Kyokuzan Maru

Kyokuzan Maru: A Pristine WWII Wreck in Coron's Northern Reaches

For divers seeking an unparalleled wreck experience in Coron, the Kyokuzan Maru stands as a monumental testament to history and a vibrant artificial reef. This 136-meter (450-foot) Japanese auxiliary army supply vessel, sunk on September 24, 1944, during a decisive US air raid, rests almost perfectly upright on the sandy seabed, largely intact and remarkably preserved.

Dive Conditions and Location

Located far north of Busuanga Island, near Dimalanta Island, the Kyokuzan Maru is isolated from the central bay, making it a less frequently visited dive site. This remoteness, however, is a key to its pristine condition, as it spares the wreck from heavy daily diver traffic. Washed by cleaner oceanic currents, divers will find excellent visibility here, often exceeding 20 meters, making it renowned for offering some of Coron's best wreck visibility. While currents are typically mild, the water temperature remains a comfortable 27-30°C year-round.

Depth, Difficulty, and Hazards

The Kyokuzan Maru is an advanced dive site, demanding careful planning and execution. The wreck's mast area begins at 12-14 meters, with the wheelhouse at 22-24 meters and the main deck between 26-28 meters. The first-level cargo holds are found around 30-33 meters, and the hull settles at a maximum depth of 42 meters. Due to these depths and the potential for penetration, we require divers to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification, with a Deep Diver Specialty highly recommended. Nitrox is also highly recommended to extend bottom time and enhance safety. Key hazards include the significant depth, the need for disciplined gas management, decompression obligations, and the overhead environment within the wreck. Divers should also be aware of potential boat traffic in the area. A critical safety note: one of the cargo holds is reported to contain leaking barrels of a solvent that can burn skin, so we strongly advise against entering that specific hold.

Wartime Artifacts and Wreck Exploration

Exploring the Kyokuzan Maru offers a unique journey into a preserved piece of history. The cavernous cargo holds still house recognizable wartime artifacts, including the remains of Japanese staff vehicles, such as a Japanese Army jeep chassis with intact whitewall tires, and a Toyota truck. Divers can also discover scattered pottery with the ship's insignia and other remnants from its past as a spare parts supply vessel. The wreck's largely intact structure and wide-open cargo holds provide exciting opportunities for penetration, allowing experienced divers to explore its interior safely. We recommend at least two dives to fully appreciate the scale and hidden treasures of this impressive vessel.

Thriving Marine Life

Beyond its historical significance, the Kyokuzan Maru has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, teeming with diverse marine life. Divers will find the wreck adorned with vibrant hard and soft corals, sponges, shells, and tunicates. We frequently encounter schools of Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) patrolling the wreck, along with curious Longfin Batfish (Platax teira). Keep an eye out for Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and the graceful Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari) in the blue. Inside and around the wreck, you can also spot Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), lionfish, scorpionfish, trumpetfish, pufferfish, nudibranchs, snappers, trevallies, groupers, anthias, cuttlefish, lobsters, clams, wrasses, angelfish, surgeonfish, fusiliers, and soldierfish. An occasional manta ray might even make an appearance.