MV PRINCESS OF THE STARS - Donsol & Sorsogon

The MV Princess of the Stars isn't just another wreck dive; it's a sobering visit to a significant piece of modern history. This roll-on roll-off ferry, tragically sunk in 2008, lies upright in just 12 metres of water. We love that it’s so accessible, making it a powerful experience even for newer wreck divers, though the story behind it certainly gives you pause. Descending onto the superstructure, you’ll find parts of the bridge and passenger decks still discernible. Corals have started to bloom across the metal, and schools of fusiliers often swirl around the upper sections. Look closely and you might spot lionfish nestled in shadowy corners, or a grumpy stonefish camouflaged on a horizontal surface. It's a sombre site, but the marine life reclaiming it offers a strange beauty. We'd suggest going on a calm day; while the depth is shallow, strong currents can occasionally make the swim-throughs trickier. It’s a dive that stays with you, more for its story and atmosphere than just the sheer volume of fish.

Location
Donsol & Sorsogon, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.352834, 122.541664
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Donsol & Sorsogon

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

Recommended Packing List for MV PRINCESS OF THE STARS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth divers can reach at the MV Princess of the Stars wreck site?
The MV Princess of the Stars wreck site offers a maximum depth of 12 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers. You can explore more about this dive site in Donsol & Sorsogon, Philippines.
What kind of marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see when exploring the MV Princess of the Stars?
Divers exploring the MV Princess of the Stars can expect to see the remains of a roll on-roll off vessel, which sank on June 21, 2008. The wreck itself, built in 1984, shows portions of its hull and superstructure, providing a poignant glimpse into its history. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and other creatures over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the MV Princess of the Stars wreck, and what skill level is required?
Diving the MV Princess of the Stars wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond their basic certification. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions typically found at such sites.
What is the best time of year to dive the MV Princess of the Stars for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the MV Princess of the Stars for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Philippines, you may consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are necessary to dive the MV Princess of the Stars wreck?
Given the MV Princess of the Stars is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While not explicitly stated, additional wreck diving specialty certifications are highly recommended for safety and to enhance your experience exploring such sites.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the MV Princess of the Stars dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical currents or specific underwater conditions at the MV Princess of the Stars dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with a reputable dive operator in Donsol & Sorsogon before planning their dive.