Warahnus - Raja Ampat

The Alondra. Even the name sounds a bit tragic, doesn’t it? This wreck, sitting upright on the seabed off the South Coast, is a proper chunk of history to explore. We love how the superstructure is still largely intact, offering swim-throughs and penetrations that feel genuinely exciting without being overly challenging. You’ll find schools of pollack hanging in the shelter of the bow, and often a decent conger eel or two peeking out from a darkened hold. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, as with much of Ireland, but on a good day, the light filtering down through the kelp-draped rigging is something special. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents can pick up, making it a bit of a workout. For divers who appreciate a wreck with a story you can literally swim through, rather than just look at, the Alondra is our pick. It suits those with a bit of wreck diving experience, comfortable in colder water, who enjoy the atmospheric feel of an old ship reclaiming its place on the seabed.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.565200, 130.663900
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Warahnus

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The SS Alondra was a steamship built in 1899, operated by the Yeoward Brothers' shipping line out of Liverpool. For years she plied the trade routes, a workhorse of the British merchant fleet. Her career came to a tragic and abrupt end during the height of World War I, not from enemy action, but from the raw power of the sea itself.

On December 29, 1916, while battling the fierce winter seas of the North Atlantic, the Alondra was driven aground on the treacherous Kedge Rock, near Baltimore in County Cork. The ship was battered by the waves and broke apart, leading to the loss of seventeen crew members in the icy water. In a testament to the bravery of the local community and surviving crew, twenty-three men were rescued from the disaster.

Lying in just 15 meters of water, the remains of the Alondra are now a fascinating and accessible dive site. The shallow depth and the violence of its sinking mean the wreck is extensively broken up, scattered across the seabed. Divers can easily identify the ship's massive boilers and the triple-expansion engine, which stand proud of the wreckage. Exploring the scattered plates and machinery offers a poignant reminder of the 1916 tragedy and provides a superb habitat for the vibrant marine life of Ireland's south coast.

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 Warahnus

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 Warahnus

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 are the typical depths of the dive sites accessible from Warahnus Dive Homestay?
The primary dive site directly in front of Warahnus Dive Homestay jetty offers a maximum depth of 20 meters. Divers can explore vibrant reef sections, with groups of fusiliers frequently observed playing in the shallower areas between 12 and 15 meters. This makes it suitable for various experience levels within its depth limits.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Warahnus's house reef and nearby dive spots?
At Warahnus, divers can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life and corals. The site features extensive big coral structures and diverse soft corals along its slopes, making it excellent for coral identification and wide-angle photography. Common sightings include groups of fusiliers, black tip sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and turtles, with occasional appearances of bumphead parrotfish and the elusive leaf fish.
How challenging are the dives typically offered by Warahnus Dive Homestay, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at Warahnus are generally rated as intermediate difficulty. While the site offers beautiful scenery and abundant marine life, its characteristics suggest it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. This ensures divers can fully appreciate the site's features safely.
What is the best time of year to dive at Warahnus Dive Homestay for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Warahnus Dive Homestay for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local conditions closer to your travel dates.
What dive certifications are required to participate in dives organized by Warahnus Dive Homestay?
The available information does not explicitly state the dive certifications required by Warahnus Dive Homestay. However, given the Warahnus dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 20 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is likely the minimum, with an Advanced Open Water certification being highly recommended for a more comfortable experience. Divers should always confirm specific requirements directly with the homestay.
What are the usual water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the dive sites around Warahnus Dive Homestay?
Divers at Warahnus can expect excellent water conditions, with an average visibility of 18 meters. While specific current information is not detailed in the provided data, the site's rich marine life and coral structures thrive in these clear waters. This good visibility enhances both marine life spotting and wide-angle photography opportunities.