ZUIRYO MARU NO 18

Best months: Jul–Oct

Why dive here

With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - ZUIRYO MARU NO 18 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 · max 5m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Zuimaru No. 18 is a bit of an anomaly in Iron Bottom Sound, a comparatively modern fishing vessel beached in 1985. It’s a shallow wreck, barely deeper than a snorkel, which means fantastic light penetration and long bottom times. We love it as an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for a slow poke around with a macro lens. The boat’s structure is still largely intact, a skeletal frame now completely encrusted with small hard corals and sponges. You’ll find a surprising amount of fish life here, especially juvenile reef fish darting in and out of the nooks and crannies. We’ve seen robust ghost pipefish tucked into the gorgonian fans and nudibranchs grazing on the hull. Look closely at the deck machinery; it’s a canvas of colourful invertebrates. This site is great for newer divers wanting to experience a wreck without depth concerns, or for seasoned photographers keen to capture some intricate wide-angle reefscapes. Go early in the morning for the calmest water and best visibility.