LEELA - Nha Trang

The Leela is a proper wreck, not just a pile of rubble, and a great dive for Nha Trang. This old carrier vessel, scuttled in ‘89, sits upright, almost 107 metres long, providing plenty to explore. We found the wheelhouse and engine room penetrable for those with the right training, and the hold often gives shelter to schooling barracuda. The wreck has become an artificial reef, with lionfish, scorpionfish, and the occasional turtle making it home. Current can pick up, so it's one for those comfortable with drift diving, but the size of the wreck means you can usually tuck in on the leeward side.

Location
Nha Trang, Vietnam, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.916667, 109.333336
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Quy Nhon

Best Time to Dive in Nha Trang

The warmest water temperatures in Nha Trang occur in May, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 25.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 25.4°C
  • February: 25.8°C
  • March: 27.4°C
  • April: 29.5°C
  • May: 30.5°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 30.3°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 28.1°C
  • December: 26.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Nha Trang

Nearest Dive Centres to LEELA

Marine Life in Nha Trang

Home to 182 recorded species including 175 reef fish, 6 seagrass & algae, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for LEELA

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 are the typical diving depths at the LEELA dive site?
The LEELA dive site is a deep wreck dive, with typical diving depths around 50 meters. This allows divers to explore the impressive 106.5m x 16m carrier vessel that rests on the seabed. This depth makes it an exciting site for those with appropriate deep diving experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at LEELA?
The primary underwater feature at LEELA is the impressive wreck of a carrier vessel, measuring 106.5m x 16m, which sank on August 10, 1989. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks like LEELA often become artificial reefs, attracting various fish and invertebrates over time. You can learn more about general marine life in the region by visiting our wildlife database.
How challenging is the LEELA dive site for different experience levels, considering its difficulty?
The LEELA dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level, primarily due to its depth of 50 meters and its nature as a wreck dive. This makes it suitable for divers who have advanced certifications and experience with deeper dives. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with deep diving protocols before exploring this fascinating site.
What is the best time of year to dive at LEELA for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at LEELA for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, we recommend checking our when to dive guide for Nha Trang, Vietnam.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at LEELA?
Given the LEELA dive site's depth of 50 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and potentially Wreck Diver are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience to safely explore such a deep and complex wreck. Always dive within your certification limits.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperatures at the LEELA dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents, visibility, or water temperatures at the LEELA dive site. For up-to-date conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Nha Trang before your dive.