wreck

Log This Dive

Nanshin Maru

The Nanshin Maru is a real character of a wreck, and for us, it's one of the best reasons to visit Apo Reef. Sitting upright at 25 metres, it’s a beautifully preserved piece of history you can truly interact with, a Japanese freighter sunk during World War II. We love dropping down onto the deck, usually seeing giant trevally circling above, and then taking our time to explore the cargo holds. Inside, you’ll find old sake bottles, dishes, and even parts of what looks like a motorbike, all encrusted with colourful sponges and soft corals. Light shafts penetrate the deeper holds, illuminating schools of glassfish that shimmer as you pass through. Outside, the Nanshin Maru is a magnet for marine life: we’ve often seen barracuda schooling off the bow and reef sharks cruising the perimeter. It’s an intermediate dive, currents can pick up, so pick your slack tide and enjoy a proper wander around this underwater museum.