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Oakita Maru

The Oakita Maru, sitting just a short boat ride from Malapascua’s Bounty Beach, is one of our favourite afternoon dives when we’re not chasing thresher sharks. It’s an honest, mid-size Japanese cargo ship from WWII, scuttled and now lying on its port side in about 30 metres. We love dropping down into the silence and seeing its dark form materialise, often with schools of batfish circling the mast. What makes the Oakita Maru special isn’t just its history, but how nature has completely taken over. We've spent countless dives poking into cargo holds, shining our lights into the bridge, and spotting lionfish tucked into shadowed corners. Look out for the resident frogfish, they’re masters of camouflage and always a treat. The engine room is accessible for experienced wreck divers, a truly atmospheric penetration, but even just exploring the exterior offers plenty. This site suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and the way they become artificial reefs, providing shelter for a surprising amount of marine life.