wreck

Log This Dive

Kogyo Maru

The Kogyo Maru, sitting at 28 meters on Apo Reef's sandy bottom, is our pick for a standout wreck dive in the Philippines. It’s not just a sunken ship; it’s a time capsule, a casualty of WWII, now completely transformed into an artificial reef. As you descend, the wreck slowly materializes, its superstructure draped in sponges and soft corals, a genuine visual feast. We love exploring the hold, often buzzing with schooling fusiliers, so thick they almost obscure the light filtering in from above. Look out for massive groupers lurking in the shadows and various species of nudibranchs clinging to the metalwork. The intact bow and stern are particularly photogenic, providing a dramatic backdrop for the schools of jacks and barracuda that patrol the deck. This is a dive that truly rewards a keen eye and a patient approach, perfect for intermediate divers who appreciate the blend of history and thriving marine life. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light penetration into the holds is just magical then.