DivePlnr
    ORCHARD REEFER dive site
    wreck
    13m
    Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti
    Haramous

    ORCHARD REEFER

    Best months: Dec–Mar

    Protected Area

    Haramous

    Why dive here

    With 197+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, dugongs, hammerhead sharks and sea turtles - ORCHARD REEFER offers some of Gulf of Tadjoura's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-32°C, warmest June, September, October.

    Best timeDec–Mar
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Dugongs, Hammerhead Sharks and Sea Turtles · 197+ species recorded
    Water27-32°C · warmest June, September, October
    CharacterWreck dive · max 13m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Orchard Reefer is a true historical heavyweight here in the Gulf of Tadjoura. This isn’t a quick swim-by; we always spend a solid hour just soaking it in. Sunk by fire back in ‘75, the sheer size of her, 126 metres long, is what grabs you first. You’re finning over this huge hull, just 13 metres down, and it feels like flying over a sunken city. We love how the superstructure has collapsed in on itself, creating these dark, shadowy swim-throughs. Sunlight filters in, catching the glint of thousands of glassfish that pulse in and out of the metalwork. Our favourite part is the bow section; there’s a real sense of scale there. Look for the resident potato groupers that hang around the deeper crevices. The visibility is usually excellent, letting you appreciate the whole outline. It's a proper wreck dive, ideal for those who love to explore and really get a feel for a ship's past.

    Typical ORCHARD REEFER Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m13m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:5717:5311h 55m daylightGolden hour 17:25

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ORCHARD REEFER

    ORCHARD REEFER Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for ORCHARD REEFER, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (11.95, 43.3) (19km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    32°C

    89°F · Range: 29.6–33.4°C

    Air Temperature

    30°C

    86°F

    Wind Speed

    4.2 m/s

    8.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.7 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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