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