Scuba Diving Subic Bay Philippines World War wrecks in the

scuba dive subic wrecks USS New York acr 2

scuba diving subic bay wrecks the japanese patrol boat

Subic Bay, nestled along the western coast of Luzon in the Philippines, is renowned for its pristine waters, vibrant marine life, and rich history.

Beneath the azure surface lies a hidden world of wonder, where sunken relics from bygone eras lay silent witness to the passage of time. These underwater treasures, scattered across the bay’s seabed, beckon to intrepid divers seeking to unravel the mysteries of the deep. From World War II relics to purpose-sunk artificial reefs, Subic Bay’s wreck dive sites offer a captivating glimpse into history’s embrace.

Subic Bay’s maritime heritage is deeply intertwined with its strategic significance as a naval base during World War II. The bay’s sheltered waters provided a safe haven for Allied ships, making it a prime target for Japanese forces during the Pacific campaign. Today, the remnants of that tumultuous era lie scattered across Subic Bay’s seabed, serving as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made and the battles fought in these waters.

San Quentin

The Sunken Tin, San Quintin,Mandingo

Dive Site Details:

Type of Site: Wreck Dive (Armored Cruiser)
Depth Range: 21 meters (69 feet)
Length: 50 meters (164 feet)
Weight: Unknown small wooden vessel
Skill Levels: Beginner to Intermediate (shallow depths make it accessible for newer divers)
Current: Mild to moderate, depending on tidal conditions
Visibility: 5 to 15 meters (16 to 50 feet), can vary with weather and tides
Average Dive Time (Recreational Diver): 40 to 60 minutes, depending on air consumption

San Quentin Dive Overview

The San Quentin is a wreck dive sitting at a depth of 16 meters to 21 meters, it is the oldest wreck in Subic Bay having been laid down by the Spanish Military during the Philippine-American war of 1898 making it over 120 years old. It has one of the more better visibility in the bay especially during the Dry season from November to April making the San Quentin dive site a favorite for underwater photographers and videographers. The corroded Spanish boat is now a beautiful artificial reef with abundant marine life.

Dive Profile

15 meters descent enjoy about 15 to 20 meters visibility and capture remains of the majestic steam powered Spanish sunken tin. She sits upright with its bow and stern still identifiable. Resting now at a shallow sandy bottom favored by corals and marine life, enjoy a leisurely dive of up to 50 minutes.

San Quentin Marine Life

The San Quentin wreck was scuttled a hundred years ago so it naturally has a deluge artificial reef. It is now home to Subic Bay’s vast marine life thanks to its shallow depth. Here are some types of marine life commonly found in and around the wreck:

Corals: Pink Soft Coral, Brain Coral

Hard Corals: The wreck is well-covered in stony corals that have colonized the remaining structure.
Soft Corals: Various species of soft corals add vibrant colors to the site.

Fish: reef fishes

Juvenile Fish: The wreck is teeming with juvenile fish, which use the structure as a nursery and shelter.
Damselfish: Often found darting around the corals.
Snapper and Sergeant Majors: Frequently seen schooling around the wreck.
Butterflyfish: These colorful fish are common around the corals on the wreck.
Trumpetfish: lounging about

Invertebrates:

Shrimp: Often hiding in small crevices of the wreck.
Crabs: Different species can be found scurrying around the debris.
Nudibranchs: Brightly colored sea slugs are a common sight on the wreck and nearby reef.
Octopus: Sometimes hides in the reef

Echinoderms:

Sea Stars: Various species of sea stars can be found resting on the wreck and the sandy bottom.
Sea Urchins: Commonly seen near the coral-covered sections of the wreck.

Reef:

Just 10 meters east of the wreck is a reef, which can be included in the dive. It supports a similar range of marine life, such as:
- Small reef fish like gobies and blennies.
- Anemones and their resident clownfish.

Ecological Importance:

The San Quentin site acts as a nursery for juvenile fish, making it a critical area for marine biodiversity. The abundance of coral growth and sheltered environment creates a thriving ecosystem, attracting a variety of species to the wreck.

With its vibrant marine life and historical significance, the San Quentin wreck offers an interesting dive experience for those looking to explore both the remnants of a historic ship and the underwater creatures that now call it home.

San Quentin Wreck History

The San Quentin was originally believed to be a Spanish gunboat in service during the late 19th century, at a time when Spain was struggling to maintain control over its colonial territories. It now seems to be a transport ship. “

The steam transport San Quintin, of the Spanish Navy, which arrived a short time ago from Vera Cruz with nearly two hundred sick soldiers, left again for the same place the day before yesterday, with provisions for the army and forage and maize for the horses and cattle of the expedition. from https://www.nytimes.com/1862/03/06/archives/interesting-from-havana-movements-of-the-mexican-general.html

The article was discovered by scuba diving nomad Charles Davis Jr.

