Cars Wreck (Dauin)

Cars Wreck (Dauin)

Prepare for an exciting muck and wreck dive at Cars Wreck, one of Dauin's celebrated dive sites, renowned for its unique blend of artificial reef structures and an abundance of fascinating macro life. This intermediate dive site promises an unforgettable experience for divers with the appropriate certification.

Dive Site Features

The dive site is characterized by a gently sloping black-sand bottom, typical of Dauin's rich muck diving environment. Divers will find two intentionally scuttled car or jeep hulks, resting at depths between approximately 24 m and 30 m, acting as artificial reefs. These vehicles are complemented by concrete pipes and steel boxes, strategically placed to enhance the habitat for marine creatures. The wrecks create an intriguing landscape, drawing in a diverse array of critters that thrive in this otherwise sandy expanse. While the currents here are typically mild, we recommend maintaining good buoyancy control to avoid silting, which can be a hazard in muck diving environments.

Marine Life Encounters

Cars Wreck is a macro photographer's dream and a haven for enthusiasts of unusual marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a spectacular variety of creatures, including the elusive Frogfish (Antennariidae spp.), often found camouflaged among the wrecks and artificial structures. Keep your eyes peeled for the delicate Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), which are masters of disguise. As dusk approaches, the dive site becomes particularly magical, offering reliable sightings of the vibrant Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) performing their intricate mating dances. We also frequently spot the captivating Broadclub Cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) here. Beyond these, the site is known for other incredible macro critters such as various nudibranchs (including Pikachu and Costasiella species), seahorses, robust and hairy ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, devil scorpionfish, and a multitude of tiny crabs and shrimp.

Diving Conditions and Certification

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Depth: The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 30 m, with the car wrecks typically found between 24 m and 30 m.
• Current: Generally mild.
• Water Temperature: Divers can expect comfortable water temperatures, typically ranging from 26°C to 29°C throughout the year.
• Certification Required: Due to the depth of the wrecks, an Advanced Open Water certification is required to fully explore this dive site. We recommend considering Nitrox to maximize your bottom time around the deeper wreck structures.
• Hazards: Potential hazards include silting, especially with poor buoyancy, and the depth of the site.

Cars Wreck offers a captivating experience for those who appreciate the smaller, more unusual inhabitants of the ocean. Its unique structures and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit for macro lovers in Dauin.