HONGKONG SURETY - Flores

The Hongkong Surety isn't your average wreck dive. This behemoth, a 147-meter cargo vessel that ran aground on Angelica Shoal back in '77, offers an incredible sense of scale. We love how the bow juts out of the water, a stark skeletal reminder of its past, while the stern lies deeper, around 30 meters. It’s an interesting contrast. Dropping down, you’ll find the wreck itself is a thriving artificial reef. Expect to see schools of snappers and trevally circling the superstructure, often so thick they make the light shimmer. Look closely at the deck plates and cargo holds; they're covered in gorgonian fans and soft corals, with nudibranchs and flatworms tucked into every crevice. Our favourite sections are the expansive cargo holds, where you can swim through cavernous spaces now home to batfish and sweetlips, or explore the bridge area which is surprisingly intact, offering a glimpse into the ship's operational past. This site is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with deeper sections and potential currents, but even less experienced divers can enjoy the shallower parts of the wreck and the incredible marine life that has made it home.

Location
Flores, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-7.766667, 122.275000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Pulau Besar

Best Time to Dive in Flores

The warmest water temperatures in Flores occur in January, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.6°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 30.6°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • March: 30.6°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • April: 30.6°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 30.6°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • June: 30.6°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 30.6°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 30.6°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 30.6°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • October: 30.6°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • November: 30.6°C (air: 29.2°C)
  • December: 30.6°C (air: 28.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Flores

Nearest Dive Centres to HONGKONG SURETY

Marine Life in Flores

Home to 169 recorded species including 127 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 6 seagrass & algae, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HONGKONG SURETY

Based on average water temperature of 30.6°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 31°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 HONGKONG SURETY?
The HONGKONG SURETY wreck is noted to be at a depth of 0m, indicating that portions of this significant wreck are at the surface. This unique characteristic allows for exploration of the wreck's superstructure right from the water's surface. For more information on diving in Flores, visit our sub-region guide.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at HONGKONG SURETY?
Divers at HONGKONG SURETY can expect to explore a substantial underwater feature - a motor vessel wreck. This impressive wreck, measuring 146.9m x 18.9m, was sunk on February 19, 1977, and offers a unique historical dive experience. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and corals over time, creating artificial reefs.
How challenging is diving at HONGKONG SURETY, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at HONGKONG SURETY is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should possess the necessary skills and confidence for wreck diving or be accompanied by an experienced guide to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at HONGKONG SURETY for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at HONGKONG SURETY for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at HONGKONG SURETY?
While specific certifications are not listed in the provided data, the intermediate difficulty rating for HONGKONG SURETY suggests that divers should have more than just entry-level experience. It is generally recommended to have an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent for such sites. For specialized wreck penetration, a Wreck Diver certification would be highly beneficial.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at HONGKONG SURETY?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at HONGKONG SURETY. Divers planning a trip to Flores should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date site conditions before their dive.