Kanduli - Subic Bay

Kanduli isn't about depth or big fish. This is a shallow, sprawling wreck in Subic Bay, and it’s a site we genuinely love for its sheer approachability. At a maximum of six metres, it’s basically a pool dive, but with so much more character. The Kanduli is a barge, long sunk, and now completely taken over by the bay. We always find something new here. We usually jump in and immediately feel the shift from murky surface to a surprisingly clear, if green-tinted, world. The wreck itself is broken, twisted metal, an artificial reef that’s become a home for everything from juvenile batfish to the resident lionfish we often spot tucked into crevices. Look closely at the hull plates. You’ll see them carpeted in colourful sponges and soft corals, a genuine feast for the eyes. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers wanting to practice close-ups without battling current or depth, or for anyone who just wants to potter about a piece of history. Dive it slowly, give yourself time to really explore the nooks and crannies. You’ll be surprised by what you find.

Location: Subic Bay, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 14.583683, 120.936840
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 6m

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

Nearest Dive Centres to Kanduli

Arizona Dive Shop - PADI
Blueworld Dive Center - ["PADI"]
Camayan Divers - ["PADI"]
Dive Buddies Philippines - ["PADI"]
Divers Point
Ocean Deep - Diver Training Center (PADI)

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

Flagfin Mojarra (Gerres filamentosus) - Reef Fish
Species code: Ea (Enhalus acoroides) - Seagrass & Algae
Crescent Grunter (Terapon jarbua) - Reef Fish
Bar Eyed Goby (Glossogobius giuris) - Reef Fish
Green Rrough-backed Puffer (Lagocephalus lunaris) - Reef Fish
Silver Sillago (Sillago sihama) - Reef Fish
Common Ponyfish (Leiognathus equula) - Reef Fish
Toothed Ponyfish (Gazza minuta) - Reef Fish
Blacktip Ponyfish (Eubleekeria splendens) - Reef Fish
Honeycomb coral (Favites abdita) - Hard Corals
thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
Six-banded Rock Cod (Epinephelus sexfasciatus) - Reef Fish
Silverfish (Trichiurus lepturus) - Reef Fish
Silver Javelin (Pomadasys argenteus) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora millepora) - Hard Corals
Canif (Aeoliscus strigatus) - Reef Fish
Butterfish (Scatophagus argus) - Reef Fish
Puntang Goby (Exyrias puntang) - Reef Fish
Giant Herring (Elops hawaiensis) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Kanduli

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