Shore Day Trip Live Aboard
Family Friendly
Country: Philippines Area: Olongapo City
Water Temp: 26 - 30°C (79 - 86°F)
Visibility: 2 - 30m (7 - 98 ft)
Depth Range: 4 - 60m (13 - 197 ft)
Book A Diving Trip OnlineSubic Bay is widely known to be the second best wreck diving location in the Philippines. Better yet, it one of the highest concentrations of war wrecks easily accessible to both SCUBA and Tech divers! Subic Bay is a larger town in the Philippines, which is visited by both divers and non-divers. It features a wide variety of activities – which range from jet skiing to two-day jungle treks.
Subic Bay is a larger town in the Philippines, located roughly 2.5 hours away from the capital, Manila. The town was a former US military base (closed 1992) that has since been converted into a beach town with a large ship-building industry. The area has developed along the lines of a gated community, offering up luxury activities including golf courses, a yacht club and a casino. That said, the area also offers up a number of adventure/extreme-activities, alongside family-friendly options.
As mentioned, diving in Subic Bay revolves almost entirely around wrecks. According to the Subic Bay Historical Museum 19 shipwrecks have been identified within the bay waters including both American and Japanese WWII vessels, a battle cruiser, cargo ships, a jet fighter, landing ships and patrol boats. Amongst all wrecks located in Subic Bay, the USS New York is probably the most dived one given her fascinating history and somewhat shallow depth of between 16-32 meters.
Most of the dive sites in Subic Bay are within the SBMA jurisdiction and therefor guarded against illegal fishing, dynamite fishing and salvaging. Having said that its not completely uncommon hearing dynamite fishermen operating outside the bay when submerged under the water.
Dolphins! Credit
The weather in Subic Bay is very similar to most places in the Philippines, with dry season from November to May and wet season (typhoons usually between July-September) between June and October. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) with the warmest part of the year stretching from March to May.
The best time for diving in Subic Bay is during the dry season, less currents and on average better visibility, yet diving can be experienced all year around (except during typhoon) due to it’s somewhat protected geographical location, enclosed by land Subic Bay offers calm protected waters under all but the absolute worst weather conditions.
Octopus, Jackfish, Tuna, Sweetlips, Barracuda, Grouper, Coral fish, Lionfish, Scorpion fish, Stonefish, Coral snake, Lobsters, Manta shrimps, Blue-spotted stingrays, Clown fish, Nudibranch, Cuttlefish, Remoras, Parrotfish, Pipefish, Batfish and Moray Eels.
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Most of the dive sites in Subic Bay are accessed by boat and is usually no further than 5-25 minutes depending on dive site and the type of boat used. Shore diving is commonly practiced during SCUBA classes or DSD preparations.
Divers getting ready, Credit
There are 17 dive sites frequently visited by dive operators in Subic Bay. The majority of these sites are wreck dives – though there are five reef dives nestled between. Sites cater to anyone from a beginner level through to a technical level.
The reef dives are generally comparable to those found elsewhere in the Philippines. The coral is generally brightly coloured, and it is surrounded by vibrant marine life. Depending on the reef visited, you might see clownfish, nudibranch, grouper, lionfish, pufferfish, sea whips, stingrays,jackfish, parrotfish, pipefish, batfish and frogfish. There are also occasional sightings of cuttlefish, octopus and sharks.
Wreck dives offer a huge variety, and generally cater to more advanced divers. The USS New York is among the most visited sites. The site itself has areas that cater to beginner, experienced, wreck and advanced wreck divers. Beginners will focus on the perimeter, while more advanced divers can enter the boiler room and machinery spaces.
Into the waters, Credit
A number of companies that run liveaboad trips in the Philippines include a day or two at Subic Bay in wreck-focused itineraries. These tours will also often visit Coron Bay as well. .
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From Manila, the most common form of transport is bus, minivan or taxi. Subic Bay is located about 110 km North-West of Manila and Victory Liner air-conditioned buses provide passengers regular transport services to and from Olongapo City terminal (Subic). A short jeepney ride takes you from the Victory Liner terminal to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Airplane, Credit
For those decide to fly into Clark International Airport, Angeles City it takes about one hour to reach Subic Bay through Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.
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Most well established resorts in Subic Bay offers both western and local food and its not uncommon that the restaurants within the resorts are open 24h/day serving both food and beverage. Many resorts located in Barrio Barretto, Subic Bay offer their guests buffets at night with live band entertainment.
San Roque Church. Subic Bay, Philippines, Credit
Barrio Barretto is known for its many girlie bars where guests are being served and pampered by local girls providing all their needs. For those who prefer the regular bar scene Harbor Point Shopping mall within SBMA contains various different restaurants and bars attracting both locals and the people from the expat community. For information on local nightlife and events at bars, check out: http://www.subic.com/livebands.php
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Around Subic Bay, you will find a rich variety of activities that extend well beyond the diving community. Water-based activities are of course popular, with a number of companies renting anything from jet skis to banana boats. There is also an open water marine park here, where you can observe marine life in the lagoon. Shows here are both entertaining and educational, making it a great family activity. It is possible to swim with marine life in the park and in the open ocean as well, on an Ocean Adventure.
Sea lion show, Credit
The mainland natural beauty is also worth exploring when visiting here. There are a number of treks, the most famous of which leads up Mount Pinatubo. Cinco Picos is a guided two-day trek, for those looking for more of a physical challenge – while Hill 394 is very popular with rock climbers. Other companies take a more adventurous route, by offering cable rides and tree-drops. For a little less excitement, the Triboa May Mangrove Park is an excellent place to unwind.
Subic has a number of organized theme parks and entertainment facilities as well. This includes a golf course, a paintball course, an adventure park, a go-kart arena, a tennis centre, a raceway, an equestrian centre, a ‘Jungle Environmental Survival Training’ Centre and a bat kingdom.
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Make sure your room has a safety box where you can store cash, passport and other valuables in order to avoid theft.
Trikes is the most common form of transport within Barrio Barretto and even though you might just be going up the road they will try to charge you way more than the regular price. If you’re on a budget make sure to ask the locals for the price before jumping into a trike since they will overcharge you more often than not.
The shore, Credit
Use the Jeepneys, they're very cheap and you won't have to wait very long for one to show up.
To avoid annoying vendors you are better of staying within the resort area. Street vendors are usually not allowed within the premises of any resort.
I am the sister of MIKE MANTHEI HE was an instructor at Subic BAY. I would like to keep in touch with his friends. This would mean a lot to me. MIKE PASSED AWAY MAY 23. IF ANY HAVE PICTURES PLEASE EMAIL pepper@sytekcom.com Sincerely, Lisa Knettel
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Nick T. Morrison
Sorry to hear of your loss!