Okikawa Maru

Okikawa Maru: A Majestic Wreck Dive in Coron

We invite divers to explore the impressive Okikawa Maru, the largest continuous wreck by volume in Coron Bay, Philippines. This dive site offers an unparalleled journey into history and a vibrant artificial reef, making it a must-visit for advanced divers.

History and Wreck Features

The Okikawa Maru was a 168-meter (some sources indicate 160-meter) 1TL-class civilian oil tanker, later utilized by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Her tragic end came during World War II. She was first bombed at the bow on September 24, 1944, and subsequently burned for over two weeks before a second strike on October 9, 1944, sent her to the bottom of Coron Bay, where she now rests upright on her keel.

Today, divers will find this colossal vessel transformed into a thriving underwater ecosystem. The main deck, lying between 10 m and 16 m, is an expansive hard-coral artificial reef, teeming with marine life. While the bow section has collapsed and continues to degrade, the sheer scale of the wreck is awe-inspiring.

Diving Experience and Conditions

The Okikawa Maru is classified as an advanced dive site due to its depth and potential conditions. The maximum depth can reach approximately 43 m at the bottom, with the main deck accessible from around 10 m to 16 m. Water temperatures in Coron Bay generally range from a comfortable 27°C to 30°C, ensuring a pleasant dive experience year-round. However, currents at the dive site can be variable and sometimes strong, which can affect visibility, typically ranging from 7 m to 30 m depending on tidal strength.

For Open Water certified divers, the shallower deck areas offer fantastic opportunities for non-penetration exploration, allowing you to appreciate the vibrant coral growth and abundant fish life. We recommend that divers seeking to venture inside the wreck hold a Wreck Specialty certification due to the overhead environment and potential hazards.

Penetration Opportunities and Hazards

For appropriately certified and experienced divers, the Okikawa Maru offers some of the Philippines' most famous deep penetrations. The intact hollow propeller shaft provides a unique swim-through, guiding trained divers directly into the cavernous engine room. Other penetration possibilities exist into cargo holds and passages.

Divers must be mindful of potential hazards, including strong currents, sharp metal edges, and silting within the wreck. The overhead environment demands excellent buoyancy control and proper training.

Marine Life Encounters

The Okikawa Maru is a haven for diverse marine life. Divers can frequently encounter impressive Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), vibrant Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) lurking in crevices, and majestic Giant Groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus) patrolling the wreck. We also often spot schools of Longfin Batfish (Platax teira) and an array of colorful Nudibranchs (Nudibranchia spp.) adorning the corals and structures.

The combination of historical significance and rich biodiversity makes the Okikawa Maru an unforgettable dive site for those seeking an advanced wreck diving adventure.