ALKENE - Siargao

Alkene isn't your typical Siargao dive; it's something special, especially for wreck fanatics. This isn't a deep blue wall, but a shallow, accessible wreck with a real sense of history. The *Alkene*, a tanker built during WWII, ran aground off Anajauan Island in 1974. We love that it’s so close to the surface, just 2m deep, which makes it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking it all in. You'll spend your time exploring the rusted remains, tracing the deck and superstructure. We've seen schools of juvenile snapper darting through the metalwork, and the sunlight piercing the hull creates some genuinely atmospheric scenes. It's a great spot for photographers keen on capturing the interplay of natural light and decaying steel. Visibility can shift depending on the tide, but typically it’s clear enough to make out the full 99-meter length. Our tip: go during high tide for the best conditions, and keep an eye out for resident batfish that seem to have made the wreck their permanent home. While it’s shallow, there’s still plenty to see and appreciate about this old girl.

Location
Siargao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.598333, 126.136665
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ALKENE

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
grounding

The Alkene was a tanker built in 1945 by the St. John's River Shipbuilding Co. in Jacksonville, Florida. Its construction during the final year of World War II suggests it was likely a T1-class tanker, a small and versatile workhorse designed to transport fuel to remote ports and islands across the Pacific. After the war, it transitioned to civilian service, eventually being acquired by the Luzon Stevedoring Corporation in the Philippines. Its career came to an abrupt end on January 9, 1974, when, on a passage from Bislig to Bataan, it ran aground off Siargao Island.

Today, the Alkene rests in just 2 meters of water, making it a spectacular and easily accessible dive and snorkel site. Its massive tanker structure, lying in the clear, shallow waters of the Philippines, is an awesome sight. Divers can explore the large deck, superstructure, and swim-throughs, all bathed in bright sunlight. The wreck has become a haven for marine life, with its steel plates now encrusted in coral and swarmed by schools of fish. Its shallow depth makes it a perfect location for a long, leisurely second dive or a memorable experience for less experienced divers.

Marine Protected Area: Island of Siargao, Bucas Grande, Middle Bucas and East Bucas in Dinagat MSFR & Island of Siargao, Poneas, Dahican, Tona, Laonan Abanay and Bancuyo Wilderness Area

Best Time to Dive in Siargao

The warmest water temperatures in Siargao occur in September, averaging 30.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C
  • February: 27.7°C
  • March: 27.9°C
  • April: 28.4°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 29.3°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 30.1°C
  • September: 30.2°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 29.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Siargao

Nearest Dive Centres to ALKENE

Marine Life in Siargao

Home to 87 recorded species including 62 reef fish, 7 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALKENE

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C, currents 2 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