Dive Site: Raiatea - Nordby Wreck

About Raiatea - Nordby Wreck

The Nordby Wreck offers an exceptional and historically rich dive experience in the tranquil waters of Raiatea, French Polynesia. This prominent three-masted ship, which ran aground in 1900 while en route from Auckland to Liverpool, now lies on its side at a depth of approximately 20 meters, making it one of the largest and most accessible wrecks in the region. Its remarkable state of preservation, with two of its three masts still intact, allows divers to explore the interior holds, providing a unique glimpse into maritime history. Despite the wooden deck having completely disappeared over time, the structural integrity of the hull offers an intriguing environment for marine inhabitants. The wreck has transformed into an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of fish and invertebrates that now call this ghost ship home. This vibrant ecosystem within the wreck offers a contrast to the somewhat bluer visibility often encountered due to the nearby shoreline and river. The site is well-suited for a broad range of divers, including those with entry-level certifications, due to its relatively shallow depth and sheltered location within the lagoon. Exploring the Nordby provides a contemplative experience, allowing divers to appreciate the intricate details of the wreck and the bustling aquatic life that thrives within it. Night dives are particularly recommended here, enhancing the mystical atmosphere and revealing different nocturnal species. While Raiatea is generally less frequented by tourists, its preserved nature and cultural significance, highlighted by the Taputapuatea Marae, offer a serene backdrop for diving. The calm waters around the island, including the Nordby Wreck, are ideal for both new divers and those seeking a relaxed underwater adventure away from crowded sites.

Dive site facts: Raiatea - Nordby Wreck

Depth

20–30 m

Typical dive

12–20 m, 40–60 min

Current

Mild to negligible

Visibility

Variable, 5–15 m

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Boat descent

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Night dive

Possible, highly recommended

Region / port

Raiatea, Society Islands

Coordinates

-16.7333, -151.4333

Conditions & Currents

The Nordby Wreck is situated in the calm lagoon of Raiatea, sheltered from strong currents typical of passes. This makes for a very relaxed dive experience, ideal for all certification levels. However, proximity to the shoreline and a river can occasionally lead to blurrier visibility, which divers should be prepared for, although this does not detract from the main attraction of the wreck itself. Entry and exit are typically boat-based, directly above the wreck, simplifying logistics. There is no significant surge, thermoclines are generally absent, and boat traffic is minimal, ensuring a peaceful dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Surgeonfish

common

Jackfish

common

Angelfish

common

Nudibranchs

common

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Whitetip reef shark

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Napoleon fish

occasional

Leopard ray

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Nordby Wreck typically begins with a descent directly over the stern of the ship, which rests on its port side at approximately 20 meters. You will explore the main deck area, observing the remains of the masts and the open holds, where light penetrates, illuminating the interior. The dive progresses along the length of the 50-meter wreck, allowing ample time to inspect the intricate details of the vessel and the diverse marine life that shelters within. Depending on air consumption and no-decompression limits, you might circle back for a second pass or focus on specific sections like the bow or stern. The maximum depth reached is usually around 20 meters, making for a comfortable and extended bottom time. The safety stop is typically conducted in the shallower water above the wreck, often at around 5 meters, before a controlled ascent to the surface.

Underwater photography

The Nordby Wreck offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the impressive scale of the ship and its remaining masts. The interior of the holds provides dramatic compositions, particularly with light streaming in, making external strobes or video lights essential to illuminate shadowed areas and bring out vibrant colors. For macro enthusiasts, the wreck is a haven for nudibranchs and small reef fish, so a macro lens can yield stunning close-ups. Given the variable visibility, patience and careful composition are key. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial when navigating around the delicate wreck structure and avoiding stirring up sediment, which can quickly degrade visibility for your shots and for other divers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Raiatea - Tepua Coral Garden

  Tepua Coral Garden, located near Raiatea and Taha'a in French Polynesia, is a renowned drift snorkeling destination.

• Huahine - Avapeihi Pass

  Avapeihi Pass is a premier dive site in Huahine, known for its dynamic marine life and healthy coral ecosystems.

• Moorea - Tiki Point

  Tiki Point is an outstanding dive site located off the picturesque island of Moorea in French Polynesia, easily accessible from Tahiti.

• Moorea - The Canyons

  The Canyons is a notable dive site located off the mythical Ōpūnohu Bay in Moorea, one of French Polynesia's easily accessible Society…

• Tahiti - The Source

  Tahiti's "The Source" is a premier dive destination, celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity and breathtaking coral landscapes.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Raiatea is typically via domestic flights from Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti (Society Islands) to Raiatea Airport (RFP). Dive trips to the Nordby Wreck are usually arranged through local dive centers based in Uturoa, such as Hemisphere Sub or Te Mara Nui. These centers offer daily excursions to the wreck, often combining it with other local sites like the Te Ava Piti or Miri Miri passes. Liveaboard options like Aqua Tiki II and Aqua Tiki III also include the Nordby Wreck in their French Polynesia itineraries, offering multi-day journeys that explore a broader range of sites. A typical dive trip to Raiatea for the Nordby Wreck usually involves 1-2 days of diving, or it can be integrated into a longer liveaboard or island-hopping itinerary within the Society Islands.

Safety & environment

While diving at the Nordby Wreck is generally safe due to its sheltered location and mild currents, divers should always prioritize safety. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Tahiti, necessitating a significant evacuation time in case of a serious diving emergency. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. Divers should adhere to their training limits, especially when exploring the wreck's interior, and avoid penetration beyond their certification and comfort levels. Maintaining good buoyancy control is essential to prevent contact with the wreck and to avoid disturbing silt, which can reduce visibility for all divers. Always dive with a reputable local operator who provides thorough briefings and maintains well-serviced equipment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Raiatea - Nordby Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Raiatea - Nordby Wreck

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

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$658/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$573/day