Dona Marilyn Wreck

The Dona Marilyn Wreck is a significant dive site located near Malapascua Island in the Philippines, about a 90-minute boat ride away. This 100-meter (or 97.6 to 98-meter) passenger ferry, formerly operated by Sulpicio Lines Inc., tragically sank on October 23, 1988, during Typhoon Ruby (also known as Unsang) while en route from Manila to Tacloban. The disaster resulted in considerable loss of life, with reports of over 300 to 400 people killed and only 147 survivors.

Today, the wreck lies intact on its starboard side at depths ranging from 17-18 meters at its shallowest point to 32-35 meters at the deepest. It is considered one of the most beautiful wrecks in the Visayas, having transformed into an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The wreck is covered in healthy soft corals, black corals, gorgonians, and anthozoans, with lost fishing nets encrusted in coral draped over parts of it, creating an eerie yet captivating atmosphere.

The Dona Marilyn is recommended for advanced divers due to its depth and the potential for strong currents in its mid-channel position. Penetration is possible for qualified divers, offering exploration of its interior, which has largely remained unsalvaged and holds various electrical parts and oil drums in its cargo holds. The dive allows for observation of numerous species, including large sweetlips, cuttlefish, giant moray eels, white-tip sharks, marble rays, and blue-spotted rays, often resting under the bow. Eagle rays and devil rays are also occasionally seen passing by. The wreck also hosts thousands of tiny glassfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, flatworms, batfish, and purple fire sea urchins with their resident zebra crabs and Coleman's shrimp. Visibility at the site generally ranges from 15-20 meters, though it can decrease to 5-10 meters during the winter months of November to January. Water temperatures are typically between 27-30°C, dropping slightly to 25°C at depth during December to February. The site is accessible year-round, with the calmest seas and lowest rainfall from late February to May. This dive offers a unique blend of historical exploration and vibrant marine encounters, making it a must-do for experienced divers visiting Malapascua.