NORTHERN SAMAR - Donsol & Sorsogon

Forget the whale sharks for a day, because we’ve found a compelling piece of history, and a good dive, in Northern Samar. This isn't a picture-perfect reef; it's a 49-meter ferry, the ex-Sakurajima Maru No. 6, resting upright since 2006. Dropping down, you feel the sheer scale of it immediately. We love how the wheelhouse offers a swim-through, just wide enough, and the cargo holds are open, inviting you inside. It’s dark in there, so bring a good torch; you’ll see schooling batfish hovering in the gloom, and lionfish often lurk in the shadowed corners. The wreck sits at 38 meters, so it’s one for advanced divers, no question. Current can pick up, especially around the bow, so we always plan for a slack tide dive here. The hull is now encrusted with sponges and soft corals, a genuine artificial reef attracting sweetlips and grouper. It feels like a real exploration, a quiet dive with a sense of purpose. For wreck enthusiasts, it's a solid day out.

Location: Donsol & Sorsogon, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 13.362500, 123.740450
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 38m

Marine Protected Area: Malinao Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve

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 NORTHERN SAMAR

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