DON BONIFACIO - Siargao

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.

Location
Siargao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.816667, 126.450000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 DON BONIFACIO

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 DON BONIFACIO

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