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Independent wreck feature with Tulagi Dive base and boat-access context.
Dive Spot Guide•
USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Iconic Iron Bottom Sound destroyer wreck for experienced technical divers.
Boat-only technical wreck with clear-water approaches, slack-tide timing, and a long deep profile. Best suited to experienced divers comfortable with staged gas and deco planning.
About USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
The USS Aaron Ward (DD-483) is an upright World War II destroyer wreck in Iron Bottom Sound and one of the Solomon Islands' signature technical dives. The site is a deep boat drop with a long wreck profile, clear-water approach, and a slack-tide plan that rewards disciplined descent, trim, gas management, and decompression discipline. It suits experienced wreck divers who want a big, intact target rather than a casual sightseeing dive.
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Research Estimate At USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityFew visitors
CurrentStrong current
Where Is USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
USS Aaron Ward (Wreck) Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
60m - 74m
Depth Note
The wreck is reported around 60-74 m of water, with the deck near 60 m, and it is normally dived at slack tide.
Best Season
year-round
Typical Conditions
Deep upright wreck, good water clarity, coral growth on the structure, and a dive plan built around slack tide.
Safety & Access At USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Strong currentOverhead environmentDangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
This is a technical deep wreck dive with decompression obligations and a strong preference for slack tide. Good team procedures, gas planning, and wreck discipline are essential.
Access Restrictions
Technical boat dive only. It is not a casual recreational wreck and should be run with staged gas, support, and a local operator.
Legal Notes
Use a licensed local operator and follow Iron Bottom Sound wreck and heritage etiquette.
Local Intel For USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A deep technical wreck dive with a reported depth range of 62–74 m.
Freediving
Not a freedive target. The depth and technical profile make this a scuba-only wreck dive.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site. The wreck sits far beyond casual shallow-water use.
Wildlife at USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
