DONA CONCHITA - Malapascua

The Dona Conchita wreck off Malapascua is one of those sites that just feels like a proper adventure. It’s a huge ferry, 82 meters long, that burned and sank back in '88, now resting in shallows so ridiculously close to shore that parts actually break the surface. We love this site for its sheer accessibility; you can basically snorkel over the upper decks. Dive down, and the scale really hits you. The main deck is a sprawling landscape of twisted metal and shadows, the hull utterly colonised by soft corals and sponges. You’ll find schools of batfish circling the main superstructure, and we’ve often spotted lionfish tucked into the more protected areas. Penetration is possible through various openings, but the visibility here can be a bit variable, so bring a good torch and keep an eye on your buddy. It’s a site that changes with the light and the tides; an early morning dive often brings out more of the resident reef fish before the day boats arrive. We’d suggest exploring the stern first, where the engine room offers some of the more interesting swim-throughs, then working your way forward past the ghostly passenger cabins.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.646667, 122.840000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 DONA CONCHITA

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 DONA CONCHITA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Dona Marilyn wreck dive site and what are its key features?
The provided data is for the DONA CONCHITA wreck, not Dona Marilyn. For the DONA CONCHITA, the maximum depth is listed as 0m, indicating parts of the wreck may be at or near the surface. This ferry vessel, measuring 82m x 13.4m, sank on December 23, 1988, after a fire broke out, causing it to drift ashore in a gutted condition. It is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at the Dona Marilyn wreck?
The provided data is for the DONA CONCHITA wreck, not Dona Marilyn. Information regarding specific marine life expected at the DONA CONCHITA wreck is not available in the current context. For general information on marine species, please consult our wildlife database.
What is the recommended certification level or difficulty for diving the Dona Marilyn wreck?
The provided data is for the DONA CONCHITA wreck, not Dona Marilyn. Diving the DONA CONCHITA wreck is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certification to safely explore the site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Dona Marilyn wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data is for the DONA CONCHITA wreck, not Dona Marilyn. The best time of year to dive the DONA CONCHITA wreck for optimal conditions is not specified in the available information. For general guidance on dive seasons, please visit our when to dive section.
Are there any specific certifications required to dive the Dona Marilyn wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
The provided data is for the DONA CONCHITA wreck, not Dona Marilyn. While the DONA CONCHITA wreck is rated as intermediate difficulty, specific certification requirements for wreck penetration are not detailed in the given context. Divers interested in wreck penetration should always seek specialized training and certifications to ensure safety.
What are the typical current conditions experienced at the Dona Marilyn wreck dive site?
The provided data is for the DONA CONCHITA wreck, not Dona Marilyn. Information regarding the typical current conditions at the DONA CONCHITA dive site is not available in the provided data. Divers should always check local conditions before planning their dive.