Dive Site: Akitsushima

About Akitsushima

The Akitsushima is a distinguished World War II Japanese seaplane tender, sunk in September 1944 during an American air raid in Coron Bay, Palawan. Unlike many other wrecks in the area, it stands out as a true warship, captivating divers with its structural integrity and historical significance. The wreck rests on its port side at depths ranging from 22 to 38 meters, making it an advanced dive. Its external structure is teeming with diverse fish life, including schools of cardinalfish, lionfish, and barracudas, while large sea fans adorn its surfaces. The most iconic feature is the massive crane, once used to hoist seaplanes, which now serves as a focal point for marine activity. Remnants such as a cannonball hole, artillery, and the funnel are still visible, adding to the wreck's allure. Penetration opportunities exist within its chambers, crevices, and square openings, with the engine room being a highlight where four engines are visible. These internal explorations require proper wreck diving certification and careful navigation due to the depth and potential for strong currents. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, offering clear views of this submerged piece of history. Diving the Akitsushima provides a rush for those seeking both historical exploration and vibrant underwater ecosystems. It's a dive that combines the thrill of navigating a sunken warship with the beauty of a thriving artificial reef, demanding experience due to its depth and sometimes challenging conditions.

Dive site facts: Akitsushima

Depth

22–38 m

Current

Sometimes strong / unpredictable

Visibility

10–20 m

Entry

Boat

Level

Experienced wreck divers

Dive type

Wreck, historical, deep

Region / port

Coron Bay, Palawan

Coordinates

11.2755° N, 122.0368° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Akitsushima can be strong and unpredictable, particularly around the mast and the prominent crane structure. Divers must be prepared for these conditions, which contribute to the site being suitable only for experienced wreck divers. Entry to the site is typically via boat, with careful planning required due to the depth and current variability. Visibility averages around 15 meters but can range from 10 to 20 meters; however, it may decrease after storms. While water temperatures are consistently warm, thermoclines are not mentioned as a significant factor. Proper gas planning, including the use of Nitrox, is highly recommended to maximize bottom time given the depth of 22 to 38 meters and potential current resistance.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

July, October · occasional

Lionfish

March, April, May, July, August, October, December · common

Butterfly Fish

March, April, July, October, December · occasional

Clownfish

August, October · rare

Snapper

July, October · occasional

Triggerfish

September, October · rare

Bannerfish

August, October · rare

Angelfish

October · rare

Sweetlips

October · rare

Parrotfish

October · rare

Grouper

July · occasional

Surgeonfish

October · rare

Damselfish

October · rare

Nudibranch

October · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Akitsushima typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent to the bow of the wreck. From there, you'll slowly navigate towards the mast and the iconic large crane, which is one of the most distinctive features of the ship. The wreck lies on its port side, with depths ranging from 22 meters at its shallowest point to 38 meters at the seabed. Exploring the exterior reveals an anti-aircraft gun and various remnants of the warship, including a cannonball hole. For certified wreck divers, penetration into the ship’s chambers, crevices, and square openings is possible, with a highlight being the engine room where the vessel’s four engines can be seen. Given the depth and potential for strong currents, careful buoyancy control and awareness of no-decompression limits are crucial throughout the dive. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop near the shallower parts of the wreck or on the ascent line, before surfacing to the dive boat.

Underwater photography

Akitsushima is an excellent subject for wreck photography, especially given its historical significance and the clear water conditions during the dry season. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the entire scope of the 118-meter-long ship, particularly its iconic crane and the overall structure lying on its side. For penetration shots within the engine room or other interior sections, a powerful dive light and a focus light are essential to illuminate the rusted details and machinery. Strobes are recommended for bringing out the natural colors of the marine growth and fish life that adorn the wreck. Early morning dives are often best, as sunlight can penetrate the open hulls, creating dramatic lighting effects. Pay close attention to buoyancy, especially when venturing inside, to avoid stirring up silt and to protect the fragile marine life and the wreck itself.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Kyokuzan Maru

  The Kyokuzan Maru is a significant Japanese auxiliary supply ship, measuring about 136 meters in length, that was sunk during a US Navy…

• Olympia Maru

  The Olympia Maru is a prominent Japanese cargo ship wreck from World War II, located within Coron Bay, Philippines.

• Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

  The Skeleton Wreck in Coron Bay, Philippines, offers a unique blend of history and marine biology, lying submerged since its sinking during…

• Tangat Wreck

  Tangat Wreck, also known as Kogyo Maru, is a prominent Japanese shipwreck nestled in Coron Bay, Palawan, Philippines.

• Irako Wreck

  The Irako Wreck, a Japanese refrigeration ship sunk during World War II, lies within Coron's renowned wreck graveyard, making it one of the…

• Barracuda Lake

  Barracuda Lake presents a truly unique freshwater diving experience in Coron, Palawan, drawing divers with its extraordinary geological…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Akitsushima is typically arranged through dive centers located in Coron, Palawan. You can reach Coron by flying into Busuanga Airport (USU), followed by a short transfer to Coron Town. Dive operators offer daily boat trips to the various WWII wrecks in Coron Bay, with Akitsushima being a prominent part of most itineraries. A typical dive trip to Coron often involves multi-day packages to explore several wrecks. Marine park fees and heritage fees for wreck diving are usually included in these dive packages. Liveaboards operating in the Philippines might also include Coron in their itineraries, though dedicated Coron wreck-diving trips are more common from local resorts.

Safety & environment

Diving the Akitsushima requires careful attention to safety protocols due to its depth (up to 38 meters) and the potential for strong, unpredictable currents. It is strictly recommended for experienced wreck divers. Divers should carry a dive light and a reel, especially if planning any penetration. Use of Nitrox is advisable to extend bottom time and reduce decompression stress. The nearest recompression chamber would be in Metro Manila, highlighting the importance of preventative safety measures and adherence to dive plans. Comprehensive dive insurance that covers recompression treatment and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all divers. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your guide’s instructions diligently.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Akitsushima FAQ

Liveaboards diving Akitsushima

These liveaboards may visit Akitsushima on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Infiniti

Philippines

25 guests39 m

$280/day

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

$335/day

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests34.6 m

$314/day

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

$326/day

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

$250/day

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

$309/day

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38.35 m

$215/day

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$381/day

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

$398/day

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

$460/day

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests32.5 m

$421/day

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$247/day