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SS Galava (Wreck)

The SS Galava wreck, located just over three nautical miles east of Terrigal in Australia, is an impressive dive site. With a maximum depth of 51 meters, this dive is suitable for experienced divers only. Expect to encounter shoals of baitfish and wobbegong sharks surrounding the wreck, as well as large kingfish as you descend the anchor line.

The Galava, a small collier known as the "60 Miler," regularly traveled between Sydney and Catherine Hill Bay. However, tragedy struck on February 9, 1927, when the vessel started taking in water into the forward holds during a southbound journey from Catho Wharf. The crew was unable to save the vessel in time, resulting in seven casualties. As you swim down the anchor line, you'll come across a massive winch located near the steam compound engine, in front of the scotch boiler. Despite the underwater wreckage and the depth impeding exploration, the Galava can sometimes be challenging to locate due to the fishlife that often conceals it. It's worth noting that this site is also popular for fishing, with plenty of fishing lead and lures waiting to be retrieved.

Optimized for divers seeking an adventure in Australia, the Galava wreck offers exceptional visibility of up to 20 meters. Although the maximum depth is 51 meters, it's important to note that this site is only recommended for expert divers. Explore this historic wreck and marvel at the abundant marine life in its surroundings.

Diving Conditions Score for SS Galava (Wreck)

4.7
Below Average

Challenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for SS Galava (Wreck)

Depth

21m

Visibility

20m

Experience Level

expert

Weather Conditions for SS Galava (Wreck)

Wave Height

1.9m

Wind Speed

28.2 m/s

Water Temp

20.4°C

Visibility

53.42km

Cloud Cover

16%

Wave Period

8.2s

Air Temperature

14°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for SS Galava (Wreck)
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for SS Galava (Wreck)

Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 5.8519/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.62m, Wind 21.5 m/s.Best night dive time: 2:00 with score 5.4528/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at SS Galava (Wreck): 06:00
Sunset at SS Galava (Wreck): 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at SS Galava (Wreck) are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
6:00

Score: 5.9/10
Waves: 1.62m (8.3s), Wind: 21.5 m/s

🌙
Best Night
2:00

Score: 5.5/10
Waves: 1.52m, Wind: 24.4 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for SS Galava (Wreck)
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at SS Galava (Wreck)

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for SS Galava (Wreck)

Summer

Avg. Score: 10.0/10

Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.

Best Months for SS Galava (Wreck)

May
Score: 10.0
June
Score: 10.0
July
Score: 10.0

Ideal Conditions for SS Galava (Wreck)

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

23.3°C / 73.9°F

June

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

20.1m / 65.9ft

October

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

0.2m / 0.7ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for SS Galava (Wreck)

SS Galava (Wreck) follows southern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (23.3°C) and December the coldest (19.3°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 22, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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