Diving in Subic Bay

Explore 44 dive sites in Subic Bay, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Subic Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Subic Bay occur in May, averaging 31.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.5°C
  • May: 31.4°C
  • June: 31.3°C
  • July: 30.8°C
  • August: 29.8°C
  • September: 30.0°C
  • October: 30.4°C
  • November: 30.4°C
  • December: 29.4°C

Marine Life in Subic Bay

Home to 63 recorded species including 49 reef fish, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Dive Site Difficulty in Subic Bay

Subic Bay has 5 intermediate, 2 expert dive sites - suitable for experienced divers.

Recommended Packing List for Subic Bay

Based on average water temperature of 30.0°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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

Marine Protected Areas in Subic Bay

  • Hundred Island National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Agoo-Damortis National Park - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA)/Las Piñas-Parañaque - Wetland Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • BBBIDA Pangasinan - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Zambales Marine Protected Area Network - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • SCPW - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category II)
  • Cabra Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Talabasi Reef Municipal Fish Sanctuary and Refuge - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bani Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Limay Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marine Reserve No.1 - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Orion Kent Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Paltic Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Puntian-Diguisit - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Rabaw Ti Bato - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sasmuan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ulol Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Pilar Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sabang Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Subic Bay - Nearest Airports

  • Subic Bay International Airport / Naval Air Station Cubi Point (SFS), Olongapo - 30 km away, approx 47 min travel time
  • Clark International Airport / Clark Air Base (CRK), Mabalacat - 40 km away, approx 58 min travel time
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila (Pasay) - 62 km away, approx 83 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in Subic Bay, including visibility and currents?
While specific details on visibility and currents are not provided, Subic Bay is described as a protected bay, which often implies calmer conditions. This environment supports healthy marine life around its numerous artificial reefs, suggesting generally favorable diving conditions.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in Subic Bay's dive sites?
Divers exploring Subic Bay can expect to encounter healthy marine life, particularly around the many artificial reefs and wrecks. While specific species are not detailed, the protected bay environment fosters a diverse ecosystem for various marine creatures.
What are considered the best or most popular dive sites in Subic Bay, especially for wreck diving?
For wreck diving enthusiasts, Subic Bay is renowned for its military vessels. Popular sites include the iconic USS New York (Wreck), El Capitan (USS Majaba), and the Douglas Skyraider (Wreck), all of which are considered Intermediate dives.
Is Subic Bay suitable for beginner divers, or are most dive sites geared towards more experienced or advanced divers?
Based on the available information, all listed dive sites in Subic Bay, including both wrecks and reefs, are categorized as Intermediate. This suggests that while not exclusively for advanced divers, most sites may be better suited for those with some prior diving experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Subic Bay for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The optimal time for diving in Subic Bay, particularly for warm water conditions, appears to be from May to July. During these months, average water temperatures are at their peak, reaching around 31.35°C in May, 31.32°C in June, and 30.81°C in July. For more general information on dive seasons, refer to our When to Dive guide.
How do travelers typically get to Subic Bay for a dive trip from major entry points like Manila or Clark?
Information regarding typical travel routes to Subic Bay from major entry points like Manila or Clark is not available in the provided data context. We recommend checking local transportation guides for the best travel options to this Philippine dive destination.
Are there any notable reef dive sites in Subic Bay, or is the diving primarily focused on shipwrecks?
While Subic Bay is renowned for its extensive wreck diving opportunities, it also features notable reef sites. Divers can explore locations like Coral Garden, DA'KUDOS Beach Resort, and North of Sampolac Point, all of which are classified as Intermediate dives and support healthy marine life.
What are the average water temperatures in Subic Bay, and is a wetsuit generally recommended for diving?
Average water temperatures in Subic Bay are quite warm, especially during the peak months of May through July, when they range from 30.81°C to 31.35°C. Given these high temperatures, many divers may find a thin wetsuit or even just a rash guard sufficient for thermal protection, though personal preference for equipment varies.