Bonbon Sea Grass Valley - Apo Reef

Bonbon Seagrass Valley isn't your typical Apo Reef drift or wall dive. It’s got a different kind of charm, the sort that grows on you after a few minutes, especially if you appreciate the subtler beauty of a wreck. The site is essentially the skeletal remains of a World War II Japanese supply ship, broken into sections across a surprisingly extensive seagrass bed. We love it because it’s a tangible piece of history, slowly being reclaimed by the sea. As you descend, the light shifts, playing tricks through the seagrass, and then the dark shapes of the wreck emerge. You’ll weave through rusting hull plates and twisted metal, imagining the ship's final moments. Our favourite part is spotting the surprisingly large green sea turtles that graze here, unbothered by divers, often accompanied by schools of yellow-stripe scad darting through the ship's shadow. Look closely at the metal itself – there are nudibranchs and flatworms galore, plus plenty of pipefish camouflaged amongst the blades. Visibility can be a bit variable here depending on the tide, but we'd suggest going at high tide for the clearest views, when the light really penetrates the seagrass. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who wants a break from the strong currents often found elsewhere in Apo Reef.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.572534, 122.241180
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Wreck History - Bonbon Sea Grass Valley

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

Despite its inclusion in some wreck databases, the 'Bonbon Sea Grass Valley' is not a shipwreck but a celebrated natural dive site within the Apo Reef Natural Park. This protected area is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, and this site is a prime example of its pristine underwater landscapes. Divers descending into the valley will find themselves gliding over vast, healthy seagrass beds, a crucial habitat for a myriad of marine creatures.

The gentle slopes are a haven for green sea turtles, which are often seen grazing peacefully on the grasses. The valley is also a fantastic location for macro photography, with critters like nudibranchs, pipefish, and juvenile fish hiding among the blades. The excellent visibility and calm conditions typical of Apo Reef make this an accessible and rewarding dive for all levels, showcasing the vibrant life of the Philippines' coral triangle.

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 Bonbon Sea Grass Valley

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 Bonbon Sea Grass Valley

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