The Marianas have an incredible history, with much of the most intense scenes having been played out during World War II. While the island of Rota is a paradise today, it was the site of conflict in the past, which is reflected by some of the wrecks you will find beneath its turquoise blue waters. While you could dive wrecks at Rota and the surrounding area for weeks on end and never see the same site twice, some are outstanding. Here are just five to help you begin your journey.
Snake Eyes
Also known as the Snake Eyes Express, this old Chinese fishing boat was built in 1985 and is 134 feet long. Sunk in 95 feet of water after being confiscated by the US Coast Guard when its crew was caught smuggling human cargo, the ship was prepared for safe diving prior to being deployed as an artificial reef. Although it was broken in half after the Chata’an Typhoon in July of 2002, it is an excellent wreck to explore, particularly as penetration is possible. Be cautious of sharp metal edges as you explore its two halves. Watch for concealed stonefish and look for moray eels, small sharks, and even turtles among the many colorful reef inhabitants that shelter in and around the wreck.
7 Screws
Sunk near the Snake Eyes wreck on February 11th of 1999, after being confiscated by the Coast Guard, the Seven Screws Wreck was built as a Chinese River Cargo Vessel and is 120 feet long. Sitting beneath 105 feet of water and accessible at 75 feet, the wreck is filled with fish and sits on the white, sandy seabed where you can often find stingrays among the many other creatures that inhabit the site. So named because it has seven engines and seven propellers, the 7 Screws wreck can be penetrated and is an excellent site for photography.
Shoun Maru
An incredible wreck worthy of several dives, the Shoun Maru was a Japanese freighter which dates back to WWII. Surrounded by a colony of garden eels and home to a splendid array of reef fish, the coral covered ship sits on the sand at a depth of 100 feet with her topside accessible at 70 feet. Over time, nature has taken her toll, providing several openings in the wreck where the cargo of army tanks, bathtubs, bicycles, and other items can be seen. It is even possible to view the ship’s triple expansion steam engine. Exceptional visibility means you can often see the entire wreck, often from the moment you enter the water and begin your descent. Due to current and surge, the site is suitable for experienced divers only.
Subchaser 1
One of three WWII Japanese Auxiliary submarine chasers at Rota, Sub Chaser One lies beneath 90 feet of water and is accessible at a depth of 20 feet. Lying in pieces on the sand among huge coral heads, the once stately ship was badly damaged when hazardous depth charges were destroyed in 1996. Accessible from shore or via boat, the old wreck is teeming with life and has become a valuable reef environment. This site is suitable for intermediate divers and up.
Subchaser 2
Lying beneath peaceful water in depths between 30 and 60 feet, the Sub Chaser Two wreck was constructed of wood and has been well-integrated with the crevices and coral that make up the surrounding reef area. The only truly recognizable elements, in fact, are the engine block, and shaft, along with a gigantic propeller, all of which have been enveloped with a coating of coral. Located within the boundaries of the Rota Marine Sanctuary, this incredible site is swarming with reef fish and invertebrates, along with countless crustaceans and nudibranchs. Keep an eye out for sharks, rays, and turtles as you explore what has been transformed from a tragic scene to an underwater paradise.
Rota is a wonderful place to visit, not only for its diving, but for its topside attractions. Be sure to take some time to visit the World War II memorials and learn about some of the history behind these wrecks either before or after your dives, and visit the rest of the Marianas to gain even more perspective.