Tafraka - Halmahera

Wairterang Wreck in Flores is a proper exploration dive, a sunken Japanese cargo ship from WWII that’s really come into its own as a marine habitat. We love this site for its character; the wreck itself is about 50 metres long, lying between 12 and 26 metres, making it accessible but still deep enough to feel like a proper wreck dive. It’s not one of those pristine wrecks you find in museums, but a beautifully colonised skeleton, covered in corals and home to some fascinating creatures. Visibility here averages around 9 metres, which isn't gin-clear, but it adds to the atmosphere, giving the wreck a wonderfully eerie feel as you descend. Look closely, and you'll spot garrupa and various dottybacks darting among the corroded metal plates. We've seen some fantastic nudibranchs and frogfish tucked into crevices. The real delight comes at the end of the dive, when you drift over the adjacent seagrass beds. This is prime hunting ground for seahorses and a huge variety of small critters; we always dedicate time here for some macro photography. It suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story and the joy of a good treasure hunt for tiny creatures.

Location
Halmahera, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
0.876800, 127.319300
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: KKP3K Pulau Babua, Jailolo

Best Time to Dive in Halmahera

The warmest water temperatures in Halmahera occur in November, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.0°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.1°C
  • April: 29.5°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.0°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.4°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 29.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Halmahera

Nearest Dive Centres to Tafraka

Marine Life in Halmahera

Home to 141 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 48 hard corals, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 clams & mussels, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Tafraka

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 Tafraka dive site?
The Tafraka dive site features a slope topography, with a recommended maximum depth of 25 m. The typical maximum depth for diving at this site is 21m, offering a good range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Tafraka?
Divers at the Tafraka dive site can explore a fascinating wreck and a slope topography. Marine life sightings include Tuna, turtles, Nudibranchs, Flatworms, Parrots, and sefan. Lucky divers might also encounter up to two dugongs and impressive schools of small pelagic fish.
How difficult is diving at the Tafraka dive site, especially considering currents?
Diving at the Tafraka dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While specific information regarding currents is not detailed in the provided data, divers should be prepared for conditions suitable for intermediate-level experience.
When is the best time to dive the Tafraka wreck, regarding tidal conditions?
The provided data for the Tafraka wreck does not specify the best time to dive concerning tidal conditions. For optimal diving conditions, it is recommended to consult local dive operators or check a when to dive guide for the Halmahera region.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving at Tafraka?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, the Tafraka dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, divers are generally recommended to have certifications beyond basic Open Water, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver, to comfortably and safely explore this site.
What are the usual water conditions and visibility like at the Tafraka dive site?
Divers at the Tafraka dive site can expect excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 17m. This allows for great views of the marine life and the wreck. Specific details regarding water temperature or other conditions are not provided in the available data.