Dive Site: Kyokuzan Maru

About 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 aerial attack on September 24, 1944, near Busuanga Island. It serves as a historical underwater museum, attracting advanced divers to its well-preserved structure. The wreck lies upright at a maximum depth of 42 meters, with its deck accessible between 26 and 28 meters. It is situated on the north side of Busuanga Island, specifically near the uninhabited Dimalanta Islet, giving it the alternative name 'Dimalanta Wreck.' The ship lists approximately 10 degrees to starboard, presenting an engaging and slightly angled exploration for divers. Today, the Kyokuzan Maru is adorned with a variety of marine growth, including corals, sponges, shells, and tunicates, which attract a diverse array of fish. You can expect to encounter batfish, fusiliers, and trevallies finding shelter within the wreck, alongside occasional sightings of barracuda and rays. The cargo holds still contain remnants of trucks and cars, adding to the allure for explorers. Diving this site typically involves a boat trip, often from Coron or Dimakya Island, and is generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers due to its depth and the potential for wreck penetration. The site offers a unique blend of history and thriving marine ecosystems.

Dive site facts: Kyokuzan Maru

Depth

26–42 m

Typical dive

40–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–35 m

Water temperature

21–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck

Region / port

Coron, Busuanga Island

Coordinates

12.1300° N, 120.1650° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Kyokuzan Maru are generally calm, particularly given its location in a protected harbor near Dimakya Island, though specific strengths can vary. The site's distance from Coron means it is less frequently visited, often ensuring a more serene diving experience without significant boat traffic congestion. Visibility can extend up to 35 meters, offering clear views of the extensive wreck and its cargo. Entry is exclusively by boat, with the dive usually commencing with a descent along the mast. While thermoclines are not typically a dominant feature, water temperatures average between 21-28°C. Divers should be proficient in buoyancy control and have experience with deeper dives to comfortably navigate the wreck's deck at 26-28 meters and the hull at 42 meters.

Marine life & sighting chances

Batfish

common

Fusiliers

common

Trevallies

common

Barracuda

occasional

Rays

occasional

Pycnodonte clams

common

Corals

common

Sponges

common

Shells

common

Tunicates

common

Groupers

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive begins with a boat entry, typically mooring near the wreck. After descending, you'll initially explore the upper parts of the wreck, often starting at the mast, which is now covered in corals at around 16 meters. The deck level sits comfortably between 26 and 28 meters, providing ample opportunity to survey the ship's superstructure. You can then penetrate the cargo holds, where fossilized trucks, chassis, and tires are visible. The wreck lists slightly to starboard, adding an interesting dynamic to navigation. The deepest points reach the hull at 42 meters, allowing for exploration of the ship's full length of 136 meters. After thoroughly exploring the mid-sections and potentially the bow or stern depending on the dive plan, ascent will be gradual, concluding with a safety stop typically conducted at 5 meters along the mast or a suitable coral-encrusted section of the wreck.

Underwater photography

To capture the scale of the Kyokuzan Maru, a wide-angle lens is essential for documenting the impressive 136-meter wreck and its surrounding marine life. Given the wreck's depth, strobes are crucial to bring out the true colors of the corals and sponges encrusting the ship, as well as the vibrant fish inhabiting it. Pay particular attention to the cargo holds where natural light diminishes quickly, making artificial lighting indispensable for illuminating the remnants of trucks and cars. When exploring inside the wreck, strong primary and secondary dive lights are necessary for both safety and photographic purposes. Maintain impeccable buoyancy control, especially within confined spaces, to avoid stirring up silt and to protect the delicate marine growth. Due to the wreck's historical significance, practice respectful interaction with the site, ensuring no artifacts are disturbed.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• Tangat Wreck

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

• Olympia Maru

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

• Dimakya Island

  Near the Kyokuzan Maru, where Club Paradise Resort is located.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Kyokuzan Maru primarily involves flying into Busuanga Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island in the Calamian Group. From there, transfers are arranged to either Coron town or resorts on nearby islands like Dimakya, where Club Paradise is situated. The wreck is about a 60-minute fast boat ride from Club Paradise, or a longer trip requiring an overnight stay if departing from Coron town. Most divers visit the Kyokuzan Maru as part of a multi-day liveaboard itinerary focusing on the Coron wrecks, or via dedicated day boat trips from local resorts. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this individual wreck, but liveaboard packages or dive centers typically bundle all necessary permits. A typical liveaboard trip for Coron wrecks lasts several days, allowing for multiple dives on this and other sites.

Safety & environment

Diving the Kyokuzan Maru requires advanced diving certification and excellent buoyancy control due to its depth and potential for wreck penetration. Always dive with a reputable dive operator and follow their guidelines. Given the remote location of Busuanga, immediate access to a recompression chamber is not always instantaneous; the nearest facility is typically in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, or potentially Manila. In case of a diving emergency, evacuation can involve boat and air travel, underscoring the critical importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and emergency evacuation. Site-specific hazards include overhead environments within the wreck, potential for silt-out, and entanglement. Always carry adequate gas for the planned depth and duration, adhere strictly to no-decompression limits, and consider technical diving training for extensive penetration.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Kyokuzan Maru FAQ

Liveaboards diving Kyokuzan Maru

These liveaboards may visit Kyokuzan Maru 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