BUTUAN - Visayas

The Butuan wreck sits upright in a rare 10 metres of water. It’s an old motor vessel, sunk back in '73 after a steering failure sent it into a reef. We love how accessible it is; a true shallow wreck dive, perfect for extended bottom times and for those who like to take things slow. The ship's structure is still largely intact, barnacled and soft coral-encrusted, but you can clearly make out the bow and stern. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the mast, and we’ve spotted plenty of lionfish tucked into shadowy crevices along the deck. The light penetration is fantastic at this depth, painting the corals in greens and oranges, especially on sunny mornings. We’d suggest going early; the visibility tends to be best before the afternoon boat traffic kicks up the sediment. This isn't a dive for big pelagics, but if you enjoy history and finding macro life on a coral-covered frame, it's a solid choice.

Location
Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.382167, 124.023000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - BUTUAN

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The M/V Butuan was a motor vessel built during the final years of World War II in 1944. For nearly three decades, it served the Philippine archipelago, transporting goods and likely passengers between its islands. Its final voyage began in Butuan City, from which it took its name, with a destination set for various other ports throughout the Philippines.

On June 27, 1973, while navigating the Canigao Channel in the Visayas, disaster struck. The vessel veered off course and struck a reef off Bagacay Point, sustaining critical damage. The grounding was severe, and the M/V Butuan ultimately succumbed to the sea, sinking to the channel floor. Its loss was a stark reminder of the navigational dangers present in the reef-strewn waters of the region.

Resting in just 10 meters of water, the Butuan is now a highly accessible and fascinating wreck dive. Its shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and bathes the site in natural light, making it ideal for underwater photographers and novice wreck divers. Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a lively artificial reef, its structure providing a home for countless species of fish and invertebrates native to the rich waters of the Visayas.

Marine Protected Area: Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Dive in Visayas

The warmest water temperatures in Visayas occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 23.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Visayas

Nearest Dive Centres to BUTUAN

Marine Life in Visayas

Home to 577 recorded species including 463 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 21 hard corals, 19 sea snails & nudibranchs, 14 sea cucumbers, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BUTUAN

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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