Located on the western coast of Luzon Island, Subic Bay is an extension of South China Sea. Subic Bay was formerly the site of US Navy facility called US Naval Base Subic Bay. The area has since then transformed into an industrial and business hub and is called Subic Bay Freeport Zone and managed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Being a duty free port, Subic Bay is excellent for shopping. The Subic Bay area is perfect for scuba diving with a stunning wreck jungle beneath the surface. The area is particularly known for its wrecks. The climate of the bay area is warm and since there are no significant currents in the area, diving activity is undertaken throughout the year. There are over 15 wrecks within 5 to 10 minute’s boat ride from the shores and more than 30 can be seen within a boat ride of 1 hour. The more famous wrecks that are frequently explored by divers are USS New York, San Quentin and El Capitan. There are also several other vessels of military vintage resting on the sea bed of Subic Bay. Dive centers in the area have kept a brief description of every wreck which can be read before a dive to enhance the understanding of the wreck and increase the pleasure.
Getting there
Fly into Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and there are a range of options to Subic Bay including bus, taxi or private car rental. Subic Bay is a two hour drive from Manila.
Buses also operate this route. The Victory liner runs hourly to Subic Bay from terminals in Pasay City, Caloocan, Sampaloc and Cubao.