DON FRANCISCO - Anilao

Don Francisco is one of those sites we always recommend, especially if you've done a few dives in Anilao and want something different. This isn't your usual vibrant reef; it’s a carrier vessel, a proper bit of history from 1944 that ran aground in a typhoon back in '78. We love how much of the hull and superstructure are still intact, making it perfect for exploration. You'll find her mostly upright, which gives a great sense of her original form. Sunlight filters down, illuminating schools of tiny glassfish that shimmer around the cargo holds – it’s a beautiful, almost ethereal sight. Look closely, and you'll spot resident lionfish tucked into crevices and moray eels peeking out from behind plating. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the light is better, and you avoid the occasional afternoon currents that can pick up here. It’s not a deep dive, but the sense of scale you get from finning alongside a piece of wartime history is pretty cool. For wreck lovers, even casual ones, Don Francisco is a real standout in the area.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.932615, 122.053670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Best Time to Dive in Anilao

The warmest water temperatures in Anilao occur in June, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 27.5°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 29.2°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 30.9°C
  • July: 30.4°C
  • August: 29.8°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 29.4°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Anilao

Nearest Dive Centres to DON FRANCISCO

Marine Life in Anilao

Home to 88 recorded species including 83 reef fish, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea urchins, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for DON FRANCISCO

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 15 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Don Francisco Reef in Cozumel?
The Don Francisco dive site is located in Anilao, Philippines, not Cozumel. The listed depth for this fascinating wreck is 0m, indicating it's a very shallow site or partially exposed. Divers can explore the remains of this carrier vessel, which is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Don Francisco dive site?
While the specific marine life and coral formations at the Don Francisco dive site are not detailed in our current data, divers can expect to explore a historic wreck. This carrier vessel, sunk in 1978, offers a unique structure that often attracts various reef inhabitants over time. For general information on marine life in the region, you might visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Don Francisco Reef dive site, and is it suitable for intermediate divers?
The Don Francisco dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This makes it suitable for divers who have some experience and are comfortable exploring wreck sites. As a carrier vessel sunk in 1978, it presents an interesting challenge for those looking to explore its structure.
When is the best time of year to dive Don Francisco Reef for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Don Francisco dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility. However, it is noted that the vessel ran aground during a typhoon, highlighting the importance of checking local weather. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Philippines, you may consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Don Francisco Reef?
Specific scuba diving certifications recommended or required for the Don Francisco dive site are not detailed in our current data. However, given its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, divers should possess appropriate training and experience for such conditions. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators in Anilao for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Don Francisco dive site in Cozumel?
The Don Francisco dive site is located in Anilao, Philippines, not Cozumel. Our available data does not provide specific details on typical current conditions or visibility for this site. Divers should always consult with local dive centers in Anilao for up-to-date information before planning their dive.