DONA LILIAN - Siargao

For those days when you’ve had your fill of Siargao’s reef dives, the Dona Lilian is a welcome change of pace. This isn’t a shallow, coral-encrusted wreck. She sits upright on the seabed at 45 metres, a proper deep dive that we think is best for experienced wreck enthusiasts. The visibility here is usually pretty good, and the dark silhouette of the 63-metre carrier vessel comes into view slowly, almost majestically, as you descend. Built in 1967, the Dona Lilian sank in 1982 en route from Bislig to Surigao City. The cause remains a mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the dive. We love poking around the bridge area, though much of the superstructure has deteriorated over the decades. What you’ll find now is a skeleton of metal, home to some seriously chunky groupers and schools of snapper that swirl around the cargo holds. There’s a quietness down there, a real sense of history. Keep an eye out for lionfish tucked into the crevices and the occasional moray eel peering out from the deeper sections. Our pick for timing is late morning, after the current has settled a bit.

Location
Siargao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.083333, 126.250000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

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 DONA LILIAN

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 DONA LILIAN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the Dona Marilyn Wreck?
The maximum depth for diving the Dona Lilian wreck is 45 meters. This makes it a fascinating dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations in the Siargao region.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Dona Marilyn Wreck dive site?
Divers exploring the Dona Lilian wreck can expect to encounter the impressive structure of a sunken carrier vessel, measuring 63.7 meters long and 9.8 meters wide. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like this often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. For more general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Dona Marilyn Wreck dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Dona Lilian wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have prior experience with deeper dives and wreck diving techniques to safely explore this site. It's an excellent opportunity for certified divers looking to advance their skills in the Philippines.
What is the best time of year to dive the Dona Marilyn Wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Dona Lilian wreck for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Siargao area, please consult our when-to-dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Dona Marilyn Wreck?
Given the Dona Lilian wreck's maximum depth of 45 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, advanced open water certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck diving training, would be highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper and more complex wreck explorations.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Dona Marilyn Wreck dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Dona Lilian wreck dive site are not specified in the available information. Divers should always check local dive conditions with a reputable dive operator before planning their dive at this Siargao dive site.