The MV Antonio Tarabocchia is a wreck dive that rewards intermediate divers with impressive pelagic action and manageable depths of 6 to 18 metres. Visibility regularly reaches 20 to 40 metres, which means you can often take in the full structure from a single vantage point. Moderate to occasionally strong currents run across the site, and those currents are largely responsible for the fish life here. Potato cod hold position around the wreck, while trevally, mackerel, tuna, and barracuda work the water column above. Grey reef, whitetip reef, and silvertip sharks are regular visitors, as are bumphead parrotfish. Watch for boat traffic on ascent.
-15.48000, 147.14000
Time your dive to coincide with an incoming current, as this is when the pelagic species, particularly the sharks and tuna, are most active around the wreck. Carry a reef hook so you can hold station in the current without exhausting yourself or disturbing the site.
The site is remote and only accessible via multi-day liveaboard dive boats, typically departing from Cairns.
The site is in a very remote and exposed location. Divers should be comfortable with potential strong currents and open ocean conditions. Sharks are common in the area.
Depth
6-18m
Visibility
20-40m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
20-28°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Jan, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
The MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck off Cairns, Queensland sits at depths ranging from 6 metres to 18 metres. This relatively shallow depth range makes the wreck accessible to intermediate divers whilst providing interesting topography across multiple depth levels. The vessel rests upright on the seabed, allowing divers to explore both the upper structures and deeper sections during a single dive.
The MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck attracts grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and silvertip sharks as resident species. These sharks are drawn to the wreck's structure which provides shelter and attracts smaller fish species. Divers regularly encounter these sharks patrolling the wreck site, particularly during early morning dives when shark activity peaks.
Divers need either an Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification to dive the MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck. The intermediate skill level requirement reflects the site's moderate currents and presence of sharks which demand confident buoyancy control and dive planning. Advanced certification is recommended for exploring deeper sections of the wreck and managing current conditions effectively.
The best months to dive the MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck are September through January. During this period, water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C and visibility reaches 20 to 40 metres, providing excellent conditions for wreck photography and marine life observation. These months coincide with calmer seas and reduced rainfall in the Cairns region.
The MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck is accessed exclusively by boat from Cairns, Queensland. Boat charters depart from Cairns marina and provide air fills, guided tours, and first aid facilities as part of the dive operation. The site cannot be reached from shore and requires booking through a licensed dive charter operator.
Night diving is available at the MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck for appropriately certified divers. The shallow depth range of 6 to 18 metres makes night exploration relatively safe, whilst the wreck's structure provides easy navigation reference points. Nocturnal marine life including hunting sharks and resting fish add to the night diving experience.
The primary hazards at the MV Antonio Tarabocchia wreck include strong currents, resident sharks, and boat traffic above the dive site. Divers must maintain proper buoyancy control in moderate to strong currents and remain aware of multiple shark species patrolling the wreck. Surface marker buoys are essential due to active boat traffic in the area.
MV Antonio Tarabocchia in Cairns is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at MV Antonio Tarabocchia in Cairns. Water temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C.
