wreck

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Lusong gunboat

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Lusong gunboat, even if it’s technically in Coron Bay rather than Apo Reef proper. It’s an easy dive, sitting shallow enough that you can still feel the sun on your back. What we love about it isn’t just the wreck itself, but how nature has taken over. You’ll find Black-back Butterflyfish flitting around the rusted metal and Celebes Gobies peeking from every crevice. Our favourite spot is usually the bow, where the hull plate has peeled back like a tin can lid, creating small swim-throughs. Big-eye trevally often school here, their silver bodies flashing as you approach. We’d suggest going early to beat the other boats, giving you a chance to explore the engine room and cargo holds without feeling rushed. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the Lamellose Wentletrap clinging to the sponges – a tiny detail that makes a return visit worthwhile. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed dive with plenty of historical texture and marine life mingling together.