Subic Bay is a paradise for wreck divers with its 19 sunken vessels including the famous USS New York and some Japanese vessels.
However, wreck diving is not the only activity that Subic Bay (and the SBMA) offers.
The wide range of entertainment options in Subic Bay is designed to cater to the needs of all types of tourists and locals, be they high-end tourists, backpackers, adventure-seekers or honeymooners. There are excellent restaurants that can turn you into a food connoisseur, clubs, malls, and strip clubs that go by the name go-go bars. There are also lighter night entertainment options such as karaoke spots and concert halls for music lovers.
Plan your next dive trip to Subic Bay with the following travel tips and advices.
Table of Content
- Pictures of Subic Bay
- Subic Bay Travel Guide
- Activities
- Best Season to Visit
- Where to Stay?
- How to Get There?
- Map of Subic Bay
- How to Get Around?
- Diving in Subic Bay
- Top Dive Destinations
- Travel Comments and Reviews
Pictures of Subic Bay
Subic Bay Travel Guide
Subic Bay is about 120 km north of Manila, the capital of Philippines. It is located in the Philippine province named Zambales and part of Region III or Central Luzon Region.
Mountains dotted with deep jungles envelope much of the coastal area.
Things to do in Subic Bay
Since the U.S. Navy left in 1992, the development of the area become much more appealing to tourists.
You can windsurf, parasail, jet-ski, kayak, sailboat, swim, and fish here, besides engaging in activities like trekking, bird-watching, bat-gazing, and butterfly watching. Other choices are playing golf and tennis, karting, horseback riding, playing at the casinos, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, etc.
Other activities include:
- Zip line through the rainforest
- Learn jungle survival skills
- Zoobic Safari Adventure Park
- Ocean Adventure Park
Best Months to visit Subic Bay
It rains from June to October in Subic Bay and the rest of the months are convenient for diving though the best time for divers is from November to May. Summer months are from March to May.
Best season to dive Subic Bay
Although Diving can be experienced year around, the best time to dive in Subic Bay is during the dry season (November to May) with less currents and better visibility.
Where to stay in Subic Bay?
From luxury resorts to budget hotels, Subic Bay has a range of accommodations to suit everyone’s pocket.
There are a few dive resorts including:
- Camayan Beach Dive Resort (4 stars hotel)
- Johan’s Beach and Dive Resort (medium range hotel)
- Blue Rock Dive Resort (medium range hotel)
Divers can also stay in a luxury resort and dive with a nearby dive center.
- White Rock Waterpark and Beach Hotel (5 Stars)
- Wild Orchid Beach Resort (4 Stars)
- Mangrove Resort Hotel (4 Stars)
How to get to Subic Bay?
Subic Bay is well-connected to Manila by road, water, and air. As such you can reach the place through any one of these routes.
Manila to Subic Bay by road
If the weather and traffic conditions are good, driving time from Manila to Subic Bay can be as little as 1.5 hours via SCTEx (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). However, bad weather and heavy traffic may slow down the journey so much that it can even take 5 to 6 hours for covering the 110 km distance.
Manila to Subic Bay ferry
Ferry journey can be quite relaxing and takes less time than road journey.
Manila to Subic Bay by flight
The flight time from Manila to Subic Bay International Airport, earlier known as Cubi Point International Airport, is approximatly 35 minutes.
Map of Subic Bay

Subic Bay Map
View Subic Bay Dive Sites on a larger map.
How to get around Subic Bay?
There are 24 hours taxi services. However, jeepneys and tricycles are not permitted within the Subic Freeport Zone.
Scuba Diving in Subic Bay?
Check out our Subic Bay scuba diving guide and start planning your next dive trip!