The Philippines isn’t just about white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs — it’s also a world-class destination for wreck diving. With a rich maritime history and a pivotal role in World War II, the country’s underwater landscape is dotted with shipwrecks that offer thrilling adventures for scuba divers.

Whether you’re newly certified or a seasoned explorer, here are the must-see wreck dive sites in the Philippines that deserve a spot on your dive bucket list.

🚢 Why Wreck Diving in the Philippines?

• Historical significance: Many wrecks date back to World War II.

• Marine life: Wrecks act as artificial reefs, teeming with fish, corals, and macro life.

• Diverse depths: From shallow wrecks for beginners to deep tech dives.

🌊 1. Coron Bay, Palawan – The Wreck Capital of the Philippines

🛳 Famous for: WWII Japanese shipwrecks

In September 1944, the U.S. Navy launched a surprise airstrike on a Japanese fleet hiding in Coron Bay. The result? At least 10 well-preserved wrecks now resting in 10–40 meters of water.

⭐ Must-Dive Wrecks:

• Irako: Deep dive with excellent penetration opportunities.

• Olympia Maru: Covered in soft corals, ideal for intermediate divers.

• Kogyo Maru: Machinery and artifacts still visible inside the holds.

Best for: Advanced divers, but several shallow wrecks are suitable for beginners.

🌊 2. Subic Bay, Luzon – A Wreck Diver’s Playground

🛳 Location: Just a few hours from Manila

Subic Bay is home to wrecks from both World Wars, as well as aircraft and landing crafts.

⭐ Must-Dive Wrecks:

• USS New York: A 120-meter armored cruiser, one of the oldest warships you can dive.

• El Capitan: Large, beginner-friendly wreck with an eerie feel.

• Landing Ship Tank (LST): Well-preserved and accessible.

Good to know: Calm bay conditions make it diveable year-round.

🌊 3. Camiguin Island – The Sunken Cemetery

🛳 A unique dive: An actual cemetery submerged by volcanic eruption in the 1870s.

Though not a traditional shipwreck, this site is haunting and surreal, featuring underwater gravestones and coral-covered tomb markers.

Best for: History lovers and those looking for an unusual dive.

🌊 4. Puerto Galera – Tech Divers' Haven

🛳 Wrecks for all levels

While more famous for its reef dives, Puerto Galera has several smaller wrecks that are great training grounds for penetration dives or nitrox use.

⭐ Sites include:

• Sabang Wrecks: Three small, easy-access boats with great macro life.

• St. Christopher: Slightly deeper wreck, great for wreck specialty training.

Best for: Divers combining wreck diving with vibrant reef exploration.

🌊 5. Malapascua – Home of the Monad Shoal... and a Few Hidden Gems

While Malapascua is famous for thresher sharks, it also offers lesser-known wrecks like:

• Tapilon Wreck: A WWII Japanese cargo ship, broken but scattered across a wide area.

• Mogami Maru (rare dive): Not always accessible, but worth it when conditions allow.

📅 Best Time to Go Wreck Diving

• Coron & Subic Bay: November to May (dry season, best visibility).

• Year-round diving: Some locations like Subic are diveable in all seasons due to sheltered bays.

🐠 Final Thoughts

Wreck diving in the Philippines is more than just an underwater adventure — it’s a deep dive into history, marine ecology, and exploration. From battleships to sunken cemeteries, each dive tells a story.

So pack your dive gear, book that flight, and prepare to explore some of the most epic wrecks in Southeast Asia.