions for diving the Kinugawa Maru for visibility or experience. For general information on diving conditions in the Solomon Islands, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Kinugawa Maru, especially for wreck penetration?
Given the Kinugawa Maru's maximum depth of 45 meters and its classification as an intermediate wreck dive, a minimum of an Advanced Open Water certification is typically recommended. For any form of wreck penetration, specialized training such as a Wreck Diver certification is essential to ensure diver safety and proper technique.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the Kinugawa Maru dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical water conditions or currents at the Kinugawa Maru dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with their dive operator before planning their dive.