Alma Jane Wreck

Alma Jane Wreck, Puerto Galera

Prepare for an exceptional wreck diving experience at the Alma Jane, one of Puerto Galera's most celebrated dive sites. This impressive artificial reef offers an immersive journey into a thriving underwater ecosystem, perfect for divers seeking adventure and abundant marine life.

The Wreck Itself

The Alma Jane is a 115-foot (approximately 35-meter) Filipino steel cargo ship, deliberately scuttled in March 2003 off Sabang to create an artificial reef. She rests perfectly upright on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 30 m, making her a striking sight as divers descend. Before her sinking, the vessel was meticulously stripped of overhead entanglements and hazardous objects, enhancing diver safety. Today, the Alma Jane is completely encrusted in a vibrant tapestry of hard and soft corals, transforming her superstructure into a vertical reef teeming with life. While the hull and stern remain largely intact, some parts of the wreck are collapsing, so we advise caution if exploring the interior. Divers can admire the open cargo holds and even peek into cabin doorways, though extensive penetration is not recommended due to potential sharp metal and structural changes.

Marine Life Encounters

The Alma Jane is a magnet for a diverse array of marine species. Divers will find dense schools of Longfin Batfish and Checkered Snapper hovering gracefully over the deck. Common Lionfish (Red Sea) patrol the rails, while Papuan Scorpionfish expertly camouflage themselves on the encrusted surfaces. Keep an eye out for impressive Giant Trevally cruising in the blue. Beyond these, the wreck is a macro photographer's dream, hosting numerous critters such as various species of frogfish (including giant, warty, leaf, and tasseled scorpionfish), colorful nudibranchs, and delicate pipefish like the ornate ghost pipefish. We often encounter sweetlips, pufferfish, and moray eels, with occasional sightings of cuttlefish and various shrimp species. Sea turtles are also known to frequent the area, often resting on the sand nearby.

Diving Conditions and Certification

The Alma Jane Wreck is classified as an advanced dive site. The depth range for exploring the wreck typically spans from 22 m to a maximum depth of 30 m, where the vessel rests on the seabed. Water temperature generally fluctuates between 23°C and 29°C year-round, offering comfortable diving conditions. We typically experience moderate currents at this dive site, though conditions can vary depending on the season and time of day. Due to the depth and the potential for varying currents, an Advanced Open Water certification is required to dive the Alma Jane. Managing bottom time at these depths is crucial, and we always recommend planning your dive carefully and adhering to your no-decompression limits. While the wreck was prepared for diving, divers should remain vigilant for sharp metal edges and avoid unsupported penetration into confined spaces.