Agusta Reef - Raja Ampat

We love the Catherine Hill Bay Coal Loader for a shallow dive with some real history. It’s right there, the old loader, reaching out into the bay, and what lies beneath is a tangled metal world. You're mostly exploring chains, cables, and the scattered bones of the SS Wallarah, all resting on a sandy bottom at around 10 meters. It’s a site for those who appreciate industrial archaeology mixed with surprising marine life, not for big pelagics or vibrant corals. Visibility often sits around 7 meters, so get close to appreciate the details. We’ve finned past schools of butterfish weaving through the pilings, and seen Patrician wrasse darting between the rusty infrastructure. Keep an eye on the sand for stargazers peeking out, or perhaps a smallspine turretfish shuffling along. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, peering into every shadowy corner of the metalwork, where nudibranchs and sea stars cling on. You’ll definitely feel the structure’s scale, even in the murkier conditions.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.648700, 130.564300
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT

Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat

The warmest water temperatures in Raja Ampat occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 29.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.7°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 29.9°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Raja Ampat

Nearest Dive Centres to Agusta Reef

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

Home to 250 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 43 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Agusta Reef

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 20 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 Agusta Reef?
Diving at Agusta Reef typically involves exploring the reef at depths of 10-12 meters. The maximum depth for this site is 20 meters, offering a range of exploration for experienced divers.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Agusta Reef in Raja Ampat?
Divers at Agusta Reef in Raja Ampat can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life. You'll likely see large schools of fishes, black and white tip reef sharks, and redtooth triggerfishes. Keep an eye out for nudibranches if the strong currents allow for a closer look at the reef's smaller inhabitants.
How difficult is diving at Agusta Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Agusta Reef is considered challenging and is specifically reserved for expert divers. Due to very strong currents, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should be prepared for an adventurous experience and may even need a hook to manage the conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Agusta Reef for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Agusta Reef for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Agusta Reef?
Given that Agusta Reef is reserved for expert divers, an advanced or expert-level scuba diving certification is highly recommended, along with significant experience in strong currents. Divers should be confident in challenging conditions to safely enjoy this adventurous site.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Agusta Reef?
Divers at Agusta Reef can expect very strong currents, making it an adventurous dive. It is highly recommended to bring a reef hook to manage these conditions. Despite the strong currents, the average visibility at the site is excellent, typically around 18 meters.