Nanjalakalau Wall - Iron Bottom Sound

Putri Menjangan 1, a quick boat ride from Bali’s coast, isn't your usual wreck dive. We've seen plenty of old fishing boats sunk for 'attractions,' but this site feels different. It’s part of a proper local conservation project, and you can tell. The main draw is the collection of sunken statues and structures, now completely claimed by the reef. There’s one statue of a woman, which gives the site its name, completely encrusted in coral, her outstretched arms now home to a flurry of damselfish. You'll drift over thriving staghorn coral beds, some of the healthiest we've seen in Bali, where parrotfish graze constantly, their crunching audible if you listen closely. Look inside the crevices of the larger structures, and you might spot a Bloodspot pipefish or a tiny Redlight Eviota peeking out. We love it for its calm, shallow depths, rarely going past 20m, making it a super relaxed two-tank afternoon dive. Visibility hovers around 18m most days, which is perfectly good for spotting the resident turtles munching on seagrass nearby. It's a gentle drift, perfect for newer divers or anyone wanting a tranquil dive without strong currents.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.951600, 159.993300
Type
wreck

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 Nanjalakalau Wall

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 Nanjalakalau Wall

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 typical maximum depth for recreational diving at Nanjalakalau Wall?
The typical maximum depth for recreational diving at Nanjalakalau Wall is 25 meters. While the wall itself extends down to 50 meters, the recommended recreational limit for this site is 25m.
What specific marine life and coral formations are commonly observed by divers at Nanjalakalau Wall?
Divers at Nanjalakalau Wall can commonly observe abundant gorgonia fans and large banana nudibranchs. Below 20 meters, you might spot grey reef and black tip reef sharks, while eagle rays, tuna, and mackerel are often seen cruising in the blue. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Nanjalakalau Wall dive site, particularly regarding diver experience and skill level?
The Nanjalakalau Wall dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience and comfort with varying conditions, including currents, to fully enjoy and safely navigate the site.
What are the best times of year and tidal conditions recommended for diving Nanjalakalau Wall?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or particular tidal conditions recommended for diving Nanjalakalau Wall. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find useful information on our When to Dive page.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving Nanjalakalau Wall?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving Nanjalakalau Wall. Given its intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally beneficial for sites with currents and depths up to 25m.
What are the prevailing current conditions and typical visibility that divers can expect at Nanjalakalau Wall?
Divers at Nanjalakalau Wall can expect prevailing currents, which are often utilized for drift diving along the wall. The average visibility at this site is typically around 11 meters, offering good viewing opportunities for the abundant marine life.