Nanshin maru "black island wreck" - Civilian tanker - 45m - (21 to 32m) - Apo Reef

The Nanshin Maru, often called the “Black Island Wreck,” sits upright, a civilian tanker that sank in World War II. We love this wreck because it’s not just a rusty hulk; it feels like a living museum, covered in growth. Dropping down, the bow is usually the first thing you see, pointing northeast. The deck sits around 21 metres, descending to the seabed at 32 metres, giving us plenty of depth to play with without pushing limits. Schools of yellowstripe cardinalfish shimmer around the mast, and we’ve often spotted honeycomb filefish blending perfectly with the encrusted metal. Exploring the cargo holds is a highlight; they’re open and inviting, allowing natural light to filter in, creating these incredible shafts of light through the water. Keep an eye out for blennies and gobies in the smaller crevices; they’re often overlooked but add a lot of character. We’d suggest an early morning dive here if you can swing it, before other boats arrive, when the light is softer and the resident reef sharks are sometimes still cruising past.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.149537, 119.825440
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

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 Nanshin maru "black island wreck" - Civilian tanker - 45m - (21 to 32m)

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 Nanshin maru "black island wreck" - Civilian tanker - 45m - (21 to 32m)

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