FRIENDSHIP VII - Malapascua

We love the Friendship VII, even if it's not the deep, dramatic wreck you might expect from Malapascua. Lying in just 8 metres of water, it’s a playful dive, especially for those looking for something a bit different or a second dive after an early morning thresher shark encounter. This is a Japanese motor vessel, sunk during World War II, and it’s now completely colonised by the reef. You can easily spend a full hour here just poking around. Swim through the open cargo holds, which are now wide enough for a small bus, and watch the schools of fusiliers darting in and out of the light. Look closely on the hull and deck for frogfish, scorpionfish, and the occasional moray eel peering out from a crevice. It’s a photographer's playground, with beautiful light filtering through the shallow water and plenty of macro subjects. We’d suggest going in the late afternoon; the light is softer and sometimes you’ll have the whole site to yourself. Keep an eye on the sand nearby for blue-spotted rays, too.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.623333, 122.495000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

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 FRIENDSHIP VII

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 FRIENDSHIP VII

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