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SCUBA DIVING


Diving at Subic Bay


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.
reefs & wrecks at subic bay

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).

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.

dive magazine
smile at the camera, barges dive site
school at the barges
Dive Operators Of Subic Bay
scuba shack
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
johan's adventure and wreck dive center
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
blue rock resort
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
masterdive
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
diver down international (ddi)
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.
camayan beach
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
boardwalk dive center
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
subic bay travel guide
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.
green fins
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.
dive site
asia divesite
www.sohcool.com
 
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