IGARA (BOW SECTION) - Southern Islands

The Igara’s bow section is a moody, deep dive, and for us, it’s one of Singapore’s more compelling wrecks. Sitting upright at 38 metres, she’s become a massive artificial reef, and the sheer scale is impressive. We usually descend onto the deck, where the anchor chains spill out like giant metal spaghetti. Look closely, and you’ll spot schooling fusiliers, bannerfish, and sometimes even a solitary great barracuda patrolling the mast. Inside, the forward cargo holds are open, a cavernous space that draws in photographers. We’ve found resident giant morays tucked into the darker corners, and the occasional lionfish drifts lazily past. Visibility here can swing wildly, but on a good day, the light filtering down from above makes for a truly dramatic scene. This isn’t a beginner’s dive; strong currents can appear, and it demands respect, but for experienced wreck divers, it's a fantastic, atmospheric dive, offering a tangible connection to a piece of maritime history.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.269930, 104.827995
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

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 IGARA (BOW SECTION)

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 IGARA (BOW SECTION)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Igara (Bow Section) dive site and what are the typical depths divers explore?
The Igara (Bow Section) dive site reaches a maximum depth of 38 meters. Divers exploring this fascinating wreck will typically find themselves around this depth, investigating the remains of the bulk carrier vessel.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Igara (Bow Section)?
Divers at the Igara (Bow Section) can expect to explore the impressive features of a large bulk carrier vessel, which sank on March 12, 1973. This significant wreck measures 297.2m in length and 40.8m in width, offering extensive areas for exploration.
How challenging is the Igara (Bow Section) as a dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Igara (Bow Section) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Given its nature as a dangerous wreck, divers should possess appropriate experience and training for deep wreck diving to safely explore its features.
What is the best time of year to dive the Igara (Bow Section) for optimal conditions?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Igara (Bow Section). For general guidance on seasonal diving in Singapore, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the Igara (Bow Section)?
Given the Igara (Bow Section)'s maximum depth of 38 meters and its classification as a dangerous wreck, advanced open water certification is highly recommended. Additionally, specialized wreck diving certifications would be beneficial for safely navigating and exploring this significant site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Igara (Bow Section) dive site?
Information regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Igara (Bow Section) dive site is not available in the provided data context. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most current site conditions before planning their dive.