The Best Diving Sites in the Philippines
Discover the Philippines' diverse diving sites across its myriad of islands. Experience vibrant coral reefs, intriguing shipwrecks, and encounters with majestic sea turtles. Join us as we unveil the most popular diving spots, promising an unforgettable underwater adventure.
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Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan
The Tubbataha Reefs is a marine park located in a remote area in the Sulu Sea, off the coast of Palawan Island. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the park is considered by many divers as the best diving site in the Philippines, boasting extraordinary marine biodiversity.
The park features an untouched coral reef with a perpendicular wall that reaches 100 meters, vast lagoons, and a couple of coral islands. The Amos Rock Site is a diver’s paradise, where you can admire corals, schools of giant trevallies and groupers, various shark species, and a wall covered in gorgonians.
- Difficulty: Recommended for those with an Advanced Diver and Nitrox certification, and experience in diving with currents on walls.
- Visibility and water temperature: The best diving season at Tubbataha Reefs is from March to June when the sea is calm, and visibility ranges from 30 to 45 meters. The water temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C.
- How to get there: It is accessible through Liveaboard cruises.
Malapascua Island, Cebu
Malapascua Island is an unmissable destination for scuba diving enthusiasts visiting the Philippines. In fact, it is the only place in the world where you can have close encounters with rare Thresher Sharks and giant manta rays. It is an absolutely priceless experience!
The Monad Shoal and Gato Island Sites are the best for spotting sharks and numerous other marine species, including sea snakes, cuttlefish, crabs, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, seahorses, and many more.
- Difficulty: The currents can be strong, so this site is recommended for more experienced divers.
- Visibility and water temperature: The water temperature ranges from 27°C to 30°C. However, in December, it can drop to 25°C. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 30 meters, but during the months of December and January, when the sea is filled with plankton, it can decrease to 5 meters.
- How to get there: From the city of Cebu, you need to reach Maya Port (approximately 4-5 hours by road). From there, you proceed by boat to Malapascua Island.
Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Located along the northern coast of Mindoro Island, Puerto Galera is the most popular destination among divers and easily accessible from Batangas. One of the most enticing aspects of Puerto Galera is the variety of diving sites and the beautiful beaches with fine sand caressed by calm and crystal-clear waters. In addition to diving, activities such as surfing, sailing, and snorkeling are also available.
For thrill-seekers, the Canyons Site is a must-visit, where strong currents carry divers through marvelous underwater canyons covered in corals and sponges, offering sightings of schools of barracuda, snappers, emperors, and jacks. Not far from the shore, there is abundant macro life, including schools of Moorish idols, frogfish, lionfish, leaf fish, and many more.
- Difficulty: In general, the diving sites in Puerto Galera are quite easy and therefore ideal for beginners. However, there can be strong currents, as Puerto Galera is famous for drift diving along walls.
- Visibility and water temperature: Puerto Galera is a year-round destination. The water temperature ranges from 22°C in February to 29°C from May to June. Visibility rarely drops below 15 meters.
- How to get there: From Manila, travel by land to Batangas and then take a ferry to Puerto Galera.
Apo Reef, Mindoro
Apo Reef is the largest coral reef in the Philippines, located in open water between Mindoro and Coron islands. This pristine marine park has been listed as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Apo 29 is the most exciting diving site in Apo Reef, but it is reserved for more experienced divers. It consists of an underwater mountain reaching 25 meters, where you can spot reef sharks, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and large schools of pelagic fish. Along the walls on the northeast side of the island, which descend to 80 meters, you can encounter whitetip sharks, turtles, barracudas, and snappers.
- Difficulty: Recommended for those with an Advanced Diver and Nitrox certification. Some operators may require a prerequisite of 100 logged dives to dive in Apo Reef.
- Visibility and water temperature: The best period to visit is from November to May. Visibility ranges from a minimum of 5 meters to a maximum of 40 meters, while the water temperature is around 26-31°C.
- How to get there: Apo Reef is located approximately 40 km from Mindoro Island. The boat journey from Pandan Island or Sablayan to Apo Reef takes about 90 minutes. Although day trips for diving are possible, it is recommended to visit Apo Reef with a liveaboard for a more comprehensive experience.
Moalboal, Cebu
Moalboal is a must-visit destination for travelers in Cebu. The main attraction is the “Sardine Run,” which takes place at Panagsama Beach. It features thousands of sardines moving swiftly in massive schools just below the sea’s surface, creating incredible geometric formations that span between 5 and 10 meters wide. It is estimated that up to 7 million sardines reside in Moalboal. To witness this extraordinary phenomenon, snorkeling or free diving is all that’s needed.
