Dive Site: Alma Jane

About Alma Jane

The Alma Jane is a prominent artificial reef and wreck dive located off Puerto Galera in the Philippines, intentionally sunk to enhance marine biodiversity and provide a unique diving experience. Situated at depths suitable for advanced open water divers, this site combines the allure of wreck exploration with the rich ecosystem of a thriving reef. The wreck itself rests on a sandy bottom, now heavily encrusted with hard corals and crinoids, providing shelter and sustenance for a wide array of marine species. Its structure allows for exploration, with many fish found seeking refuge within its former compartments, observed through window bars. The surrounding area often features sandy slopes leading to the wreck, interspersed with patches of coral gardens. While nudibranchs and various corals are consistently present, the site also attracts larger reef inhabitants and offers opportunities for macro photography. The local marine environment supports a diverse fish population, adapting to the wreck as a new habitat. Dive conditions typically feature mild currents and good visibility for much of the year, although local conditions can vary. Access to the Alma Jane is exclusively by boat, making it a planned dive from Puerto Galera's numerous dive centers. Divers navigate around and over the wreck, observing the marine life that has colonized its surfaces. It stands out as a site that successfully merges human-made structure with natural ecological recovery, creating an engaging underwater landscape for divers.

Dive site facts: Alma Jane

Depth

25–30 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

AOWD recommended

Dive type

Wreck, reef, macro

Region / port

Puerto Galera, Philippines

Coordinates

11.1874° N, 121.9982° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Alma Jane are generally considered mild, making it accessible for a wider range of divers, particularly those with limited drift experience. However, actual conditions can vary with tides, so it is essential to heed the daily briefings from your captain and guide. Entry to the site is typically a boat dive, requiring clear procedures for descent and ascent. While visibility often ranges from 10 to 25 meters, it can be influenced by local weather and tidal movements. Water temperatures remain comfortably warm, between 27-30°C. Divers should plan conservatively for the maximum depth of 30 meters, always staying within their certification limits and adjusting their dive plan based on real-time guidance to account for any changes in current or visibility.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nudibranch

common

Coral

common

Fish

common

Lionfish

occasional

Porcupinefish

occasional

Snapper

occasional

Crinoid

common

Garden eel

occasional

Puffer

occasional

Trumpetfish

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Rabbitfish

occasional

Moray

occasional

Bat fish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Alma Jane typically begins with a boat entry, as it is located away from shore. You will descend directly to the wreck, which rests at a maximum depth of 30 meters, with the top portions around 25 meters. The dive profile usually involves exploring the exterior of the artificial reef, observing the prolific marine life that has colonized the hull and superstructure. Divers can circumnavigate the wreck, examining the coral growth and searching for macro subjects like nudibranchs, and observing the various reef fish that inhabit the site. While penetration is not explicitly detailed, the wreck allows for observation of internal sections through openings. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop over nearby sandy areas or coral patches before surfacing back to the dive boat.

Underwater photography

The Alma Jane wreck offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, consider capturing the full profile of the encrusted wreck, especially with good visibility. A wide-angle lens would be suitable for showcasing the entire structure and its relationship with the surrounding reef. For macro enthusiasts, the wreck's surfaces are rich with subjects like nudibranchs, small crabs, shrimp, and juvenile fish hiding among the corals and crinoids, best captured with a macro lens. Patience and keen observation are crucial for finding the smaller, camouflaged creatures. Strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, especially at deeper sections. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate coral growth on the wreck and to get clear shots in often close quarters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Big La Laguna

  Big La Laguna is a beach community situated on the western edge of the Sabang Peninsula, a popular dive region on Mindoro Island…

• 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…

• Sabang Wrecks

  The C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl, known as "The Wreck" in Cozumel, Mexico, is a prominent artificial reef and a key dive site in the Caribbean.

• Monkey Beach
• Puerto Galera — Canyons

  Puerto Galera's Canyons offers an action-packed dive through three distinct canyons, renowned for schooling pelagic species like trevally…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Alma Jane is typically through dive operators based in Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines. Divers usually fly into Manila (MNL) and then travel by land and ferry to reach Puerto Galera. The journey often involves a drive to a port, followed by a speedboat transfer to the island. Dive trips to Alma Jane are usually day boat excursions, lasting a few hours for one or more dives, commonly combined with other local sites around Puerto Galera. No specific permits beyond standard diving fees are mentioned for this site, but it's advisable to confirm any marine park fees with your chosen dive center. It is a popular site frequently included in multi-day diving packages offered by local resorts and dive shops.

Safety & environment

For diving Alma Jane, ensure you have comprehensive dive insurance that covers recompression chamber treatments and emergency evacuations, as medical facilities and recompression chambers might be distant or require significant travel time. The closest recompression chamber availability should be verified with local dive operators before your trip. While currents are generally mild, always follow your dive guide's instructions and stay within your certification limits, especially given the 30-meter maximum depth. Plan your gas consumption conservatively, allowing for potential changes in current or prolonged bottom time if exploring the wreck thoroughly. Emergency procedures, including entry, exit, and backup plans for boat dives, should be reviewed with your dive boat crew prior to entry. Always maintain proper buoyancy to avoid contact with the wreck or marine life.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Alma Jane FAQ

Liveaboards diving Alma Jane

These liveaboards may visit Alma Jane 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