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Two scuba divers explore an underwater shipwreck off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
📷 Harvey Clements · Pexels

Kyokuzan Maru

3.5 — based on 15 community signals
4.1 12 species 17 contributors

Kyokuzan Maru is a wreck dive in the Philippines with year-round access and documented marine life encounters.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
WreckBoatOnly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Kyokuzan Maru location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
6.2 kn
Wave
0.2 m
Water
29.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SSE (17%)
Now: SSE (161°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.06m

Today: High 02:00 (+1.25m), Low 12:00 (+0.3m)

+1.3 m+0.3 m
▲ 02:00 · +1.25m ▼ 12:00 · +0.3m ▲ 03:00 · +1.25m ▼ 13:00 · +0.29m Now +1.2m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.05 · mod Air PM2.53 · good 05:48 17:57
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 6.6 0.22 5 25mm
09-20 4.5 0.26 8 15mm
09-21 4.9 0.22 5 11mm
09-22 3.5 0.2 9 15mm
09-23 2.2 0.16 1 7mm
09-24 4.8 0.14 8 9mm
09-25 4.2 0.14 8 3mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions

About this spot

Kyokuzan Maru sits as a submerged wreck dive destination in Philippine waters near Dimalanta Island. The site draws divers seeking wreck exploration in a tropical setting. While specific depth and visibility data are limited, the wreck has generated 12 species observations from the diving community, suggesting reliable marine encounters. The site remains outside a marine protected area, making it accessible for recreational diving. Year-round conditions mean planning flexibility for most dive calendars. Three community videos document diver experiences at the location, offering real-world insight into conditions and exploration possibilities. Wreck diving requires fundamental skills including buoyancy control and awareness of confined spaces. The Philippine diving season generally favors stable conditions and good visibility from November through May, though Kyokuzan Maru's specific seasonal patterns merit local confirmation before booking. Marine life interaction is documented across 12 species records, typical of wreck ecosystems that attract reef fish and larger pelagic species. Divers should verify current conditions and any local requirements with operators before arrival. The wreck's position near an island setting suggests reasonable surface conditions and logistical access compared to deeper offshore sites.

📖 Guide: Diving in the Philippines: 119 Sites, Wrecks & Walls Worth the Flight

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

WreckBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B/C · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 10936km · ~2515kg · €45

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 11h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

What are the best months to dive Kyokuzan Maru?

The site is accessible year-round. November through May typically offers more stable weather and visibility across the Philippines, though local conditions vary. Confirm seasonality with dive operators before booking.

What depth and difficulty level is Kyokuzan Maru?

Specific depth data is not documented. Wreck diving generally requires intermediate skills including buoyancy control and awareness of confined spaces. Verify exact depths and structure with local operators.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species observations are documented at the site. Wreck ecosystems typically attract reef fish, smaller crustaceans, and occasionally larger pelagic species. Check community videos for recent sightings.

Do I need permits to dive here?

Kyokuzan Maru is not inside a marine protected area, simplifying access. Local dive operators can confirm any regional requirements or guidelines. Always verify current regulations before diving.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

22 records · 17 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Eudistoma

Ascidiacea · Polycitoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 May 1981
×1records

Pycnoclavella diminuta

Ascidiacea · Clavelinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 May 1980
×4records

Clavelina moluccensis

Ascidiacea · Clavelinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 May 1980
×2records

Perophora modificata

Ascidiacea · Perophoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 May 1980
×2records

Eudistoma glaucum

Ascidiacea · Polycitoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 May 1980
×1records

Perophora multiclathrata

Ascidiacea · Perophoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 May 1980
×1records

Pseudodistoma cereum

Ascidiacea · Pseudodistomidae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 May 1980
×1records

Pycnoclavella detorta

Ascidiacea · Clavelinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 May 1980
×1records

Aplidium crateriferum

Ascidiacea · Polyclinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 May 1980
×1records

Didemnum molle

Ascidiacea · Didemnidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 May 1980
×1records

Eudistoma amplum

Ascidiacea · Polycitoridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 May 1980
×1records

Crinoidea

Crinoidea
OBIS
Last seen:
25 Mar 1977
×1records
Depth:
9 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Wreck Dive the Kyokuzan Maru. Coron, Palawan, Philippines.

Dive The Planet
💬 3 top comments
  • I was surprised to see the wall in the China room collapsed already 😱

    @nikkosantos1342 · 👍 0
  • Wow very nice kaayo

    @indaylorenablloger688 · 👍 0
  • Fuckin warship. Show under ocean for us.

    @sahanuluc1223 · 👍 0

Diving the Kyokuzan Maru wreck - Coron - Philippines

2dive4 Brotherdive

Kyokuzan Maru Japanese World War II Shipwreck | Wreck Scuba Diving in Coron, Palawan

Jacquelyn Ann Cruz-Bilbao (Jackie)
wind peaks Jul-Feb-Mar, calmest Aug-Oct-Jun, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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