Aviator - Sulawesi

Colombia Deep is where Cozumel really shows its teeth. We're talking dramatic, towering coral formations that feel like underwater cathedrals, dropping off into the blue. The currents here can be robust, so it's one for experienced divers who enjoy a drift and know how to manage their buoyancy when the water moves. We love dropping in and letting the current carry us past those huge pinnacles, often spotting Graysby tucked into crevices and Yellowhead Wrasse darting through the coral. Keep an eye out for the Splendid Toadfish; they’re often hiding under ledges. The visibility is usually excellent, giving you that 'flying through space' sensation as you look down into the deeper sections, making it one of our favourite deep drifts on the island.

Location
Sulawesi, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.803000, 121.640000
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Sulawesi

The warmest water temperatures in Sulawesi occur in November, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.5°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 30.3°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 28.8°C
  • September: 28.7°C
  • October: 29.5°C
  • November: 30.4°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sulawesi

Nearest Dive Centres to Aviator

Marine Life in Sulawesi

Home to 252 recorded species including 162 reef fish, 53 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 clams & mussels, 4 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aviator

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 4 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 maximum depth of the Aviator dive site and what can divers expect to see there?
The maximum depth of the Aviator dive site is currently unknown. However, divers can expect to glide among a vibrant array of marine life and corals. You'll encounter colorful fish, large fan corals, massive barrel corals, and tube corals, along with specific species like pufferfish, blacktip sharks, turtles, damselfish, and yellowtail fusiliers. The site also features stunning sponge corals and tube sponges, offering diverse underwater landscapes including a pinnacle, a steep wall, and an open sandy seabed.
What marine life is commonly found at the Aviator plane wreck in Oahu?
Our data specifically pertains to the Aviator dive site located in Sulawesi, Indonesia, which is a reef dive, not a plane wreck in Oahu. At the Aviator reef site in Sulawesi, divers can commonly find pufferfish, blacktip sharks, turtles, damselfish, and yellowtail fusiliers. The site is also rich with various corals, including large fan corals, massive barrel corals, tube corals, sponge corals, and tube sponges.
How difficult is the Aviator dive site, and is it suitable for beginner scuba divers?
The Aviator dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not explicitly unsuitable for all beginners, divers should possess adequate experience and training for intermediate conditions, which may include moderate currents or deeper sections. It is always recommended for less experienced divers to dive with a knowledgeable guide and ensure they have the appropriate equipment and certifications for such a site.
What are the best times of year to dive the Aviator wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Aviator dive site in Sulawesi, Indonesia does not specify the best times of year for optimal conditions or visibility, nor does it describe it as a wreck site. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive to the Aviator plane wreck in Oahu?
The information provided is for the Aviator dive site in Sulawesi, Indonesia, which is a reef dive, not a plane wreck in Oahu. Our data does not specify particular certification requirements for this site. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is a minimum for most recreational dives, but given its intermediate difficulty, advanced training or experience is advisable.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Aviator dive site?
Our current data for the Aviator dive site in Sulawesi, Indonesia does not include specific information regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators or guides for the most up-to-date information on conditions before planning their dive.