The Japanese Wreck is a popular shallow wreck dive tucked into Lipah Bay, easily reached from shore with a short swim out from the beach. This site centers on a 20 meter long steel freight vessel of a World War II patrol boat, likely sunk around 1942, now resting at about 6–12 m depth in calm, protected water.
Most divers begin their dive at the wreck itself. The metal structure, now fully covered in corals, sponges, and sea fans, forms a small but interesting landmark on the sandy bottom. Its shallow depth and good natural light make it easy to observe details and textures without needing deep or technical skills.
From the wreck, it’s common to continue the dive along the reef slope that extends on either side. The reef here is among the healthier in the Amed area, with hard and soft corals forming patches and small bommies that add structure to the seafloor. This reef transition offers variety in topography from sandy patches to coral outcrops.
Because the wreck lies in relatively shallow water, divers usually have long bottom times and can take their time exploring the structure and nearby reef. Although it is smaller than the USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben, the Japanese Wreck offers a distinctive local dive where the focus is on the combination of the wreck’s features and the surrounding reef.