Dive Site: Cross Wreck

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.

Dive site facts: Cross Wreck

Depth

8–18 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–20 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Raja Ampat, West Papua

Coordinates

-0.522, 130.58

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

Glassfish / Sweepers (assorted)

common

Red Lionfish

common

Bearded Scorpionfish

occasional

Longfin Batfish

common

Painted Frogfish

occasional

Nudibranch (assorted)

common

Moray eels

occasional

Parrotfish

occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Shrimps

common

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

• Cape Kri

  Famous for its record-breaking fish diversity.

• Sardine Reef

  Known for schooling fish and strong currents.

• Manta Sandy

  A well-known cleaning station for manta rays.

• Mioskon

  Sheltered reef with vibrant macro life, suitable for night dives.

• Melissa's Garden

  Pristine shallow coral garden with extensive hard corals.

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

FAQ

Cross Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cross Wreck

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

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

$554/day

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

$413/day

Ambai

Indonesia

16 guests32 m

$453/day