Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:Unknown

Difficulty:Expert

Tags:

Wreck

About This Dive Spot

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.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

42m+

Depth note

The wreck sits at 42 m depth.

Typical conditions

Silty conditions; best dived on slack or incoming tide.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Low visibilityStrong current

Safety notes

Silty conditions can reduce visibility; plan for slack or incoming tide.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Deep wreck dive to an intact aircraft at 42 m with cockpit details visible.

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Dive Conditions Planner

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Spots Near Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

📍 1.1 km

Base 1 Muck Site

Not Set

This muck dive sits at the northern end of a harbour bay that served as a World War II repair area for US combat engineers. The bottom is scattered with wartime debris, including landing craft, munitions, small cargo ships, fishing boats, and aircraft parts. It’s a critter-rich environment with patches of large plate corals, and juvenile sweetlips are commonly seen.

📍 1.3 km

HMNZS Moa (Wreck)

⚓

A WWII-era New Zealand Navy minesweeper wreck that was sunk by Japanese aircraft on 7 April 1943 while refuelling in Tulagi Harbour, resulting in the loss of five crew. The harbour environment can have challenging visibility due to nearby estuaries and mudflats. The wreck hosts schools of juvenile trevally along with mangrove jacks and batfish, and lionfish are common throughout the structure.

📍 1.8 km

PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)

Not Set

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.

📍 2.1 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.

📍 2.6 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.

📍 3.7 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)?

Entry at Raiders / F4F Wildcat (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 Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)?

Optimal conditions at Raiders / F4F Wildcat (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 Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)?

Depth and visibility information for Raiders / F4F Wildcat (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 Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)?

When diving Raiders / F4F Wildcat (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.