Camia Wreck - Apo Reef

The Camia Wreck is one of those sites we always look forward to at Apo Reef. It’s not just a pile of metal; it feels like a genuine ghost ship, a cargo vessel that went down in a typhoon back in the 1980s. You can still make out the superstructure, the cranes, the massive cargo holds. We love dropping down onto the bow, often finding a big school of batfish hanging out, almost greeting you. What makes it standout, though, is the sheer density of glassfish inside the holds. They literally shimmer, hundreds of thousands of them, creating these living walls of silver. Prod them gently, and they part like a curtain, revealing the shadows where you might spot a lionfish or even a whitetip reef shark cruising through. It’s an easy wreck to penetrate, mostly open, so it’s great for experienced divers looking for a bit more than just a reef, but also accessible enough for those newer to wrecks. Keep an eye out for robust ghost pipefish tucked away in the soft corals growing on the deck, especially around the stern. We think early morning is the best time to dive it, before the current picks up too much and the light really brings out the colours of the sponges and tunicates.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.951917, 121.908720
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Camia Wreck

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled

Unlike wrecks born from tragedy, the Camia Wreck is a story of purpose and conservation. This small cargo vessel was intentionally scuttled in the pristine waters of Apo Reef Natural Park to create a new dive site and artificial reef. The practice of sinking prepared ships provides a stable, non-toxic structure for corals to colonize and marine life to inhabit, taking pressure off the natural reefs while creating exciting new underwater playgrounds for divers.

The Camia now sits perfectly upright on a sandy bottom, offering an ideal environment for wreck diving training and underwater photography. Its open holds and easy-to-navigate structure are now home to a profusion of marine life. Divers can expect to find large schools of batfish and snapper, curious moray eels peeking from pipes, and a variety of macro life hiding on its surfaces. The clear waters of Apo Reef and the wreck's gentle disposition make it a highlight for any diver visiting the area.

Marine Protected Area: DENR Antique, BFAR Antique, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) Antique and Rare Inc.

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 Camia Wreck

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 Camia Wreck

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