ALASKA 1 - Malapascua

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.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.823717, 123.084380
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Wreck History - ALASKA 1

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.

Best Time to Dive in Malapascua

The warmest water temperatures in Malapascua occur in June, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.6°C
  • April: 28.3°C
  • May: 29.6°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.8°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Malapascua

Nearest Dive Centres to ALASKA 1

Marine Life in Malapascua

Home to 88 recorded species including 72 reef fish, 5 crabs & lobsters, 5 sharks & rays, 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALASKA 1

Based on average water temperature of 28.9°C, currents 15 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