CEBU - Visayas

The Cebu wreck, just southeast of Mactan, isn't one of those purpose-sunk playgrounds. This is a proper old cargo ship, the *MV Cebu*, an ex-German build from 1944 that ran aground back in '73. She lies broken but still substantial, her 115-meter length providing plenty of scope for exploration, especially if you like penetrating the holds. We often find schooling fusiliers swirling around the superstructure and a good number of lionfish tucked into the darker corners. It's an excellent site for divers who appreciate a bit of history with their dive and are comfortable navigating confined spaces.

Location
Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.232166, 124.051330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 CEBU

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 CEBU

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and visibility like at popular dive sites in Cebu?
For the specific CEBU wreck, the depth is listed as 0m, indicating it's very shallow or starts at the surface. However, typical diving depths and visibility for other popular dive sites across Cebu are not provided in the current data.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see in Cebu, especially in places like Moalboal and Malapascua?
One notable underwater attraction in Cebu is the CEBU wreck, a motor vessel sunk in 1973, measuring 114.9m x 15.2m. This wreck is classified as showing any portion of its hull or superstructure. Information regarding specific marine life or attractions in areas like Moalboal and Malapascua is not available in the provided data.
How challenging are the dive sites in Cebu for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers?
The CEBU wreck in Cebu is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort in various underwater conditions. Specific difficulty ratings for other dive sites in Cebu, catering to beginners or advanced divers, are not detailed in the current information.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Cebu for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions and marine encounters in Cebu is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in Cebu, particularly for specific sites like the thresher shark dives?
The provided data does not specify required or recommended scuba diving certifications for diving in Cebu, nor does it mention requirements for specific sites like thresher shark dives. Divers should always check with local dive operators for specific certification requirements.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Cebu's main dive spots?
Details on typical water conditions and currents at Cebu's main dive spots are not included in the available data. Divers are advised to consult local dive guides for up-to-date information on site-specific conditions.