SUNSHINE I - Malapascua

The Sunshine I wreck is a good deeper dive, often paired with the nearby Gato Island for a full day out. This old tanker, down to 50 meters, sits mostly intact, giving you plenty to explore around its decks and superstructure. We've seen schools of snapper congregating in the deeper parts, and there are often scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull itself. Penetration is possible for trained divers, but even just finning around the exterior offers a decent sense of the ship's scale. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for something beyond the usual reef dives in Malapascua.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.550000, 123.666664
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area

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 SUNSHINE I

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 SUNSHINE I

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Sunshine I?
The Sunshine I dive site is located at a depth of 50 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers comfortable with advanced depth limits and proper training.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Sunshine I?
Divers at Sunshine I can expect to explore a fascinating underwater wreck, which is a tanker vessel measuring 58.8m x 10.1m. Sunk on April 20, 1993, this non-dangerous wreck provides an intriguing artificial reef structure. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided context, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates over time, making it a great spot for wildlife observation.
How challenging is the Sunshine I dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Sunshine I dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 50 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is not suitable for all experience levels. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for deep and wreck dives.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Sunshine I for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive at Sunshine I for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the Philippines, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Sunshine I?
Given the depth of 50 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers will typically require advanced certifications such as a Deep Diver specialty or equivalent to safely explore Sunshine I. Wreck diving experience or certification would also be highly beneficial for navigating the tanker vessel.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Sunshine I dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual currents or water conditions at the Sunshine I dive site. It is always recommended to check local dive conditions with a reputable dive operator in Malapascua before planning your dive.