QUEEN MARY (PROBABLY) - Visayas

So, the Queen Mary (Probably). We love the name, a nod to the local divemasters who aren't entirely sure of its true identity. It sits in a shallow seven metres, perfect for a long bottom time, and it’s a site we always try to hit when we’re in the area. This isn't some grand ocean liner, but a classic motor vessel, probably 30-40 metres long. It’s mostly intact, a ghostly outline against the sand, and the upper deck is a fantastic spot to explore. You can peer into the holds, which are now home to schools of snapper and the occasional lionfish, their venomous spines fanning out as you approach. We’ve found pygmy seahorses clinging to the gorgonians that have started to sprout from the railing, their tiny tails wrapped tight. For photographers, the light here is incredible, especially mid-morning when it streams through the gaps in the hull. You'll often see robust ghost pipefish swaying gently in the slight current, mimicking the crinoids. It's an easy dive, suitable for anyone comfortable with finning around a structure, and honestly, we think it’s a brilliant introduction to wreck diving without the usual depth demands.

Location: Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates: 10.302917, 123.920950
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 7m

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to QUEEN MARY (PROBABLY)

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

Scarlet wrasse (Pseudocheilinus evanidus) - Reef Fish
Blacktip Ponyfish (Eubleekeria splendens) - Reef Fish
Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) - Reef Fish
Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) - Reef Fish
Banded Toby (Canthigaster valentini) - Reef Fish
Comettailed wrasse (Oxycheilinus bimaculatus) - Reef Fish
Angel abu polos (Centropyge vrolikii) - Reef Fish
Six-line wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) - Reef Fish
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Sleek Unicornfish (Naso hexacanthus) - Reef Fish
Barred Unicornfish (Naso thynnoides) - Reef Fish
Bloodspot pipefish (Corythoichthys haematopterus) - Reef Fish
Blue-scaled wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura) - Reef Fish
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Clark's anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) - Reef Fish
Parrotfish (Thalassoma hardwicke) - Reef Fish
Blackspine Unicornfish (Naso minor) - Reef Fish
Crescent Grunter (Terapon jarbua) - Reef Fish
Blenny (Istiblennius dussumieri) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for QUEEN MARY (PROBABLY)

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