METIKEI

Best months: Jul–Oct

Protected Area

Opele

Why dive here

With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - METIKEI offers some of Iron Bottom Sound's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest January, April, December.

Best timeJul–Oct

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 391+ species recorded

Water29-31°C · warmest January, April, December

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Metikei isn't your typical Iron Bottom Sound wreck, and that's precisely why we love it. Forget the war history for a moment, this is a ferro-concrete yacht, a rare beast. We'd put the depth around 5-10m, perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even a snorkel if the light is good. What makes Metikei special is how the reef has truly swallowed it. You're not just looking at a wreck; you're exploring a living sculpture. The hull forms a backbone for branching corals and sea fans, with clouds of fusiliers and damselfish flitting in and out of the darker spaces. Look closely in the crevices and you'll often spot nudibranchs, maybe even a pipefish or two. It feels less like a tragedy and more like a gentle return to nature. It's a photographer's dream, especially when the sun hits the dappled coral growth. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light is usually best then. Metikei is a beautiful, easy dive, offering a fascinating contrast to the area's heavier war relics. It suits anyone looking for a relaxed, visually rich experience without strong currents.