VIRGINIA - Apo Reef

Virginia is a classic Apo Reef dive, shallow enough you could almost snorkel it, but with enough character to keep even the most seasoned wreck fanatic happy. She was a merchant vessel that ran aground in 1991 during a storm and now sits upright, her bow almost breaking the surface. We love how the hull is practically bursting with life. You’ll weave through schools of convict blennies and watch parrotfish nibble at the coral that’s taken hold of every available surface. The sheer volume of glassfish often swarms the superstructure, so thick you'll sometimes push through them as if diving through liquid silver. Keep an eye out for morays peeking from beneath plates of rusted steel. This is a site that changes with the light, too; early morning sunbeams slicing through the water column make the colours pop, but a cloudy day gives it a wonderfully eerie feel. Virginia is a perfect second dive, letting you really soak up the atmosphere without worrying about your deco limits.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.683333, 122.116670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 VIRGINIA

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 VIRGINIA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths encountered when scuba diving in Virginia?
Divers exploring the Virginia wreck can expect to encounter typical depths of 2 meters. This shallow depth makes it an accessible site for many divers looking to explore a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Virginia?
The primary underwater attraction at Virginia is the merchant vessel wreck itself, which sank on May 1, 1991. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like this often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. Divers can explore the hull and superstructure of this historical site.
What is the general difficulty level for scuba diving in Virginia, and are there sites suitable for beginners?
The general difficulty level for scuba diving at Virginia is classified as intermediate. While its shallow depth of 2 meters might seem beginner-friendly, the intermediate rating suggests it's best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Virginia for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to go scuba diving in Virginia for optimal conditions is not available in the current data. For general guidance on dive seasons in the Philippines, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required for diving in Virginia's various dive sites?
Specific scuba diving certifications required for Virginia are not detailed in the provided data. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification is typically a minimum requirement for such sites. It is always recommended to confirm with local dive operators in Apo Reef for precise certification requirements.
What are the common currents, visibility, and water temperature conditions experienced by divers in Virginia?
Details regarding common currents, visibility, and water temperature conditions experienced by divers at Virginia are not provided in the current data. Divers planning a trip to Apo Reef should inquire with local dive centers for up-to-date conditions.