TOSA MARU (STERN SECTION) - Southern Islands

Okay, the Tosa Maru’s stern section. This isn't just another chunk of metal, it’s a proper deep wreck dive, and frankly, one of Singapore’s best if you know what you’re doing. Dropping onto the stern at 40 metres, you immediately feel the scale of this tanker. We love exploring the huge propeller, often shrouded in schooling fusiliers, their silver bodies flashing as they dart through the gloom. Visibility can be a real mixed bag out here, but on a good day, the structure itself is impressive. We've spent dives just slowly tracing the deck lines, peering into collapsed hold sections. Look closely for the resident bamboo sharks tucked under ledges, and we often spot substantial groupers lurking in the shadows. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts; the depth and potential currents mean you need to be comfortable in low visibility and have solid buoyancy control. Get it right, and it’s a truly rewarding dive.

Location: Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 1.186852, 103.833940
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 40m

Marine Protected Area: Labrador Nature Reserve

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to TOSA MARU (STERN 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

Species code: Ea (Enhalus acoroides) - Seagrass & Algae
thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
Species code: Si (Syringodium isoetifolium) - Seagrass & Algae
Brain coral (Platygyra sinensis) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora millepora) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
Fluorescence grass coral (Galaxea fascicularis) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora valida) - Hard Corals
Honeycomb coral (Favites abdita) - Hard Corals
Galaxea coral (Galaxea astreata) - Hard Corals
Species code: Tc (Thalassodendron ciliatum) - Seagrass & Algae
Bristle-tailed Leatherjacket (Acreichthys tomentosus) - Reef Fish
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Butterfish (Scatophagus argus) - Reef Fish
Stony coral (Echinopora lamellosa) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora nasuta) - Hard Corals
Savigny's Brittle Star (Ophiactis savignyi)

Recommended Packing List for TOSA MARU (STERN 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