Dive Site: P-39 Airacobra Wreck

About P-39 Airacobra Wreck

The P-39 Airacobra Wreck offers a unique connection to the Pacific War, providing a poignant and historically significant dive experience in the Solomon Islands. This American fighter aircraft, shot down during the New Georgia campaign in 1943, rests upright on a sandy bottom, appearing as though it made an emergency landing rather than a crash. Its impressive state of preservation makes it a highlight for wreck enthusiasts. Located near Munda, between the fringing reef and Rendova Island, the wreck sits at an accessible depth of 28 meters. The P-39 was an innovative aircraft, with its engine positioned behind the pilot, driving the propeller via a long shaft. This particular airframe is largely intact, with its propeller, wings, and cockpit clearly discernible, making for an engaging exploration. Over the decades, marine life has transformed this military relic into a thriving artificial reef. Soft corals and sponges now colonize its structure, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the wreckage, and a resident giant moray eel has made the engine cowling its home, adding to the site's allure. This blending of history and nature makes the P-39 Airacobra a compelling subject for both historical reflection and underwater photography. The dive is generally straightforward, with mild currents and excellent visibility, making it suitable for a range of divers. Its shallow depth allows for extended bottom times and thorough exploration of its details, offering a distinctive experience that combines historical interest with rich marine biodiversity.

Dive site facts: P-39 Airacobra Wreck

Depth

27-28 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Excellent, 20-30 m+

Water temperature

28-30°C (80-86°F)

Entry

Tender boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, historical, reef

Region / port

Western Province / Munda

Coordinates

-8.1, 156.85

Conditions & Currents

The P-39 Airacobra Wreck generally experiences very mild currents, making for an easy and relaxed dive experience. Dive operators plan excursions to minimize any swimming against currents, enhancing diver comfort. Visibility at the site is typically excellent year-round, though it can vary without a clear seasonal pattern. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from 28-30°C (80-86°F), allowing for comfortable dives. Entry and exit are typically managed via tender boats, which are easy to use and well-suited for divers with varying mobility.

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Fusiliers

Year-round · common

Gold-spotted Sweetlips

Year-round · occasional

Leaf Scorpionfish

Year-round · occasional

Shrimp (bug-eyed)

Year-round · common

Soft Corals

Year-round · common

Sponges

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive to the P-39 Airacobra Wreck typically begins with a tender boat ride from the main dive vessel. Upon arrival, divers perform a descent directly to the wreck, which rests upright on a sandy bottom at 28 meters. The dive usually starts at the tail section, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the remarkably intact fuselage. Divers then proceed towards the cockpit area, observing the well-preserved wings and propeller. Pay close attention to details like the engine cowling where a giant moray eel often resides, and the interior where bug-eyed shrimp can be found. The route generally involves circling the plane, appreciating the soft coral growth and schooling fusiliers, before making a slow ascent along the adjacent reef slope or sandy area for a multi-level profile. The safety stop is typically conducted at 5 meters, either free-floating above the wreck or alongside the tender.

Underwater photography

The P-39 Airacobra Wreck offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its intact structure and resident marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens will capture the full scope of the aircraft and its upright position on the sandy seabed. Ensure good lighting with strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals and sponges colonizing the wreck, especially the cockpit and wing sections. For macro subjects, focus on the giant moray eel in the engine cowling, bug-eyed shrimp inside the fuselage, and the occasional leaf scorpionfish or gold-spotted sweetlips on the wings. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up the sandy bottom, which can significantly reduce visibility. Since the plane sits on a flat sandy bottom with generally mild currents, you have ample time for careful composition. Consider visiting the dive shop in Munda beforehand to view models of the aircraft, which can help visualize potential shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Munda - Shark Point

  Munda’s Shark Point, located in the Solomon Islands' Western Province, is a renowned dive site offering thrilling encounters with large…

• Toa Maru

  The Toa Maru is a prominent Japanese transport ship sunk during WWII off Gizo in the Solomon Islands' Western Province.

• Mary Island

  Mary Island, often referred to as Mary's Island, is a celebrated dive destination in the Solomon Islands, renowned for its pristine marine…

• Gatokae - Kavalapu

  Gatokae - Kavalapu is a prime dive site situated off Gatokae Island within the Solomon Islands' Western Province.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the P-39 Airacobra Wreck typically begins with arrival at Munda Airport (MUA) on New Georgia Island. Flights to Munda usually originate from Honiara (Henderson Field, HIR) via Solomon Airlines, a journey of approximately one hour. Alternatively, direct flights from Brisbane (BNE) have been available, though schedules vary. From Munda, dive operators, often associated with local hotels like Agnes Gateway, will arrange transfers to the dive boats. Most liveaboard itineraries that include the P-39 Wreck will depart from Honiara. Day trips from Munda are also common. While specific permit fees for this site are not widely noted, general park fees or conservation charges may apply as part of a dive package. Trips exploring the Western Province often combine Munda's wrecks with sites around Marovo Lagoon or further afield.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Solomon Islands, including the P-39 Airacobra Wreck, requires diligent safety planning due to the remote nature of the region. The nearest recompression chamber is approximately 1,500 miles away in Townsville, Australia. In a dive emergency, an evacuation would involve a helicopter transfer to Honiara, followed by a KingAir turboprop aircraft equipped with a small recompression chamber for the multi-hour flight to Townsville. Divers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive dive accident insurance that covers medical evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. On-site hazards are minimal for the P-39 due to mild currents and shallow depth, but standard wreck diving precautions, such as maintaining good buoyancy and avoiding penetration without proper training, are always recommended. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

P-39 Airacobra Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving P-39 Airacobra Wreck

These liveaboards may visit P-39 Airacobra Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Solomons Master

Solomon Islands

16 guests

$401/day

Emperor Bilikiki

Solomon Islands

20 guests38 m

$569/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day