VAN DER WIJK - Bali

The Van der Wijk isn't for the faint of heart, or for those who skip their deep diver specialty. This is a serious wreck, resting at 42 metres, and we love it for its sheer scale and the history it represents. She’s a 97-metre steamship, sunk in 1936, and descending onto her deck feels like stepping back in time. What makes her special? The intact bow, for one, looming out of the blue, and the way the current often sweeps you along her length, giving you a proper sense of her size. We've spent dives just exploring the superstructure, carefully peeking into cargo holds now home to schools of snapper. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs clinging to the metal, and we've even spotted a few larger pelagics cruising past in the blue. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a deep, atmospheric site with a story to tell, and it’s always better if you hit it on an incoming tide when visibility tends to be at its best.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-6.708337, 112.419240
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Best Time to Dive in Bali

The warmest water temperatures in Bali occur in December, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 29.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.1°C
  • February: 29.7°C
  • March: 30.1°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.1°C
  • September: 29.3°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 30.9°C
  • December: 30.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Bali

Nearest Dive Centres to VAN DER WIJK

Marine Life in Bali

Home to 528 recorded species including 359 reef fish, 73 hard corals, 42 sharks & rays, 12 other, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 11 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for VAN DER WIJK

Based on average water temperature of 30.1°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • 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 depth range for diving at the VAN DER WIJK dive site?
The VAN DER WIJK dive site is found at a depth of 42 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, perfect for experienced divers looking to explore a significant wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at VAN DER WIJK?
At the VAN DER WIJK dive site, divers will primarily encounter the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, which sank on October 20, 1936. This substantial wreck, measuring 97.5m x 13.4m, serves as the main underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed in our records, wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting a diverse array of marine species over time.
How challenging is the VAN DER WIJK dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The VAN DER WIJK dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. With a depth of 42 meters and its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it is not suitable for beginner divers. This site requires divers to have adequate experience and training for deeper and potentially challenging wreck environments.
What is the best time of year to dive at VAN DER WIJK for optimal conditions and visibility?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the VAN DER WIJK dive site is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking general diving conditions for Bali or consulting our When to Dive resource for broader seasonal guidance.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the VAN DER WIJK site?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly detailed, the VAN DER WIJK dive site's intermediate difficulty, 42-meter depth, and classification as a "Dangerous wreck" strongly suggest the need for advanced certifications. Divers should ideally hold deep diving and potentially wreck diving specialty certifications to safely and responsibly explore this challenging site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at VAN DER WIJK?
Details concerning the typical current conditions and visibility at the VAN DER WIJK dive site are not available in the provided data. We recommend checking with local dive centers in Bali for the most current information before planning your dive.