Maravagi F4F Wildcat (Wreck) - Iron Bottom Sound

The Persia is a newer wreck, only going down in 2018, but she’s already a fantastic dive. We think she makes a brilliant second dive after one of the deeper wrecks, especially if you want to explore something a bit more intact. We've always found her sitting upright and proud on the seabed, usually at about 33 meters, making for a nice, comfortable depth. You can actually poke around inside the cargo holds, where you'll still spot remnants of her last shipment – sweets and clothing. It’s like a time capsule, a real glimpse into a working vessel. Visibility here averages around 15 meters, which we find is plenty to appreciate her 30-meter length. Because she's a bit further out, about 6.5 miles from Grenada, and exposed to some decent currents, you'll see more of the ocean's regular inhabitants. Lionfish are common, unfortunately, but we've seen plenty of nurse sharks cruising around the deck, likely drawn in by the easy prey. On a good day, you might even spot a sleeping turtle tucked into the superstructure. She's a great choice for advanced divers looking for a less broken-up wreck and a chance to see some healthy pelagic action.

Location: Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -8.956500, 160.063500
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: Maravaghi

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 Maravagi F4F Wildcat (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

Blue-lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) - Reef Fish
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Blue and Gold Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) - Reef Fish
Boring Clam (Tridacna crocea) - Clams & Mussels
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
beautiful fusilier (Caesio teres) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Rainbowfish (Halichoeres hortulanus) - Reef Fish
Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
Burrowing urchin (Echinometra mathaei) - Sea Urchins
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesii) - Reef Fish
Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
Butterfly fish (Chaetodon vagabundus) - Reef Fish
Black-barred Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricauda) - Reef Fish
Mimic Surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) - Reef Fish
Triangular Butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa) - Reef Fish
Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Maravagi F4F Wildcat (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