L2D “Tabby“ (Japaness DC-3) - Subic Bay

The L2D "Tabby" is one of those Subic Bay wrecks that truly tells a story. We love this site not just for the plane itself, but for the quiet solemnity of it all. At 29 metres, the visibility can be a bit hit or miss, but on a good day, the silhouette of the fuselage emerging from the blue is genuinely striking. We’d suggest going early in the morning to catch the best light. You’ll drop down onto the main fuselage, largely intact, though the tail section is separated. It’s a great intermediate dive; penetration is possible into the cockpit, though it’s tight and we always recommend a light and appropriate training. Look for the radial engines, often covered in dense patches of soft corals, and keep an eye out for resident lionfish sheltering under the wings. Our favourite detail has to be the cockpit controls, still surprisingly discernible, giving you a real sense of history. This dive is perfect for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a historical relic more than a bustling reef.

Location: Subic Bay, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 14.778800, 120.231200
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 29m
Difficulty: Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Sabang Marine Protected Area

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 L2D “Tabby“ (Japaness DC-3)

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 L2D “Tabby“ (Japaness DC-3)

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