en.wikipedia.org · Reference
Historical context on the Palau strikes that sank Japanese auxiliary vessels including the tanker Iro.
Dive Spot Guide•
Iro Maru
Deep upright Palau wreck with guns, kingposts, and penetration potential.
ScubaBoat EntryAdvanced
DeepWreck
Local operator required
A local operator is the practical default because Iro Maru is a deep offshore wreck where depth, visibility, and wreck-penetration judgment matter.
Boat-access advanced wreck south of Koror where the deck sits around recreational deep limits and the seabed falls much deeper, making route discipline essential.
About Iro Maru
Iro Maru is a large upright World War II wreck south of Koror where the dive starts on coral-coated upper structure and then drops toward a much deeper seabed, giving it a more vertical feel than many flatter lagoon wrecks. The usual route stays on the outer structure, moving across the deck, past kingposts, guns, and the scar where a torpedo tore into the bow, with depth management driving every decision. The wreck is broad enough to feel imposing even before you think about penetration, and experienced divers can add selected interior spaces if the team, gas, and visibility all line up. It is a site for advanced wreck divers who want history, scale, and coral-covered steel, not a casual sightseeing stop.
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Research Estimate At Iro Maru
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessModerate entry effort
Coral HealthHealthy coral
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Where Is Iro Maru?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Iro Maru Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
25m - 40m
Depth Note
Recent Palau dive references place the upper deck around 25 m and the seabed around 40 m, which matches its reputation as a deep recreational-to-technical wreck profile.
Best Season
Diving is possible year-round in Palau, with calmer seas and clearer conditions often reported from December through March.
Typical Conditions
Large upright WWII oiler with coral-coated structure, visible guns, and a deck-to-seabed depth spread that makes the site feel progressively more serious as you descend.
Safety & Access At Iro Maru
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Low visibilityOverhead environment
Safety Notes
Treat Iro Maru as a depth-first wreck dive. Penetration should be reserved for properly trained teams with the right gas, lights, and wreck procedures, and even external touring needs disciplined no-decompression and ascent planning.
Access Restrictions
Reached by boat south of Koror rather than by shore entry.
Legal Notes
Follow local wreck-diving rules and do not remove artifacts or disturb historical structure on or inside the wreck.
Local Intel For Iro Maru
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Most divers tour the exterior structure, guns, and kingposts first, while trained wreck divers may add carefully selected penetration into larger interior spaces when conditions permit.
Freedive
Not a realistic freedive target because the wreck's most interesting structure sits at advanced scuba depth.
Snorkel
Not suitable for snorkeling because the wreck is deep and accessed as a boat-based wreck dive.
Iro Maru Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Iro Maru.
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Visibility Outlook
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Exposure Profile at Iro Maru
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Recent Logged Visits At Iro Maru
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Iro Maru
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
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Iro Maru Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Iro Maru Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
palaudiveadventures.com · Operator
Recent Palau operator page with the clearest public depth band, visibility warning, and summary of visible wreck features.
www.originaldiving.com · Travel Guide
Palau wreck overview confirming the 143 m length, 40 m maximum depth, and intact aft guns.
www.samstours.com · Operator
Palau operator overview describing Iro Maru as a Japanese Navy oiler with visible torpedo damage and small reef life.
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