SARA D - Tioman Island

Dropping down to the Sara D, you’re looking at a serious piece of metal on the seabed. This isn't a dinky fishing boat; she’s a former cargo vessel, a substantial wreck at 143 metres long, sunk back in '85. We usually find the bow section more intact, a good spot to penetrate if you're qualified, with large holds to explore where the sugar cargo used to be. Keep an eye out for batfish swarming the superstructure and barracuda lurking further out in the blue. It's a deep dive, sitting at 52 metres, so this one's definitely for advanced divers with the right training and gas.

Location
Tioman Island, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
2.246500, 104.942340
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Best Time to Dive in Tioman Island

The warmest water temperatures in Tioman Island occur in May, averaging 30.7°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 29.1°C
  • April: 30.6°C
  • May: 30.7°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 29.5°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.3°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Tioman Island

Nearest Dive Centres to SARA D

Marine Life in Tioman Island

Home to 118 recorded species including 75 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 8 sharks & rays, 7 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 3 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for SARA D

Based on average water temperature of 29.6°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 maximum depth of the Sara D dive site?
The Sara D dive site has a maximum depth of 52 meters. This makes it a deep dive, offering a challenging exploration of this historic wreck. Divers should be prepared for deep diving conditions.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Sara D?
The Sara D is a substantial carrier vessel, measuring 143.3m x 20.4m, offering extensive wreck features to explore. Divers can expect to navigate the impressive structure of this non-dangerous wreck, which was sunk on December 13, 1985. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided context, wrecks typically attract a variety of marine species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Sara D wreck dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Sara D wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its depth of 52 meters. Divers should possess appropriate deep diving certifications and experience with wreck diving to safely explore this site. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for deep dives.
What is the best time of year to dive the Sara D wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Sara D wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the Tioman Island area, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Sara D wreck?
Given the Sara D's maximum depth of 52 meters and its classification as an intermediate wreck dive, divers would typically require advanced certifications such as a Deep Diver specialty. It is always recommended to have proper training and experience for such deep wreck explorations. Consult your dive center for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Sara D dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the Sara D dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions. Always be prepared for varying conditions when diving deep wrecks.