JONATHAN - Subic Bay

The Jonathan is one of our favourite Subic Bay wrecks, a fishing vessel that sank back in 1979 after a collision. You’ll find her sitting upright on the seabed at 25 metres. We love how intact she is, especially the bow where you can still clearly make out the anchor chains and the winch. The wheelhouse is gone, but the hull itself is a fascinating structure to explore. Inside, the light filters through the portholes, creating an almost cathedral-like feel in some sections, particularly on a sunny morning. Look for the resident batfish that often hang out near the deeper stern section, their silver scales catching the ambient light. We’ve also seen some really impressive lionfish here, tucked into crevices, so keep an eye out. The Jonathan is perfect for divers who appreciate a relatively shallow, accessible wreck with plenty of character. It’s not a massive wreck, but there’s enough to keep you occupied for a full dive, poking into the holds and admiring the way the artificial reef has taken hold. Definitely one to add to your Subic list if you’re into the area’s history.

Location
Subic Bay, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
14.583333, 120.750000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Limay Fish Sanctuary

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 JONATHAN

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 JONATHAN

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