PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:Unknown

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

Wreck

About This Dive Spot

An upright PBY Catalina seaplane wreck rests on the side of a reef, with the cockpit around 26 m and the tail around 33 m. The airframe is largely intact, though the engines have detached and sit on the seafloor beside the wreck; munitions and machine guns are still present. The wreck is covered in soft corals with some hard coral growth, and attracts schooling reef fish and smaller critters around the structure.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

26m - 33m

Depth note

Cockpit reported at 26 m and tail at 33 m; engines lie on the seafloor beside the wreck.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Safety notes

Munitions and machine guns remain in place on the wreck; avoid contact or disturbing the site.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Primary features span roughly 26–33 m, suitable for experienced divers comfortable at these depths.

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Spots Near PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)

📍 0.9 km

USS Kanawa (Wreck)

Not Set

A 476-foot fleet oiler and freighter that sank on 7 April 1943 after an attack by Japanese aircraft. The wreck lies upright on a sandy seabed, with the bow around 40 m and the stern descending to about 55 m. It attracts large schools of fish around the structure.

📍 1.8 km

Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

Not Set

This site features a US F4F Wildcat aircraft wreck resting at 42 m. Discovered in 2015, the plane is largely intact aside from a missing propeller, with the cockpit area, instruments, and gun sights still in place. Conditions can be silty, and timing the dive for slack or an incoming tide is preferred. Fish life commonly seen around the wreck includes snapper, trevally, and sweetlips.

📍 2.2 km

Gavutu F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

Not Set

A WWII-era F4F Wildcat aircraft wreck lies on a sandy bottom at about 42 m. The propeller is missing and the engine cowling has fallen off, leaving recognizable structure to explore. The site is very silty, with trevally and snapper commonly seen around the wreck, and a resident painted crayfish near the starboard undercarriage. It’s described as best dived at slack tide.

📍 2.4 km

Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 1 (Wreck)

Not Set

An intact Japanese seaplane wreck that sits upright on a very silty bottom in the bay. The aircraft is largely complete, with the starboard wing missing. This is a wreck dive where marine life such as nudibranchs, corals, lionfish, snapper, and trevally can be found, but visibility can be challenging.

📍 2.6 km

Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 2 (Wreck)

Not Set

This seaplane wreck is one of several Kawanashi wrecks in the bay. It is less intact than the first Mavis wreck but remains a striking dive, with visible machine guns and a 20mm cannon on the aircraft. The wreck structure attracts marine life and is described as a nursery area for juvenile reef fish. Divers can spot nudibranchs, including large white nudibranchs, as well as tree corals, and may find crocodile fish with careful searching.

📍 2.7 km

Balydon Shoals

Not Set

Balydon Shoals is a long, shallow reef about 400 m in length with a top around 18 m. The reef top is described as fairly flat and relatively barren, influenced by strong currents running across it. On the southwest side, a striking wall drops off and serves as a focal point where fish gather in the water column, making the site well-suited to drifting dives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)?

Entry at PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck) is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)?

Optimal conditions at PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck) depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)?

Depth and visibility information for PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck) can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)?

When diving PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck), respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.