Raja Ampat Divesites
Wreck Dives
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The Cross Wreck is one of Raja Ampat's more accessible wreck dives. It lies close to shore in just 18 metres of water. It is named after a large cross on the shore nearby where Christian missionaries first landed in Irian Jaya.
The wreck was a Japanese Navy Patrol Boat that sank during World War II. It now sits upright in the sand and is completely covered in soft corals and ecrusting sponges. Two rows of depth charges can be seen at the stern and the ships lamps are still either standing in their places or laying on the deck.
Ammunition can be seen in the front hold by divers qualified to penetrate the wreck. The switchboard can be seen in the communications room and penetration into the engine room is also possible by suitably certified wreck divers.
The wreck is a popular night dive where lionfish, scorpionfish moray eels and parrotfish can all be seen. Critters are all over the wreck including numerous nudibranch, shrimp and goby species. Huge Napoleon wrasse and parrotfish can also be seen.
Critter Corner is a little sand/rubble area at the end of the Cross Wreck towards the beach that is a good place to spot leaffish, frogfish and seahorses.
The Shinwa Maru (Friendly Spirit) wreck was a Japanese WWII cargo ship. This impressive 120 metre long vessel now lies on her port side in 16-34 metres of water. There are two big bomb blast holes in the starboard side. Mine sweeping equipment, car batteries, ammunition, cables and sake bottles, kitchen equipment and chop sticks are some of the artifacts strewn over the wreck. There are also two diving helmets. The wreck is home to schools of jacks as well as impressive macro life.
The P40 Aircraft Wreck was discovered in 1999 near Manokwari. It lies in 27 metres of water and is largely intact. It's tail section and wing tips broke off on crash landing and are resting nearby.