Dona Marilyn - Malapascua

The Dona Marilyn, for us, is more than just a wreck. It’s a ghost ship, a tragic slice of history resting on the sandy bottom, and it’s always a thought-provoking dive. The ferry sank during a typhoon in 1988, taking hundreds of lives with it, and there’s a quiet solemnity to the site that you feel as you descend. At around 30 metres, the bow emerges from the gloom first, vast and imposing. We love drifting along the 90-metre length, peering into the open cargo holds where beams of light pierce the darkness. Over the years, the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. You’ll find white-tip reef sharks often cruising the perimeter, and we’ve seen marble rays gliding silently over the deck. Batfish hang around the superstructure, and if you look closely, you can spot frogfish nestled amongst the corals that have begun to colonise the metal. Penetration is possible in a few spots if you’re wreck trained, but even just exploring the exterior offers plenty to see. It’s a fantastic dive for experienced divers who appreciate history and the power of nature reclaiming what was lost. Currents can be unpredictable, so we always check conditions before jumping in.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.583183, 123.994430
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Mabini, Higatangan Marine Sanctuary

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 Marilyn

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 Marilyn

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