Dive· Tahiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Zélée Wreck (Papeete harbour breakwater)
17° 31.9′ S · 149° 34.9′ W
The remains of the French gunboat Zélée, sunk by the German cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau when they shelled Papeete on 22 September 1914, lying on coral outside the Papeete breakwater in 20–30 m.
Practical
Coordinates are Eleuthera's 'Zélée' site; Tahiti Heritage plots the wreck at -17.53238, -149.58276. A piece of mast and the ribs of half a hull lie on a coral bed; a nurse shark often hides under the hull, with Napoleon wrasse and schools of snappers. In calm weather divers continue through small canyons toward the foot of the breakwater (Eleuthera). The site is right beside Papeete Pass, used by ships and the 30-knot Moorea ferries: dive only with a local operator, never from a yacht tender in the pass. The Zélée's gun is displayed in Parc Bougainville.
Best for
History wreck dive by Papeete Pass
Nearby
- Sailtech Sail Loft & Rigging (Motu Uta)0.2 NM away
- Papeete Customs Office – Motu Uta (clearance out, fuel certificates)0.3 NM away
- Biosecurity Inspection – Papeete (pre-arrival questionnaire)0.4 NM away
- Papeete Port Control 'Vigie' (VHF 12)0.4 NM away
- Comptoir Polynésien – Yamaha Outboards (Papeete)0.5 NM away
- Subtechnology Diving (Fare Ute, hydrotests & fills)0.6 NM away
- DPAM Maritime Affairs Office, Fare Ute (escales.gov.pf ZMR bookings)0.7 NM away
- Ferry Terminal Restaurant (Papeete)0.7 NM away