Snorkel· Grande Island· Philippines

Grande Island Reef and Canyons

14° 46.0′ N · 120° 13.4′ E · approximate

The coral fringing Grande Island at the mouth of Subic Bay is long regarded as the bay's best snorkelling, and its outer edge drops into coral canyons along the main channel. Swim off the resort beaches on the sheltered east side, or take a dive boat to the outer canyons on a calm, clear day.

Practical

Coordinates approximate: placed off the island's west (seaward) shore beside Battery Warwick (OSM 14.7696°N 120.2251°E), facing the main channel where Camayan Divers describe the 'Canyons' drop-off. Camayan Divers call it 'probably the best reef dive in the bay', with clear visibility and coral canyons; they do not give depths. Subic Sailing Club lists swimming and snorkelling in 'coral-rich waters' (1.5 hours under sail or 30 minutes by speedboat from the Lighthouse Marina). A 2001 Philstar travel piece called the island 'one of the best snorkeling sites' in the area. In May 2015 Grande Island Resort ran an underwater clean-up (about 30 kg of plastic removed) and described the island's marine ecosystem as one of the best in Subic Bay. Hazards: the outer side is open to the main ship channel, so watch for traffic and current and fly a dive flag. A group of barge wrecks lies just north of the island (OSM 14.7800°N 120.2279°E). For easy snorkelling, use the beaches on the east side by the resort (OSM 14.7721°N 120.2298°E); the west-shore beach is at about 14.7648°N 120.2259°E (OSM). Anchor on sand only: see Grande Island Anchorage. Rules, fees and any no-take zone were not documented, so ask SBMA or the resort before you go.

Best for

Best reef snorkel inside Subic Bay

Season

Nov–May for best visibility; murky after heavy SW-monsoon rain

Nearby