DONA LOURDES - Donsol & Sorsogon

We love the Dona Lourdes for its sheer presence. Dropping onto the bridge, often with a slight current nudging you along, the ship spreads out below. It’s a carrier vessel, 70 metres of history lying on its port side at 40 metres. Built in Nagasaki, sunk in '83, you can feel the story as you move along the deck. The superstructure is still largely intact, allowing for some decent penetration if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and good on your air. The cargo holds are particularly interesting, now home to schools of snapper and fusiliers that swirl around you, thick enough to dim the ambient light. Keep an eye out for resident groupers peering from shadowy corners. We’d suggest a nitrox blend if you want to make the most of the bottom time, as 40 metres comes fast. It’s a proper deep wreck dive, best suited for advanced divers with some experience in current. Our favourite detail? The sheer number of lionfish perched on every railing and intact surface, their spines fanning out like underwater fireworks. It’s a dive that sticks with you.

Location: Donsol & Sorsogon, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 12.266666, 124.116670
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 40m

Marine Protected Area: San Isidro Marine Reserve Area

Best Time to Dive in Donsol & Sorsogon

The warmest water temperatures in Donsol & Sorsogon occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
February: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
March: 27.1°C (air: 26.4°C)
April: 27.1°C (air: 27.2°C)
May: 27.1°C (air: 28.0°C)
June: 27.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
July: 27.1°C (air: 27.4°C)
August: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
September: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
October: 27.1°C (air: 27.1°C)
November: 27.1°C (air: 26.9°C)
December: 27.1°C (air: 26.3°C)

Marine Life in Donsol & Sorsogon

Home to 139 recorded species including 119 reef fish, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Anchor trunkfish (Choerodon anchorago) - Reef Fish
Banded-Tail Glassy Perchlet (Ambassis urotaenia) - Reef Fish
Golden-Yellow Cone (Conus flavidus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Hound Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) - Reef Fish
Peacock wrasse (Halichoeres argus) - Reef Fish
Flea Cone (Conus pulicarius) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Frigid Cone (Conus frigidus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Fig cone (Conus figulinus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Sand-dusted Cone (Conus arenatus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Brownbanded wrasse (Halichoeres scapularis) - Reef Fish
Armed Squirrel-fish (Neoniphon sammara) - Reef Fish
Striped catfish (Plotosus lineatus) - Reef Fish
Cigar wrasse (Cheilio inermis) - Reef Fish
Banded Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) - Reef Fish
Checkered Seaperch (Lutjanus decussatus) - Reef Fish
Marbled Parrotfish (Leptoscarus vaigiensis) - Reef Fish
Sponsal Cone (Conus sponsalis) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Black-tipped Silver-biddy (Gerres oyena) - Reef Fish
Blue and Gold Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) - Reef Fish
False Virgin Cone (Conus emaciatus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs

Recommended Packing List for DONA LOURDES

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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