DIRGANTARA - Southern Islands

When we talk about wreck diving in Singapore, the MV Dirgantara always comes up. It’s not just a lump of metal; it’s a proper dive, sitting upright at 40 metres after its collision in 1976. Dropping down, you really feel that depth, the light starts to fade, and then the bow appears, emerging from the gloom. We love how intact it is. You can still make out the superstructure, and the holds are open, inviting a careful penetration if you’ve got the right training and gear. Inside, it’s dark, and you’ll often find schools of fusiliers swirling, reflecting your torchlight. Outside, the decks are a habitat for everything from small nudibranchs tucked into the crevices to barracuda patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a site for experienced divers, no doubt, given the depth and potential for currents. Our favourite part is lingering on the bridge, imagining the final moments, before slowly ascending, leaving the Dirgantara to its quiet vigil.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.385218, 104.801040
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Best Time to Dive in Southern Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Southern Islands occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Southern Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to DIRGANTARA

Marine Life in Southern Islands

Home to 284 recorded species including 179 reef fish, 46 hard corals, 17 seagrass & algae, 13 sharks & rays, 8 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for DIRGANTARA

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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