Popular Wreck Diving Spots in the Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical destination famous for its premier diving sites. Composed of 7,107 islands, this Southeast Asian archipelago features a variety of beach locations and countless travel destinations for water sports and recreation activities. The central and eastern parts of the country are particularly known for their diverse wreck diving sites.

During World War II, the Philippine waters were filled with American and Japanese naval ships. A number of those that sank are now seen as wreck diving spots. Through the years, many sunken private and commercial ships and planes have now become popular wreck diving locations as well.

When to Dive

The Philippines' climate makes it generally ideal to go diving at any time of the year. Even the highest temperature reached during the hotter months isn't that far from the lowest temperature reached during the colder months. The country's temperature range is usually anywhere from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the entire year. However, it is always important to check on any local weather disturbance in the intended diving location.

As a basic guide, the summer months from March to May are the best time to dive. The rainy season from June to October are generally fine for diving endeavors, but these months would often host some typhoons and thunderstorms in between weather-permitting diving days. Typhoons are fewer during the country's colder months from November to February, but occasional weather problems may still affect diving plans.

Popular War Ship Wrecks

Some of the most famous war ship wrecks in the Philippines are Japanese fleets that sank during World War II. A number of these wreck sites are found in Coron Bay in Palawan, a long and narrow island province on the easternmost side of the country. More than a dozen of war ships here are now seen as wreck diving sites where corals, fishes and other sea creatures abound. Some of the favorite wreck spots of both amateur and professional divers include the Okikawa Maru Wreck and the Akitsushima Wreck. Malapascua in the province of Cebu, which is located in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, is known for the Lighthouse Wreck of a Japanese landing craft from World War II.

Popular Commercial and Private Ship and Plane Wrecks

An area in Malapascua is now the site of the Dona Marilyn, a passenger ferry that sank during a dreaded typhoon a few decades ago. Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, which is about two and a half hours away from the country's capital Manila, is also home to some well-known dive spots. The province's Fortune Island allows divers to explore The Wreck site where a Dutch cargo ship is now surrounded by schools of clownfish. Meanwhile, Coron is home to the Lusong Gun Boat Wreck, which is a famous area for both snorkeling and diving. An unknown aircraft also lies on a gorgeous coral reef spot near Malcatop Island in Coron Bay. Marigondon in Cebu features a site for a small plane wreck often visited by divers as well.