SCUBA DIVING
Diving
at Subic Bay |
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The
tourism office for the area calls Subic Bay the “Pearl
of the Orient” and much like a pearl, it value
is hidden unless you know where to look. While scuba diving
is becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines and more
international divers are arriving, the growth of diving in
Subic Bay while growing is doing so at a slower rate. As a
long time diver at Subic I find this lack of respect as a
diving destination a puzzle. The area offers a wide variety
of wrecks to dive as well as reefs. Unlike Coron where you
ride for hours to get to a wreck site, the
majority of Subic sites are within 20
minutes of the dive centers. In addition, unlike most other
places in the Philippines, the dive boats used are conventional
boats not local banca. |
Just how many wrecks are there in Subic Bay and around its
entrance? That is a very difficult question. Unlike Coron
or Truk, whose wrecks occurred over a relatively short period,
Subic’s World War II (WWII) wrecks
covered almost the entire war period. No less than 25 Japanese
ships were reported sunk during the war years. Some of these
may have been removed in the late fifties as salvage operations
were done to open up the bay for shipping Additional ships
were sunk after the war either as targets or victims of mother
nature.
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It is widely believed that an additional ten large ships may
lie within the Bay. The area is not limited to WWII
wrecks, at the entrance to the bay alongside Grande Island,
is the remains of the Spanish American war wreck San Quintin.
Outside the bay in deep water lie the remains of a Spanish
Galleon as well as a 16th century Chinese Junk (beyond diving
range).
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The eruption
of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 did an enormous amount of damage
to Luzon and the Olongapo/Subic Bay area was very hard hit.
A meter of ash covered the area including homes and business.
Within days, a typhoon entered the area turning the ash into
mud. Many homes and business collapse under the weight. One
resident stated that the river looked just like the cement
coming out of a cement mixer. A large percentage of the coral
was killed lying under the ash.
When the Navy occupied the naval base at Olongapo, many of
the wrecks were closed to diving. Divers however had the advantage
of diving in water that was crystal clear with 40 or more
meters of visibility on the wrecks that were open. The bay
was the home of different varieties of sharks, dolphins, and
turtles. While a few turtles still nest on the beaches the
visibility, sharks and dolphins are no longer here. The visibility
is returning slowly and the coral is recovering. Hopefully
the turtles, sharks and dolphins will return in abundance
also. More turtles and rays have been seen this year than
last and the number of sharks just outside the bay also seems
to be on the rise.
The last few years have seen a dramatic growth in the number
of dive operators in the Bay area. In 1998 there was only
one full time operator at Subic today there are seven Three
dive centers also have integrated accommodations, Johan’s
on Baloy Long Beach, Barrio Barretto, Olongapo has very nice
simple rooms to service it dive clients and their friends.
Located on the beach you are just steps away from the beach
to your rooms. Also in Olongapo with their own beach is the
2N2 dive center. This center with its hotel caters mostly
to Korean Divers. On SBMA, Masterdive has Vascos, a restaurant
and small hotel combination. The owner of Masterdive has an
extensive background in wrecks in the Philippines. A few dive
centers are located at or tied into hotels. Blue Rock resort
has changed its name to Blue Rock Resort and Dive center.
Diver Down International is located at Subic International
Hotel. Scuba Shack is located on the waterfront next to the
new marina. Scuba Shack is the oldest dive center in Subic
Bay. Ocean Adventure also has a dive center. Grande Island
has just opened a dive center.
Seahorse tours and Souvenirs offers package
deals for divers and non divers.
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Dive
Operators Of Subic Bay |
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Scuba
Shack Is the first full time dive operator
to open at SBMA after the Navy left. It is ideally located
for divers staying at the hotels along the waterfront
of SBMA. It has a small dive store with most of the
basic items. Bldg. 249, Waterfront Rd., SBMA, Tel No.
+(63-47) 252-3005/252-7343 |
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Johan's
Adventure and Wreck Dive Center. Johan has
been in the diving business for more than 28 years and
is a ANDI and PADI certified instructor. He was one
of the first operators in the area and was on the wrecks
the day after the Americans left Subic.. During the
American occupation of Subic Bay, the wrecks were off
limits to recreational diving so there are few who have
ever had the opportunity to dive this pristine area
they have their own resort now with brand new spacious
rooms. Reception, Bar and Restaurant open 24 hrs. Midway
in Baloy Beach, Olongapo City Ph: +(63 47) 224-8915
Email: johan@subicdive.com |
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Blue
Rock Resort Newly remodeled with recently upgraded
rooms, the Blue Rock Resort offers you a casual and
relaxing atmosphere along the pristine waters of Baloy
Long Beach. All staff are P.A.D.I Professionals and
with 20 dive sites within 15 minutes boatride from the
resort, it makes for an excellent diving holiday. Blue
Rock Dive Center is also a TDI facility offering Nitrox,
Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures. Currently
managed by DDI. +(63 47) 224-90423 2247802 |
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Masterdive
is located right on the water only five minutes away
from the world famous wrecks in Subic Bay, Philippines!
Has a fully equipped scuba dive shop able to handle
all the needs of recreational and technical scuba divers,
including Nitrox blends for those extended bottom times.
They offer diving courses to all levels with PADI, TDI
and IANTD Certifications After a day of fantastic underwater
exploring, friendly old world charm awaits their guests
in the outstanding accommodations at Vasco's Helm, with
rooms located on the water for beautiful views of the
bay. Dive Center currently Managed by DDI 14 Argonaut
highway SBMA +(63-47) 252-1843 |
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Diver Down International
(DDI). The only Scuba School International
training facility in Subic Bay. The dive center has
moved from the swimming pool of Subic International
Hotel. They currently operate and Manage Blue Rock Resort
and Masterdive.
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Ocean
Adventure is proud to announce a most exciting
program - Dive with the Whales. There’s no other
like it in the world. Join the false killer whales in
their natural, open water home for a special, intimate
experience you’ll never forget. Wreck and reef
diving also available. Camayan Wharf, SBMA: +(63-47)
252-9000 |
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Boardwalk
Dive Center a new dive Center but PADI 5 Star
located at the Boardwalk inn. Just across Waterfront
road from the waterfront. (63) (47) 252-5357 |
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Encyclea
Publishing has released the "Subic
Bay Travel & Dive Guide" The
guide provides a wealth of information on hotels, restaurants
and local attractions. It also has additional historical
and general information. |
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Green
Fins
Photo of Subic Bay dive sites |
Dive
Tour Operators
Seahorse Tours and Souvenirs has package
deals for your dive vacation at Subic Bay, we represent
a wide range of accommodations and arrange your diving
and non diving activities. |
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