Diving atSan Juan Wreck (Philippines)
San Juan Wreck presents a formidable and rewarding challenge for divers seeking deep exploration. A substantial vessel, it rests on the seabed, demanding advanced technical skills and precise planning. For those with the right training, an immersive journey into a preserved piece of maritime history awaits, an engaging site where the wreck's scale truly stands out.
Tonight's objective overview for San Juan Wreck shows an air temperature of 26.9°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.3m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
10.3912, 124.0151
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Exploring the MV San Juan ferry offers a captivating journey into its submerged history. This vessel, approximately 60 meters long, sank in 2000 following an engine room explosion, now resting on its starboard side on a flat sandy bottom in Liloan Bay.
Reaching a maximum depth of 50 m / 165 ft, its upper structure is accessible around 32-34 m / 105-110 ft, tide dependent. While recreational divers can briefly experience upper portions, no-decompression limits typically restrict bottom time to 10-15 minutes. To truly immerse yourself, perhaps venturing inside the engine room or thoroughly surveying its structure, certifications like SSI Extended Range Diver or PADI Tec 50 are recommended.
Such training enables extended bottom times of 20 minutes or more, often incorporating 50% nitrox for decompression. A rope descent leads directly to the wreck, which has transformed into a vibrant underwater ecosystem, a lively community of marine life calling it home.
Best Time to Dive
San Juan Wreck offers excellent diving conditions year-round, though subtle seasonal shifts can influence surface comfort. From January to May, the dry season typically presents minimal rainfall, with monthly averages as low as 1.8 mm in April. Air temperatures during this period are pleasantly warm, ranging from 26.3-28.4°C / 79-83°F. Expect calm surface conditions and clear skies for boat rides out to Liloan Bay. Months from June to November are slightly wetter, seeing rain averages increase, occasionally reaching around 9-10 mm. These are generally short, localized showers that rarely disrupt dive plans; wind and wave conditions remain very low, ensuring smooth access. Water temperatures are not consistently reported but generally match the region's tropical climate, ensuring comfort. Optimal diving visibility and comfort are consistent regardless of the season.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
A line descent guides divers directly to the San Juan Wreck, leading to the resting place of this substantial vessel. Approaching from the blue, its silhouette emerges, a ferry lying on its starboard side. The wreck's upper structure provides a focal point for initial exploration, often found where the currents are milder, varying with the tides. Further exploration of deeper sections, down to the sandy bottom, reveals the wreck's full scale. Water temperatures are typically warm and tropical, contributing to comfortable diving. Visibility is generally good, allowing for appreciation of the structure and its growing marine inhabitants. Current is not consistently reported, but tends to vary depending on specific conditions, requiring awareness during the dive.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the San Juan Wreck requires advanced planning and strict adherence to safety protocols, owing to its significant depth and overhead environment. Exclusively for very advanced or technical divers, recreational divers are strictly limited to the shallower parts of the wreck due to no-decompression obligations. Exploring the interior, such as the engine room where traces of the explosion are still evident, demands specialized wreck diving training. Proper gas planning, including provisions for decompression gases like 50% nitrox, becomes essential for extended bottom times at deeper levels. Always dive with appropriate certifications, a reliable dive computer, and ensure thorough pre-dive checks. Although the wreck is considered safe for trained wreck divers, awareness of potential inherent dangers is paramount.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Forecast conditions over the next few days suggest temperatures will remain relatively stable.
Two divers in the same water temperature may experience very different comfort levels.
Many divers find that dive skin or rash guard offers the right level of insulation for conditions like these. The surrounding waters at San Juan Wreck are currently registering temperatures of roughly 30°C (85°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 27°C (80°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
PHP
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Marine Life at San Juan Wreck
Upon arrival at the San Juan Wreck's depth, a large shoal of batfish often provides the initial welcome, swirling around the sunken ferry. Settling on the seabed, the wreck has become an artificial reef, with corals gradually colonizing its sides and the massive propeller. Attracting a diverse array of reef fishes, including schools of butterfly fish, angel fish, and anemonefish, this transformed habitat thrives. Giant trevally might patrol its perimeter. Ghostly entangled nets from local fishermen also drape parts of the structure, adding a unique visual element to its character. During decompression stops, divers might also spot various wrasse species.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth of the San Juan Wreck?
The San Juan Wreck rests on a sandy bottom at approximately 50 meters, with its upper sections typically found shallower, around 32-34 meters, depending on tidal conditions.
What level of diver is required for San Juan Wreck?
A deep dive, it's suitable only for very advanced or technical divers. Recreational divers are limited to shallower sections and must adhere to no-decompression limits.
What kind of marine life can be seen at San Juan Wreck?
Expect to see large shoals of batfish upon arrival, along with butterfly fish, angel fish, anemonefish, and giant trevally. Corals cover parts of the wreck, attracting various reef fishes, and wrasse may be visible during decompression stops.
What caused the San Juan ferry to sink?
The San Juan ferry sank in the year 2000 due to an explosion in its engine room. Traces of this event are still clearly visible within the engine room itself.
Are there any specific hazards when diving the San Juan Wreck?
Key hazards include significant depth and the overhead environment inside the wreck. Appropriate training, meticulous gas planning, and adherence to decompression procedures are essential for safety.
Can recreational divers explore inside the San Juan Wreck?
Recreational divers are typically limited to brief bottom times on the shallower parts of the wreck. Exploring the interior, such as the engine room, requires specialized wreck diving certification and technical diving protocols due to overhead environment and depths.
How long is the San Juan Wreck?
Measuring approximately 60 meters in length, the San Juan ferry offers extensive areas for exploration. Its size is a key feature, particularly for technical divers with extended bottom times.
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