Sea Tiger Wreck – Hawaii – Oahu
Site Overview
The Sea Tiger was a 168-foot Chinese smuggling vessel seized by US authorities and deliberately sunk as an artificial reef in 1999. Sitting upright at 37 meters on a sandy bottom off the south shore of Oahu, this impressive wreck has become one of Hawaii's most popular advanced dive sites. The vessel's intact superstructure provides excellent penetration opportunities for certified wreck divers while the surrounding sand attracts eagle rays and the interior harbors large moray eels and lionfish. The wreck sits in clear water with excellent visibility and serves as an artificial reef supporting a diverse community of tropical fish and invertebrates that have colonized the hull over decades of submersion. The wreck's history as a smuggling vessel adds intrigue to the diving experience as evidence of the ship's clandestine past remains visible throughout the structure. Marine biologists have documented the artificial reef succession on the hull with over one hundred species of invertebrates now colonizing the metal surfaces. The wreck has become an important research site for studying artificial reef ecology and the long-term effects of metal structures on marine communities. Local dive operators have mapped the interior allowing safe penetration routes for certified wreck divers seeking to explore the engine room and cargo holds.
Dive Briefing
"Descend the mooring line to the wreck's deck at approximately 25 meters before exploring the superstructure and cargo holds. The bow section retains the original anchor winch and forward mast while the stern provides access to the engine room for certified penetration divers. Large moray eels occupy the cargo holds while lionfish cluster around the bridge structure. Eagle rays cruise the surrounding sand and whitetip reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. Maximum bottom time is limited by depth so plan your dive profile carefully and maintain good buoyancy throughout the exploration of this remarkable artificial reef. The mooring line descent provides your first view of the wreck's imposing superstructure rising from the sandy bottom in clear blue water. Current patterns around the wreck create cleaning stations where smaller fish gather providing feeding opportunities for larger predators. The engine room penetration route follows the main corridor with dramatic light effects filtering through hull openings."
Signature Marine Life
Moray Eel
Gymnothorax sp.
Best: January, February, March
Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Best: January, February, March
Whitetip Reef Shark
Triaenodon obesus
Best: April, May, June
Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
Best: April, May, June
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Best: January, February, March
Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
Best: January, February, March
Safety & Hazards
- Depth approaching no-decompression limits
- Wreck structure can be unstable
- Sharp metal edges on wreck exterior
- Currents can change direction rapidly
- Marine life stings from fire coral and jellyfish
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
The Sea Tiger Wreck is ideal for Advanced Open Water divers with wreck diving experience who are comfortable at depths approaching 37 meters. Penetration diving requires specialized wreck certification and proper equipment including multiple light sources. The site offers excellent photography opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photographers interested in artificial reef ecosystems. Divers with nitrox certification can extend their bottom time significantly at these depths making the experience even more rewarding. The site provides memorable experiences for divers of all backgrounds seeking unique underwater encounters and exceptional marine life observations in pristine natural environments.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Honolulu Scuba
- Hawaii Dive Company
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro