ALASKA 1

Best months: Jul–Sep

Why dive here

With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including sea turtles, thresher sharks, lionfish and pufferfish - ALASKA 1 offers some of Malapascua's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest May, June, July.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard

Marine lifeSea Turtles, Thresher Sharks, Lionfish and Pufferfish · 87+ species recorded

Water28-31°C · warmest May, June, July

CharacterWreck dive · max 28m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Alright, Alaska 1. We love this wreck, tucked away just a short boat ride from Malapascua’s main beaches. It’s a fishing vessel, not some grand warship, but that’s part of its charm. She sits upright on a sandy bottom at 28 metres, a proper steel hulk with a story written all over her. You can actually picture the nets, the crew, the daily grind before she went down. This isn’t a penetration dive for the faint of heart; the wreck is in pretty rough shape, hence the "dangerous wreck" tag. But the exterior offers plenty to explore. Schools of fusiliers often swirl over the stern, a shimmering curtain you can swim right through. Look closely into the shadowy crevices and you’ll often spot lionfish, their venomous fins fanned out, perfectly camouflaged against the rust. Moray eels peek from behind twisted metal, and the occasional batfish will drift by, curious about your presence. It’s a quiet dive, often just your boat there, letting you really soak in the atmosphere of a vessel reclaimed by the sea. For photographers, the light playing on the corroded metal is just beautiful, especially on a sunny morning.

Typical ALASKA 1 Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Depth of 28m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

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

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today05:3817:3311h 55m daylightGolden hour 17:05

ALASKA 1 Wreck History

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

Little is known about the history of the Alaska 1 or the circumstances of its sinking, adding a layer of mystery to this Malapascua dive site. What is clear is that this former fishing vessel now serves as a fantastic artificial reef in one of the world's premier diving destinations. Located in the Visayan Sea, it has become a magnet for the rich marine biodiversity the Philippines is famous for.

At a depth of 28 meters, the Alaska 1 is a perfect dive for advanced certified divers. The structure of the fishing vessel, including its winches, masts, and open holds, offers plenty of features to explore. Over the years, it has been colonized by corals and sponges, providing a habitat for schools of fish, moray eels, and countless macro critters. Its classification as a dangerous wreck means divers should exercise caution, particularly around potential entanglement hazards like old nets, but for the prepared diver, it offers a thrilling and rewarding exploration.

Reviews for ALASKA 1

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ALASKA 1

ALASKA 1 Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for ALASKA 1, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (11.45, 124.02) (6km away)