Tapilon Wreck
A Second World War Japanese cargo ship, broken into sections on the seabed.
- Depth
- 22 - 32 m
- Level
- Advanced
- Specialty
- WWII Wreck
Malapascua Island dive sites
Dona Marilyn Wreck Dive
A Cebu to Manila ferry lost in a 1988 typhoon, lying on its side at 18 to 32 m.
- Wrecks
- Depth
- 18 - 32 m
- Level
- Advanced
- Specialty
- Wreck
- Boat time
- Approx. 60 minutes
Overview
The Dona Marilyn was a Cebu to Manila passenger ferry that sank in Typhoon Unsang in 1988. She lies on her starboard side at roughly 18 to 32 m and is about 100 m long, one of the largest wrecks in the area.
Soft corals cover the hull and big schools of fish circle it: glassfish, sweetlips, scorpionfish and nudibranchs, and occasionally eagle rays and sharks. It is an advanced dive because of the depth and possible current. The wreck is about an hour away by boat, so it is a full-day trip, and penetration needs wreck training.
Marine Life
Dive Site Details
- Depth
- 18 - 32 m
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Best time to dive
- Year-round, on a full-day trip.
- Marine life
- Glassfish, sweetlips, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, soft corals and occasional eagle rays.
- Conditions
- Depth and possible current make it an advanced dive.
- Boat time
- Approx. 60 minutes
- Type
- Ferry wreck
A 100 m ferry on her side, wrapped in soft coral and circling fish.
Diver Notes & Tips
- Advanced Open Water or higher is recommended.
- Penetrating the wreck requires wreck-diver training.
- It is about an hour by boat: expect a full day.
Related Dive Sites
Pioneer Wreck
A deep wreck for technical divers only, at roughly 46 to 54 m.
- Depth
- 46 - 54 m
- Level
- Advanced
- Specialty
- Technical
Lighthouse
A shallow muck and macro site, best known for mandarin fish at dusk.
- Depth
- 3 - 10 m
- Level
- All Levels
- Specialty
- Mandarin Fish