wreck

Log This Dive

DONA CONCHITA

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.