Japanese Wreck - Anilao

The Japanese Wreck in Anilao isn’t some massive battleship, more like a fishing trawler, but we absolutely love it for what it is. It sits upright, mostly intact, on a sandy slope. Drop down and you're immediately in the wreck's gravity, the metal hull surprisingly vibrant with life. Look for the lionfish perched like guardians, always there, always striking, and the schools of glassfish shimmering in the darker recesses. It's a fantastic second dive, or even a first if you're keen on something a bit more interesting than just reef. We'd suggest a late morning dive; the light filtering through the water around 10 or 11 am really makes the colours pop, especially the purple soft corals that have taken hold. You can penetrate a small section of the bow, just enough to feel like an explorer without any real risk. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from the nooks and crannies. This site is perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates a wreck that's fully integrated into its environment, a true artificial reef teeming with macro life.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.509633, 120.983010
Type
wreck

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 Japanese Wreck

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 Japanese Wreck

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