Dive site · access from Ambon
Duke of Sparta (SS Aquila) Wreck
The one wreck dive that gets done regularly from Ambon.
- Depth
- 12–37m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Cargo ship lying on a slope in Ambon Bay, masts still standing; stern around 12–15m, bow past 30m
- Soft coral and sponge growth on the superstructure with resident fish life
- Bay visibility is usually low, so it is dived in sections rather than as a whole
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Ambon
Best overall months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Ambon
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Duke of Sparta (SS Aquila) Wreck.
Flamboyant cuttlefish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hairy frogfish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Harlequin Shrimp
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Mandarinfish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Mimic octopus
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
Compare another site
Sources & last checked
Checked August 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- An Underwater Photographer's Guide to Ambon, DivePhotoGuide
- Ambon Island, Central Moluccas — Dive Sites, Kapalselam.org
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.