Cross Wreck – Wreck in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Name: Cross Wreck
Address: Raja Ampat

About Cross Wreck

The Cross Wreck is a unique dive site in Raja Ampat, named for its location near the landing site of the area's first Christian missionaries. This historical wreck, a Japanese naval patrol boat, lies at a depth of 18 meters, offering an accessible experience for divers. Much of the vessel remains intact, though it has been transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, completely covered in a rich tapestry of sponges and soft corals. This underwater museum teems with marine life characteristic of Raja Ampat's phenomenal biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter an array of creatures including scorpionfish, humphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and various moray eels. Schools of lionfish frequently patrol the wreck, adding to the dynamic ecosystem that has developed around the sunken structure. The vessel is also penetrable, allowing for exploration of its interior, which further enhances the historical and biological encounter. While specific current information for this site is limited, Raja Ampat is known for its exciting currents that bring in large pelagic species, suggesting conditions can vary. Wreck diving in Raja Ampat generally offers a blend of historical discovery and rich marine biodiversity, making it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring submerged history.

Highlights

Historic Japanese naval patrol boatIntact, penetrable wreck sectionsAbundant soft corals and spongesScorpionfish, humphead parrotfish presentMoray eels and lionfish patrolAccessible 18-meter depth

Season calendar

Best months to dive here

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Off-Season

Oct – Apr (Oct–Apr)

Calmest seas and best diving conditions. Manta ray season peaks Nov–Apr. Best visibility. Most liveaboards and resorts operate during this window.

May & Sep (May, Sep)

Transitional months with variable conditions. Still good diving on many sites. Fewer boats. Some operators offer shoulder-season discounts.

Jun – Aug (Jun–Aug)

Stronger winds and rougher seas, especially in exposed areas. Some dive sites inaccessible. Fewer operators running. Best for adventurous divers seeking solitude.

Conditions & Currents

The Cross Wreck, situated within the Dampier Strait, generally experiences mild currents, which is a notable deviation from the often strong currents found at other sites in the strait. This characteristic makes for a more relaxed and extended exploration of the wreck, suitable for intermediate divers. While water temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from 27°C to 30°C, visibility typically spans between 10 to 20 meters, though it can improve significantly during the dry, calmer periods from November to March. Divers should still maintain good buoyancy control and be aware of the overhead environment if considering any penetration.

Marine life & sighting chances

Goby species

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Cross Wreck typically begins with a boat entry directly above the wreck. Upon descent, you'll find the Japanese patrol boat resting upright on a sandy bottom at 18 meters. The dive usually starts by exploring the exterior of the wreck, observing the hull draped in soft corals and sponges. You can then navigate around the structure, looking for various macro life hidden in its crevices and on the deck, such as lionfish, scorpionfish, and frogfish. For appropriately certified wreck divers, limited penetration into areas like the communications room, engine room, and front holds is possible to view features like the switchboard and ammunition. The dive progresses slowly around the wreck, allowing ample time for observation and photography before ascending for a safety stop, often above the wreck itself, using the boat as a reference.

Underwater photography

The Cross Wreck is a prime location for macro photography, so a macro lens is highly recommended to capture the intricate details of the numerous nudibranchs, gobies, and small crustaceans that inhabit the wreck. For wider shots, consider a wide-angle lens to frame the entire patrol boat or its various sections, showcasing the vibrant coral growth. Strobes are essential to bring out the true colors of the soft corals and marine life, as natural light diminishes quickly at depth. Pay close attention to buoyancy, especially if attempting any wreck penetration, to avoid stirring up silt and to protect the delicate corals and marine creatures. Look for schools of glassfish inside the wreck for compelling light-and-shadow compositions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Access to Raja Ampat, including the Cross Wreck, typically involves flying into Sorong (SOQ) in West Papua. From Sorong, divers usually board a liveaboard, which offers the most comprehensive way to explore the archipelago's scattered dive sites. Trips usually range from 7 to 10 nights, covering various regions and allowing for multiple dives at key locations. Alternatively, some resorts in Raja Ampat can arrange day trips to accessible sites like the Cross Wreck. A Raja Ampat Marine Park entrance fee, known as the PIN, is required for all visitors and contributes to conservation efforts.

Safety & environment

Diving the Cross Wreck, while generally considered an intermediate dive, requires adherence to standard safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Waisai, Raja Ampat, but evacuation from remote dive sites can be complex and time-consuming. It is crucial to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Potential hazards at the Cross Wreck include sharp metal edges from the corroded hull and the overhead environment if engaging in wreck penetration. Any entry into the wreck's interior should only be undertaken by divers with appropriate wreck diving certification and experience, ensuring proper buoyancy control to prevent disturbing silt and damaging the structure.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Wreck enthusiasts
Macro photographers
Intermediate divers seeking mild currents
Divers interested in marine history
Those looking for unique biodiversity

Less suited for

Absolute beginners (Open Water Divers)
Divers without wreck penetration training
Individuals with poor buoyancy control
Those exclusively seeking large pelagic action
Divers uncomfortable with enclosed spaces

FAQ

Cross Wreck FAQ

What kind of wreck is the Cross Wreck?

The Cross Wreck is a well-preserved World War II-era Japanese patrol boat. It sank during the war and now rests upright on a sandy bottom, serving as a vibrant artificial reef. Its historical significance is complemented by its role as a thriving habitat for marine life.

What is the depth of the Cross Wreck?

The Cross Wreck lies at an approximate depth of 18 meters (59 feet) at its deepest point, with the top sections being shallower. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for intermediate divers and allows for extended bottom times to explore its features.

Is wreck penetration possible at the Cross Wreck?

Limited wreck penetration is possible into areas such as the communications room, engine room, and front holds. However, this should only be attempted by divers who hold appropriate wreck diving certification and possess sufficient experience due to the inherent risks of overhead environments and sharp metal edges.

What marine life can be seen at the Cross Wreck?

The Cross Wreck is a sanctuary for diverse marine life, particularly macro species. You can expect to find schools of glassfish inside the wreck, along with red lionfish, bearded scorpionfish, longfin batfish, painted frogfish, and numerous species of colorful nudibranchs adhering to the wreck's surface.

Are there strong currents at the Cross Wreck?

Unlike many other sites in the Dampier Strait, the Cross Wreck typically experiences mild currents. This provides a more relaxed diving experience, making it easier for divers to explore the wreck at their leisure and focus on its historical details and abundant marine inhabitants.

Why dive Cross Wreck from a liveaboard?

Cross Wreck is one of Raja Ampat, Indonesia's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Cross Wreck on their Raja Ampat, Indonesia itineraries.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

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