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Pioneer Wreck

The Pioneer Wreck is one of Malapascua’s more intriguing dives, especially if you’ve already ticked off Monad Shoal. It’s not just a pile of metal; this Japanese WWII patrol boat, sunk by the Americans, sits upright and largely intact at 30 metres. We love dropping down to see the bow gun still pointing forward, and the mast rising towards the surface. Swim through the main holds where big groupers sometimes lurk in the gloom, or peek into the engine room if you’ve got the penetration skills. The wreck itself is a magnet for all sorts. We usually spot robust lionfish perched on railings, often a few morays peeking out from crevices, and schools of small, silvery fish that swirl around the structure. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs too; the old metalwork provides perfect camouflage. This dive is best for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and potential currents, which can pick up here. Our tip: go early to beat any potential boat traffic and enjoy the peace. It’s a proper piece of history, now a living reef.