Taiohae Bay Wrecks – Nuku Hiva (Marquesas)

20m Max

10-20m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Taiohae Bay Wrecks offer a unique collection of scuttled boats and a small plane wreck resting on the bay floor within the sheltered waters of Nuku Hiva's main harbour, providing divers with accessible wreck exploration and excellent macro photography opportunities in the remote Marquesas Islands. The various wrecks have been colonised by marine life over many years, creating thriving artificial reef habitats that support diverse communities of organisms including frogfish of various colours that perch on the corroded metal surfaces with their remarkable camouflage abilities. Seahorses inhabit the seagrass and debris areas surrounding the wrecks, clinging to submerged structures with their prehensile tails as they ambush tiny crustacean prey. Multiple species of moray eel have colonised the various sheltered spaces within the wreck structures, with some individuals growing to impressive sizes in this productive and protected bay environment. The plane wreck is particularly interesting as a photographic subject, its recognisable fuselage shape creating dramatic wide-angle compositions against the sandy bay floor. Lionfish have colonised the overhangs and sheltered areas of the wrecks, their spectacular feathered fins providing beautiful but venomous decorations on the corroded metal structures. The site serves as an excellent training location for wreck diving skills in a controlled environment with shallow depths and calm conditions.

Dive Briefing

"Descend from the boat into Taiohae Bay and swim to the nearest wreck structure where the corroded metal framework immediately reveals its role as an artificial reef habitat. Frogfish are typically found perched on the wreck surfaces, their remarkable camouflage requiring patient searching to distinguish from the surrounding encrusting organisms. Seahorses inhabit the seagrass and debris areas adjacent to the wrecks, their camouflaged bodies clinging to submerged structures with prehensile tails. Moray eels occupy the sheltered spaces within the wreck structures, extending their heads to investigate the current for prey. Lionfish display their spectacular fins on the overhangs, providing beautiful photographic subjects against the corroded metal backdrop. The plane wreck is accessible for external exploration, its fuselage shape creating dramatic compositions for wide-angle photography. Batfish patrol the open water above the wrecks with their distinctive swimming style. The shallow depth allows extended bottom times for thorough exploration of the various wreck sites before ascending for your safety stop."