NICHINAN MARU - Southern Islands

The Nichinan Maru, down at 40 metres, isn't your typical Singapore dive. Forget the usual shallow reefs; this is deep, dark, and utterly atmospheric. We love it because it’s a proper wreck dive, a piece of history resting upright on the seabed. She’s a large steamship, torpedoed in 1944, and her story feels palpable when you’re down there, gliding over her decks. Visibility can be hit or miss, so pick your day. On a good day, though, the sheer scale of the Nichinan Maru reveals itself. We’ve found huge groupers lurking in her holds and a surprising number of lionfish perched on the rails, their spines fanning out. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs, often some species we don’t see elsewhere in Singapore. It’s a dive for advanced wreck enthusiasts, those who appreciate the quiet solitude of a deep historical site, and who don’t mind working a bit for the reward. Our favourite part is always the bow, a dramatic sight emerging from the gloom.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.613308, 102.887220
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 NICHINAN MARU

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 NICHINAN MARU

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