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General Solomon Islands dive context with Tulagi wreck visibility and current notes.
Historic deep wreck off Tulagi for experienced divers.
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PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck) is a Tulagi-area WWII aircraft wreck that sits upright on the reef and is best handled as a deep boat dive. The airframe is largely intact, with the engines separated beside the wreck, and the site keeps its historical character because the munitions and machine guns were left in place. When visibility is good, the whole plane can come into view, making it a strong photo wreck for experienced divers.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
26m - 33m
Depth Note
Upright wreck with the cockpit around 26 m and the tail around 33 m; engines sit on the seafloor beside the airframe.
Best Season
Year-round
Typical Conditions
Warm tropical water, mild current, and 10-20 m wreck visibility near Tulagi.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Safety Notes
Munitions and machine guns remain in place on the wreck; avoid contact, do not remove artifacts, and do not treat the site as a casual swim-through.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only. This is a deep wreck for experienced divers, and the remaining ordnance means the site should be dived with care and a briefing.
Legal Notes
Historic weaponry and ammunition remain on site. Keep hands off, do not collect artifacts, and respect any operator rules for wreck preservation.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Boat-accessed deep wreck diving with intact airframe structure, a short photo window, and a profile that suits experienced divers.
Freediving
Not suitable for freediving because the wreck sits far too deep for a meaningful breath-hold session.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site. The wreck is too deep, and the value here is in the underwater airframe and fish life.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck).
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
General Solomon Islands dive context with Tulagi wreck visibility and current notes.
Wreck overview with ordnance and marine-life details.
Tulagi-based dive operator and lodge context for local wreck access.
Tulagi-area dive conditions, year-round access, and wreck visibility context.
Operator write-up for the Catalina wreck, depth, and visibility notes.
Official Solomon Islands visitor guide with Tulagi and Florida Islands dive context.
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