wreck

Log This Dive

DON BONIFACIO

Don Bonifacio is a Siargao standout, and we love it for its sheer accessibility and surprising character. This isn't a deep, challenging wreck dive. Instead, it’s a motor vessel, sunk back in 1970, that ran aground near Tonquil Point. What makes it special for us is that it sits right in the shallows – a perfect introduction to wreck diving without the depth or deco concerns. You’ll find the wreck well-broken up but still recognisable. Think of it as a skeleton, a series of ribs and plates now completely colonised by the reef. There are small swim-throughs formed by gaps in the hull, perfect for peeking into with a torch. We often spot schools of juvenile snapper flitting between the rusted metal, and the occasional lionfish tucked into an overhang. The coral growth here is surprisingly good given the boat’s age, creating vibrant patches of hard and soft corals. It’s a site that suits divers looking for something a bit different, a chance to explore history and reef life intertwined, without having to drop to serious depths. Plus, the light penetration is incredible, making for some fantastic wide-angle photo opportunities.