Read full article here https://www.scubadivingnomad.com/history-of-the-spanish-armed-transport-san-quintin

One thing everyone agrees on is that in 1898, as the Spanish-American War erupted, the Spanish forces scuttled the San Quentin in a strategic move to block the eastern channel of Subic Bay. This was an attempt to prevent the advancing U.S. Navy from entering Subic Bay, one of Spain’s key naval strongholds in the Philippines.

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USS New York ACR-2

Saratoga, Rochester

Dive Site Details:

Type of Site: Wreck Dive (Spanish Gunboat)
Depth Range: 27 to 33 meters (90 to 110 feet)
Length: 117 meters (384 feet)
Weight: 8,900 tons (displacement)
Skill Levels: Advanced to Technical Divers (due to depth and potential overhead environment)
Current: Mild to moderate, but can vary depending on tides
Visibility: 5 meters (33 to 66 feet), may vary with conditions
Average Dive Time (Recreational Diver): 20 to 30 minutes, depending on air consumption and depth limits

USS New York ACR-2 Dive Overview

The USS New York hull symbol ACR-2, laid on its port side offers an exceptional wreck dive for experienced divers. Sitting at a depth of 27 meters, it is the longest wreck in Subic Bay and provides both seasoned recreational and technical divers ample skills training.

Dive Profile

Boasting of being structurally intact enough for anyone to recognize the two main guns on its fore and aft. The USS New York aft gun is close to the engine room, positioned roughly 20 meters. It has numerous entry points for engine room penetrations along the wreck’s length.

The mid-ships/bridge section which has a broken opening. Majority of the interior walls on this deck were originally made of wood that has deteriorated over time and left entire decks open and exposed. The upper hull is heavily armored and features numerous open-access hatches. The inner rooms spaces can span 2-3 meters wide and 10 meters high which can be quite dark but with minimal silting inside the deck except on the lowest part. It is where seasoned recreational divers go through because of the numerous exit points above and alongside the length of the USS New York like hatches, holes, and the gun deck that leads through the broken middle part of the wreck.

USS New York ACR-2 Marine Life

The USS New York ACR-2 wreck has become an artificial reef over the years, supporting a diverse range of marine life. Here are some types of marine life commonly found in and around the wreck:

Coral: Various species of hard and soft corals have colonized the wreck, providing a habitat for numerous marine organisms.

Fish: A wide array of fish species can be found, including:

Snapper: Often seen in schools around the wreck.
Groupers: Known to inhabit the areas within the wreck.
Surgeonfish: Frequently observed grazing on algae.

Invertebrates: The wreck is home to many invertebrates, such as:

Sea Anemones: Often found attached to the wreckage.
Sea Urchins: Commonly seen around the coral growths.
Starfish: Various species can be found resting on the deck and hull.

Crustaceans:

Shrimp: Often found hiding in crevices and under rocks.
Crabs: Various species can be spotted among the wreck’s structures.

Echinoderms:

Sea Cucumbers: Frequently seen on the ocean floor surrounding the wreck.
Brittle Stars: Commonly found clinging to the wreck and nearby structures.

Sponges: Colorful sponges of various sizes thrive on the wreck, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.

USS New York ACR-2 Wreck History

The second and more historical armored cruiser of the United States Navy that participated in both world wars. Unbeknownst to most, this historical ship has contributed so much to the Spanish-American War instigated by the explosion of USS New York sister ship USS Maine in Havana Harbor, prompting U.S. intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. The USS New York countered the attack by destroying the Matanzas fleet and unto 3 more battles contributing to ending the Spanish-American war that marked the rise of the United States as a dominant power in the Caribbean, resulting in the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It also set the stage for U.S. involvement in the Philippine Revolution, eventually leading to the Philippine–American War.

The USS New York was received with a Warrior’s welcome when it shipped back to its namesake’s port and became the flagship of the Asiatic fleet entering Cavite from Singapore and Samar as part of the US campaign against insurgents. She was a force to be reckoned with until being scuttled on December 24, 1941, by American forces to prevent its capture by the advancing Japanese fleet, but not until receiving almost all kinds of accolades. Sampson Medal, Spanish Campaign Medal, Philippine Campaign Medal, World War Victory Medal with Armed Guard and Escort clasps, Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal and Yangtze Service Medal.

The USS New York now rests in silent repose on the seabed, its hulking silhouette teeming with marine life. Divers exploring its weathered hull can glimpse artifacts of war frozen in time, from rusting cannons to twisted metal remnants of its mighty superstructure.

