Molas Wreck
Protected Area
KK Kota Manado
Why dive here
With 238+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, giant moray eels, pygmy seahorses, seahorses and sperm whales - Molas Wreck offers some of Sulawesi's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest June, October, November.
The Molas Wreck, just off Manado, is one of those sites we always try to hit when we're in North Sulawesi. It's a Japanese cargo ship, sunk during WWII, and she sits upright on a sandy slope, starting around 20 meters and disappearing into the depths. What we love about this one is the way the light filters through the structure. Penetrating the holds, even just a few meters in, you get this incredible sense of history, the air inside noticeably cooler. We’d suggest bringing a good torch; there are swim-throughs where you can pop out the other side into a school of glassfish, or surprise a turtle resting on the deck. The wreck itself has become a giant artificial reef. We’ve spotted everything from lionfish tucked into crevices, to massive groupers lurking under the bow. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the encrusted railings; our favourite find was a vibrant *Chromodoris annae* near the stern. The current here is usually mild, making it a relaxed dive, good for photographers or anyone who enjoys taking their time exploring a piece of the past. It’s a site that tells a story, and every dive seems to reveal a new chapter.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to Molas Wreck
Dive shops near Molas Wreck
Manado Adventure Diving Center
Tagaroa Dive Center
Thalassa Dive Resort - Manado
MINANGA DIVERS
Cocotinos Manado A Boutique Dive & Spa
3WILL Bunaken
Reviews for Molas Wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Molas Wreck
Molas Wreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Molas Wreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (1.5, 124.75) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
87°F · Range: 29.6–31.2°C
Current Speed
1 cm/s
Direction: W (270°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.099 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
33.17 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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