GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Subic Bay

The General Santos City wreck in Subic Bay is a proper dive, one we keep coming back to. She’s a carrier vessel, went down in '76 after a fire, and now rests upright at 25 metres. The visibility here can vary, but on a good day, you'll see the full outline of her as you drop, a dark shape emerging from the blue. What we really like about this wreck is how explorable she is. Her cargo holds are open, inviting you in, and you can swim through large sections, peering into the gloom. The light filters down, playing across the bulkheads, and it’s always a little eerie, a little thrilling. We’ve found a fair few nudibranchs tucked into the crevices, and the resident batfish often hang out around the stern, quite curious as you approach. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, looking closely at the details, rather than just zooming past. This site suits divers comfortable with wreck penetration and who appreciate a good historical story with their dive.

Location
Subic Bay, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
14.495133, 120.809784
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA)/Las Piñas-Parañaque

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Subic Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to GENERAL SANTOS CITY

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for GENERAL SANTOS CITY

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and types of dive sites available in General Santos City?
The primary dive site in General Santos City is a captivating wreck, a carrier vessel that sank in 1976. Divers can expect to explore this site at a depth of 25m. This particular wreck measures 89.3m x 12.8m and offers a unique historical diving experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater scenery can divers expect to see when diving in General Santos City?
The provided data for the General Santos City dive site does not specify the marine life or underwater scenery divers can expect to encounter. For general information on marine species in the region, you might explore our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites in General Santos City, and are there options suitable for beginner divers?
The dive site in General Santos City is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Furthermore, it is described as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating it may not be suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for this type of site.
What is the best time of year to go diving in General Santos City for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving in General Santos City to experience optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Philippines, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for exploring the various dive sites around General Santos City?
Exploring the General Santos City dive site, an intermediate-level wreck at 25m depth and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," typically suggests a certification beyond Open Water Diver. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for such conditions, often an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents, visibility, and temperature, like for diving in General Santos City?
The provided data for the General Santos City dive site does not include specific details on typical water conditions such as currents, visibility, or temperature. Divers should consult local dive operators for current conditions before planning their dive.