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BARGES

Dive Site Details:

Type of Site: Ruins dive site
Depth Range: 5-34 meters (16-118 feet)
Skill Levels: Suitable for novice to advanced divers
Current: None to very mild
Visibility: 15 to 20 meters depending on weather conditions
Average Dive Time (Recreational Diver): 45-60 minutes

Barges Dive Overview

The Barges dive site cannot really be called a wreck but more of ruins. This subic dive site has a gentle sandy slope from 5 meters to 34 meters, making it ideal for novice divers to advanced divers specially underwater photographer enthusiasts. The shallow reefs and crates and barrel ish ruins is has perfect lighting not to mention marine life real estate gold.

Dive Profile:

At a depth of just over 18 meters, the wreck offers excellent external exploration, particularly around the forward hold, which is wide open and easily accessible. This allows even novice divers to safely enter and explore the wreck. The starboard side lies at around 5 meters, making it easy to complete a dive without the need for an additional safety stop, while still enjoying the vibrant marine life that flourishes in the shallow areas.

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El Capitan Wreck (USS Majaba)

Meriden, USS Majaba

El Capitan Wreck (USS Majaba) Dive Overview

The El Capitan, originally named USS Majaba (AG 43), offers an exceptional wreck dive experience for both novice and experienced divers. Sitting at a depth of 18 meters, this wreck provides an opportunity for easy exploration, with areas that are well-suited for beginners, as well as sections that challenge more advanced divers.

Dive Profile:

From the forward hold, divers can venture into additional parts of the ship, such as the accommodation area and further aft into the rear cargo hold. Advanced divers, with proper training and equipment, may also explore the boiler room, which offers a relatively safe penetration experience due to the wreck’s intact structure and good visibility.

This dive site is particularly attractive due to its stable conditions, with no strong currents, shallow depth, and the overall intactness of the wreck. These factors make it an ideal site for those starting with wreck diving.

El Capitan Wreck (USS Majaba) Marine Life

The wreck is teeming with a variety of marine species, especially around the starboard side. Schools of small fish are abundant, and the interior holds often serve as a nursery for marine life. You can expect to see species like snapper, lionfish, and groupers, making it a rich site for photography and observation.

El Capitan Wreck (USS Majaba) Wreck History

The USS Majaba (AG 43), known by divers as El Capitan, began its life as SS Meriden, built in 1919 by Albina Engine & Machine Works in Portland, Oregon. It was originally a lumber transport vessel owned by E. K. Wood Lumber Co. of San Francisco, California.

During World War II, the ship was acquired by the U.S. Navy under charter in 1942 and renamed USS Majaba. It served in the Pacific theater during the war. After the war, the ship was decommissioned and laid to rest at Subic Bay on 14 March 1946. The wreck remains structurally intact, providing a unique combination of history and marine exploration.

The El Capitan is an excellent wreck for beginners to gain experience in wreck diving while offering enough complexity to keep more experienced divers engaged. Its historical significance and current marine life make it one of the standout dive sites in Subic Bay.

A former freighter turned Japanese auxiliary vessel, the El Capitan met its fate during an Allied air raid in 1944. Now lying in shallow waters off Grande Island, the wreck is a haven for underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Schools of fish dart among its skeletal remains, while moray eels peer out from their rocky hideaways, creating a tableau of life amidst the wreckage of war.

Beyond its historical and ecological significance, Subic Bay’s wreck dive sites also offer unique opportunities for adventure and discovery. The challenge of navigating through submerged passages and exploring hidden chambers evokes a sense of excitement and wonder, as divers uncover secrets hidden beneath the waves. Whether diving amid the wreckage of war or marveling at the beauty of artificial reefs, Subic Bay’s underwater landscape never fails to captivate and inspire.

Yet, amidst the allure of exploration, divers must also heed the call of conservation and responsible tourism. As custodians of these fragile ecosystems, it is incumbent upon us to tread lightly and minimize our impact on the marine environment. By practicing proper buoyancy control, refraining from touching or disturbing marine life, and adhering to established dive protocols, we can ensure that Subic Bay’s wreck dive sites remain pristine and accessible for future generations to enjoy.

In conclusion, Subic Bay’s wreck dive sites offer a window into the past, a sanctuary for marine life, and a playground for adventurous souls. From the sunken relics of World War II to the vibrant artificial reefs teeming with biodiversity, Subic Bay’s underwater treasures are as diverse as they are captivating. As we plunge into the depths of this underwater wonderland, let us remember to cherish and protect the fragile beauty that lies beneath the surface, ensuring that Subic Bay remains a beacon of exploration and conservation for years to come.