Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest Nov–May · Mild current · 26–30°C (coldest Jan, warmest Apr)
- Current
- Mild
- Water temperature
- 26–30°C (coldest Jan, warmest Apr)
- Visibility
- 2–15m: Visibility is variable and often 3–7m on inner-bay wrecks; rain, runoff, plankton and port activity can reduce it further.
- Experience
- Open Water divers can visit shallow, open sites such as San Quintín and the LCU.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Batfish are regularly reported around the LCU and other wreck structures, but no defensible monthly pattern was found.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Lionfish shelter on wrecks and artificial structures throughout the bay; no seasonal claim is made.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Multiple nudibranch species occur on wreck growth and reef substrate.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Bluespotted rays are reported on sandy areas around the barges and reefs; no monthly pattern is supported.
See all 8 species
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
The Barges
The site spreads across separated barge and pontoon sections rather than one intact wreck.
6–32m · Mild current
L2D “Tabby” Aircraft
Dive-team imagery identified the inverted aircraft as a Showa/Nakajima L2D, but published accounts disagree on whether it was discovered in 2012 or late 2013 and no military loss…
42–45m · Mild current
San Quintín (San Quentin)
Spanish forces deliberately sank the vessel in 1898 while preparing to obstruct the bay entrance.
10–16m · Mild current
See all 6 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsEasy. Fly to CRK. Typical trip $–$$.
Route overview
Easy
Day trips from a coastal base, about 1.5h from the airport, then a short boat.
Airport options
CRK
Clark International Airport
Closest international airport; road transfer via SCTEX to Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo
MNL
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
More flight options; road transfer varies sharply with Metro Manila traffic
Typical trip cost
$–$$
under $2,000 to $2,000–4,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- Land-based packages are usually well below $2,000 for a week before international flights.
- Boat dives, equipment, nitrox and technical gases are priced separately; technical wreck training can move a short trip into the $$ tier.
- Confirm current port surcharges and inclusions with the operator.
Permit or park fee
How it works
Dive through an SBMA-accredited operator with a divemaster escort. The operator must notify Harbor Patrol, obtain permits for restricted areas, and clear USS New York with Seaport Operations around vessel movements. Night diving requires a special Ecology Center permit. Oryoku Maru is excluded during the DPAA recovery mission.