Apo Reef, Philippines

    Nanshin Maru wreck (Black island beach)

    Best months: Oct–Feb

    Why dive here

    With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including giant moray eels, sea turtles, sperm whales, lionfish and pufferfish - Nanshin Maru wreck (Black island beach) offers some of Apo Reef's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest May, June, July.

    Best timeOct–Feb
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeGiant Moray Eels, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales, Lionfish and Pufferfish · 176+ species recorded
    Water28-30°C · warmest May, June, July
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Nanshin Maru wreck, just off Black Island beach, feels like a real journey back in time. We love the history here, a Japanese supply ship from WWII, scuttled and now sitting upright on the sandy bottom. Descending, you can make out the ship’s structure, surprisingly intact. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the mast, so thick they almost block the light, while big giant morays peer out from the darker recesses of the cargo holds. We always take our time poking around the superstructure, imagining the stories this old girl could tell. Look closely for the smaller stuff too; the deck plates are a haven for tiny blennies and various cardinalfish darting between the crevices. It’s a comfortable dive, perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of history with their marine life, without demanding deep technical skills. Our favourite part is lingering over the stern, watching the sunlight play through the rusted metal.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today05:5117:4611h 55m daylightGolden hour 17:18

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Nanshin Maru wreck (Black island beach)

    Nanshin Maru wreck (Black island beach) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Nanshin Maru wreck (Black island beach), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.33, 121.06) (26km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 28.1–31.3°C

    Current Speed

    3.16 cm/s

    Direction: E (108.4°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.049 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    32.63 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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