Akitsushima - Apo Reef

The Akitsushima wreck at Apo Reef is one of our absolute favourites in the Philippines. This isn't just a sunken boat; it's a hulking piece of history, a Japanese seaplane tender from WWII, now resting on its port side, stern-up, at around 36 metres. We love dropping down and seeing that massive crane arm, still intact, reaching out into the blue, a silent testament to its past life. You'll find schools of big-eye trevally swirling around the superstructure, their silver scales flashing in the ambient light filtering down. Inside, if you're comfortable with penetration, the crew quarters offer some interesting swim-throughs, but it's the external details that really grab us – the machine guns still mounted, encrusted in corals, and the way pufferfish and angelfish have made the metal their home. For experienced wreck divers, this is a phenomenal site, offering both historical intrigue and vibrant reef life. We’d suggest diving it on an early morning tide for the best visibility before the currents pick up.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.987100, 119.973530
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Akitsushima

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
fire
Tonnage
4,720 tons displacement

The IJN Akitsushima was a unique vessel in the Imperial Japanese Navy fleet. Commissioned in 1942, she was a seaplane tender specifically designed to carry and service the massive H8K 'Emily' flying boats. Her most prominent feature was a huge 35-ton crane mounted on the stern, which was used to lift the giant aircraft from the water for maintenance and repairs. This capability made her a valuable and high-priority asset during the Pacific War.

On September 24, 1944, the Akitsushima was anchored in Coron Bay, Philippines, when she was caught in a massive air raid by US Navy aircraft from Task Force 38. The ship was hit by bombs and strafing fire, which ignited her fuel stores. A catastrophic explosion followed, tearing the vessel apart and sending her to the bottom almost instantly. The Akitsushima sank with significant loss of life, becoming one of several Japanese ships to meet their end in Coron Bay that day.

Today, the Akitsushima is considered the crown jewel of wreck diving in Coron. The 118-meter-long warship lies on its port side at a depth of 36 meters. Divers can explore its ghostly remains, including the colossal crane which now lies on the seabed beside the hull. Anti-aircraft guns are still in their mounts, and the massive engine room offers a thrilling penetration for experienced wreck divers. The entire structure is encrusted with coral and swarmed by marine life, transforming a tomb of war into a vibrant underwater monument.

Best Time to Dive in Apo Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Apo Reef occur in June, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C
  • February: 27.8°C
  • March: 28.2°C
  • April: 29.1°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 30.3°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.7°C
  • October: 29.8°C
  • November: 29.5°C
  • December: 29.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Apo Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Akitsushima

Marine Life in Apo Reef

Home to 181 recorded species including 171 reef fish, 5 seagrass & algae, 2 other, 1 whales & dolphins, 1 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Akitsushima

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 8 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