Upside Down Landing Craft Utility (LCU2) - Subic Bay

The Upside Down LCU2 is a cracking wreck dive, and one of our favourites in Subic Bay. Lying on its deck at 29 metres, the twin propellers are the first things you’ll spot as you descend, glinting in the shafts of light that pierce the murky green. We love how approachable this wreck is, even for newer wreck divers. You can fin right into the stern and explore the main vehicle bay, where the light plays through the entry ramp, creating some eerie shadows. Look closely in the darker corners for lionfish or an occasional stonefish, masters of camouflage. The wreck attracts plenty of schooling fusiliers and rabbitfish, making it feel alive despite its history. It’s a great site for photographers too, particularly if you're looking for moody, atmospheric shots, but be prepared for lower visibility, sometimes dipping to just 5-8 metres, especially after rain. Our tip? Go early in the morning for the best chance of slightly clearer water. It’s a solid dive for anyone comfortable at depth and keen to explore inside a wreck without too much challenge.

Location: Subic Bay, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 14.771000, 120.219600
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 Upside Down Landing Craft Utility (LCU2)

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 Upside Down Landing Craft Utility (LCU2)

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