Akitsushima - Apo Reef

The Akitsushima wreck at Apo Reef isn't just a sunken ship; it’s a time capsule, a huge metal sculpture overgrown with life. We love it because it’s big, offering plenty to explore without being overwhelming. You drop down onto the deck, usually in pretty good visibility, and the sheer scale of the anti-aircraft guns and the crane arms really hits you. It feels like swimming through a ghostly playground. What makes it a standout for us are the details: the way the light filters through the broken superstructure, illuminating schools of fusiliers so thick they momentarily block your view. You'll often find big groupers lurking in the darker crevices and plenty of lionfish perched on the corroded metal. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, too; they love the nutrient-rich growth on the wreck. This site suits divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of current occasionally, which can pick up, especially around the bow. Our tip? Try to get there early in the morning for the best light and fewer other divers.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.016823, 119.968810
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Akitsushima

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
4,650 tons

While listed near Apo Reef, the legendary IJN Akitsushima actually rests in Coron Bay, Palawan, and is a crown jewel of Philippine wreck diving. She was no ordinary vessel; as a seaplane tender, her mission was to carry, service, and launch the giant Kawanishi H8K "Emily" flying boats. Her unique design included a massive 35-ton crane on her aft deck for this purpose. On September 24, 1944, US Navy aircraft from Task Force 38 swept into Coron Bay, surprising the Japanese fleet hiding there. The Akitsushima took direct hits, caught fire, and sank rapidly, rolling onto her port side as she went down.

Today, the Akitsushima is a formidable and challenging technical dive. Lying between 22 and 36 meters, the wreck is immense and largely intact. The most prominent feature is the collapsed crane, its huge structure now lying on the seabed beside the hull. Divers can see the anti-aircraft guns still pointing towards the surface, a silent testament to her final battle. For certified and experienced wreck divers, the penetration routes are spectacular, leading through the engine room with its four massive diesel engines still in place. The dark corridors and gear-filled rooms offer a haunting glimpse into a World War II warship, now colonized by groupers, barracuda, and schools of fusiliers.

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