P-47 Plane Wreck - Raja Ampat

Root Canal is one of the newer spots we’ve been exploring in the Somosomo Strait, and it’s already got a reputation. It's a huge pinnacle, the top sits around 23m, then it just keeps dropping. We love diving it when the current is running, because that’s when the action really kicks off. You’ll be hanging on, watching for the big pelagics to cruise by. There are serious schools of fusiliers here, often so thick they can dim the light, and always a few five-lined snapper darting through. We've seen giant trevally circle up from the blue, and yes, plenty of sharks – usually whitetips and grey reefs, but a hammerhead has been spotted in the distance once or twice. The pinnacle itself is solid with hard coral, some impressive sea fans, and lots of sea whips swaying in the surge. It’s a site for confident divers who enjoy a bit of current and want to see some serious fish action.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.705000, 130.709000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
26-33m

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 P-47 Plane Wreck

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 P-47 Plane Wreck

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 the P-47 Plane Wreck?
The P-47 Plane Wreck dive site typically ranges from 26 to 33 meters in depth, with the wreck itself lying within this range. This historic American P-47D aircraft from WW2 offers a unique deep dive experience in Raja Ampat.
What marine life and features can divers expect to see at the P-47 Plane Wreck dive site?
Divers exploring the P-47 Plane Wreck can expect to encounter the impressive American P-47D aircraft from WW2. The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for fascinating species such as leaf scorpionfish, scorpion fish, flatheads, wrasse, damsel fish, groupers, and snappers, all contributing to a vibrant underwater ecosystem. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the P-47 Plane Wreck dive, and what is its difficulty level?
The P-47 Plane Wreck dive is rated as an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and good buoyancy control to comfortably explore the wreck, which lies between 26 and 33 meters. It's a rewarding dive for those with the appropriate skills.
What certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the P-47 Plane Wreck?
Given the P-47 Plane Wreck's depth range of 26-33 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper dives and potential wreck exploration. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for deeper diving.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the P-47 Plane Wreck dive site?
Divers at the P-47 Plane Wreck can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 19 meters. While specific current conditions are not provided in the data, it's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time updates on currents, especially when diving at depths between 26 and 33 meters.
When is the best time of year to dive the P-47 Plane Wreck in Raja Ampat?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the P-47 Plane Wreck. For general information on optimal diving seasons in Raja Ampat, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide or contacting local dive centers for the most current seasonal advice.