San Quentin Dive Site in Subic Bay - Philippines

The San Quentin Subic dive site contains some of the oldest ship wreckages off the waters of Zambales, providing excitement for those enthralled by history, shipwrecks and the beauty of the sea.

It was not uncommon during times of war to scuttle ships to keep them from being used by the enemy, and such was the case of the San Quentin. The vessel had been left at the location it is today so that the American forces, with whom they were battling in the late 1890s, would not be able to go through Grande and Chiquita.

The area in which the vessel sank was not that deep, so that even at 12 meters (40 feet) the San Quentin Subic dive site and wreckage will be visible. Given the fact that the vessel has been underwater for over a century, there is understandably little that remains today. However, what is left can be seen quite clearly because not only are there very little in the way of currents, but the visibility is also good.

One of the most conspicuous elements are the boilers, which are visible from atop the mass of metal and collapsed structures in the sand. As you explore the area, you will see that several eels and various types of fish swim along the holes and crevices that have appeared along the hull and parts of the deck. The San Quentin Subic dive site is also surrounded by myriad variations of coral reefs, sponges and a little to its north is a 10 meter reef filled with fish.

On the southern end a keel from another merchant ship can be seen, and there are also some lobsters and clams that can be found in the reefs around this site. These clams were added in 1999 and are rarely seen in other dive sites in the Philippines.

The site can be found at the eastern entryway into the bay, just off the Chiquita and Grande Islands. The relative shallowness of the San Quentin Subic dive site (the deepest point is about 18 meters or 60 ft) means even those with little experience can go here provided they have someone to accompany them.

Those who have intermediate or are advanced can explore this site even without a guide. The expenses you will incur should be about $100 to $150. The training that you will receive at this cost will cover most of the essentials.

There are few things more fascinating or exciting to do in the summertime than going into the waters and watching life underwater. At the San Quentin Subic dive site, you can see all that and more.