El Capitan

The El Capitan wreck, originally known as the SS Meriden and later commissioned as the USS Majaba (AG-43), is a well-known dive site in Subic Bay, Philippines. Built in 1919, this 80-meter long American freighter served as a cargo ship for the US military during World War II before being placed out of service in March 1946 and subsequently scuttled in Subic Bay on July 14th, 1946. The wreck now rests on its port side on a sloping sandy and silty bottom, with its starboard side, or top, as shallow as 4 to 5 meters and extending down to a maximum depth of 20-22 meters. Its relatively shallow depth, combined with generally mild to no currents, makes it an ideal site for divers of all levels, including beginners and those undergoing dive training. The wreck's large, wide-open cargo holds allow for safe exploration and swim-throughs without the need for advanced wreck penetration training, making it an excellent starting point for novice wreck divers. More advanced divers, if properly trained and equipped, can venture into its cavernous boiler room for more challenging penetrations. The El Capitan is approximately 3,000 tonnes and remains structurally intact, offering ample area to observe. The combination of its accessible depth, intact structure, and good visibility on many days allows for extended bottom times, often around 50 minutes, which is perfect for underwater photography. The wreck serves as an artificial reef, teeming with a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of jackfish, barracuda, lionfish, and various reef fish species such as spadefish, sweepers, butterflyfish, groupers, trumpetfish, anthias, damselfish, surgeonfish, and snapper. Occasionally, stingrays, octopus, cuttlefish, and turtles are also spotted in the surrounding reef and sandy areas. The site is frequently used for various dive courses, including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and even wreck specialist training. The overall conditions in Subic Bay typically feature water temperatures between 27-29°C year-round and visibility ranging from 5-30 meters depending on the site, tides, and recent weather. The best time to dive in Subic Bay, offering the best visibility and calmer conditions, is generally during the dry season, from November to May, and more specifically from February to May.