Historic Dive Wreck Clan Mc William - Vava'u Group

We’ve always enjoyed a drift dive, and Lost World delivers a good one on the Somosomo Strait’s barrier reef. Starting shallow, it’s a gentle push along a wall that dips to around 21 metres. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff in the crevices; we’ve seen ghost cardinalfish and those neat threespot righteye flounders tucked away. It’s also a good spot for some of the bigger fish like barracuda or jacks cruising past. We’d suggest diving this one on an outgoing tide for the best drift.

Location
Vava'u Group, Tonga, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-18.673000, -173.988900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: 'Utulei SMA

Best Time to Dive in Vava'u Group

The warmest water temperatures in Vava'u Group occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 26.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Vava'u Group

Nearest Dive Centres to Historic Dive Wreck Clan Mc William

Marine Life in Vava'u Group

Home to 322 recorded species including 300 reef fish, 9 sea cucumbers, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Historic Dive Wreck Clan Mc William

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 depth range for diving the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam?
The Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam has a maximum depth of 28m. This 127m long steel copra freighter is recommended to be explored in two dives, plus a night dive is a must to fully appreciate its features. You can find more details about this site at Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam site?
Divers exploring the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam can expect to encounter a 127m long steel copra freighter that sunk in 1927. The wreck is teeming with marine life, including schools of fish, Giant Pearl Shells, Anemone with Glass Shrimps, Fluorescent Coral, and big sponges. You might also spot Barracudas, Batfish, Leopard Grouper, and Blennies, making it a vibrant site for wildlife enthusiasts.
How challenging is the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth and the recommendation to explore it over two dives, plus a mandatory night dive, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience to safely enjoy this significant Vava'u wreck.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam for optimal visibility?
The Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam typically offers an average visibility of 12m. While the data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility at this particular site, divers can generally find information on seasonal conditions for the region on our When to Dive page. For current conditions, it's always best to consult local dive operators in Vava'u Group.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to dive the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam?
Given the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam is rated as an intermediate dive and a night dive is highly recommended, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. A specific Night Diver certification would also be beneficial to fully appreciate the wreck's nocturnal marine life. Always check with your dive operator for their specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam dive site?
The Historic Dive Wreck Clan McWilliam offers an average visibility of 12m. Located in the perfectly protected Neiafu Harbour, in Koko Bay, the site likely experiences minimal currents, making for a generally calm diving experience. This allows divers to thoroughly explore the 127m long steel copra freighter at this unique site.