Dona Marilyn Wreck - Malapascua

The Dona Marilyn wreck is a big one, a 100-meter ferry lying on its starboard side, sunk in a typhoon back in '88. You’ll find it at depths ranging from 18 to 33 meters, making it a dive for those comfortable with a bit of depth. We've often seen marble rays gliding over the decks, and the penetration points offer some interesting swims through old corridors if you're experienced and have good buoyancy. For those less keen on going inside, the exterior still provides plenty to explore, with lionfish frequently hanging out in the darker recesses. It's a sombre but compelling dive, usually with mild currents.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.333000, 124.150000
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 Wreck

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 Wreck

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