The sites near Pescador Island are equally vibrant and diverse, featuring canyons, caves, and vertical walls.
- Difficulty: There are sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Visibility and water temperature: Moalboal can be visited year-round, but the best period is between November and April. Visibility ranges from a minimum of 10 meters to a maximum of 30 meters, while the water temperature is approximately 26ºC - 27ºC.
- How to get there: The easiest way to reach Moalboal is to fly to the international airport in Cebu, and then continue with a private vehicle for about a 3-4 hour drive.
Coron, Palawan
Coron is known as the capital of underwater wrecks in the Philippines, famous for its emerald green lagoons surrounded by massive cliffs. With its accessibility, diverse marine life, and postcard-worthy scenery, Coron is a haven for diving enthusiasts.
The Okikawa Maru is the largest wreck in Coron Bay, situated at a shallow depth. It is a Japanese oil tanker sunk during World War II. The Tangat Gunboat, on the other hand, is a submarine hunter resting in shallow waters and accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. In addition to shipwrecks, Coron in the Philippines is popular for its diverse marine life, including Dugongs, and the unique thermocline experience at Barracuda Lake.
- Difficulty: The difficulty level varies based on the currents. Some wrecks require the Wreck Diver Specialty certification to enter their interiors.
- Visibility and water temperature: The water temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C, while visibility is generally around 5-10 meters. The best visibility is during the dry season, from November to May.
- How to get there: Coron is connected by direct flights from Manila and Cebu. It can also be reached by plane and fast ferry from El Nido.
Donsol and Ticao Island
One of the main migratory routes of the Manta Rays passes through the strait of sea between Ticao Island and Donsol. The best time to spot these graceful creatures is between December and May. Other occasional visitors include massive Whale Sharks, hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks.
- Difficulty: Ideal for experienced divers as the site is characterized by strong currents that sweep divers alongside the manta rays.
- Visibility and water temperature: Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 meters depending on the tide, although due to high plankton density, it can drop to 2 meters. Water temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C. The best season to see whale sharks is from December to May, while mantas can be seen throughout the year, although the best sea conditions are usually from December to May.
- How to get there: From Manila, take a flight to Legazpi and then continue with a 1.5-hour drive to Donsol. From Donsol to Ticao Island, it's approximately a 2-hour boat ride.
Cabilao Island, Bohol
One of the most interesting diving sites in Bohol is the small island of Cabilao located in the Strait of Cebu.
The Lighthouse Site consists of a vertical wall of 25 meters where strong currents bring schools of barracuda and jackfish, as well as white-tip sharks. From December to June, it is possible to see hammerhead sharks.
- Difficulty: Most diving sites are easy and ideal for beginners. Some sites in the channels between the islands have very strong currents.
- Visibility and water temperature: The water temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C, while visibility ranges from 20 to 40 meters.
- How to get there: From the city of Tagbilaran, continue along the western coast of Bohol to the island of Sandingan, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. From there, proceed by boat to Cabilao.
Apo Island and Dauin
Most of the best diving sites in Negros Oriental are located along the coast of Dauin, just 20 minutes from the city of Dumaguete itself. Apo Island, a 30-minute boat ride from Dauin (not to be confused with Apo Reef in Mindoro), is one of the most beautiful marine reserves in the Philippines, with excellent visibility throughout the year and an abundance of turtles and hard corals.
- Difficulty: Dauin offers a good variety of diving sites for both experienced and beginner divers. During dives, you can expect to see all types of marine life, from small fish to large pelagics.
- Visibility and water temperature: The best season is from October to early June. Visibility in Dauin is approximately 9-12 meters, while in Apo Island, it ranges from 18 to 25 meters. The water temperature is around 27°C in January and February, and it drops to 25°C for the rest of the year.
- How to get there: Dauin and Apo island are accessible from Dumaguete Airport, which has daily flights from Manila. They can also be reached by ferry from Cebu or Bohol.
Balicasang Island, Bohol
Balicasag is a tiny island off the coast of Panglao Island in Bohol. It is a marine sanctuary with white sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters teeming with beautiful coral reefs.
The Diver’s Heaven Site is a 40-meter vertical wall with gentle currents, making it easily accessible even for beginner or intermediate divers.
- Difficulty: The currents are mild, and the site is suitable for all divers.
- Visibility and water temperature: The best period for diving in Balicasag Island is from January to May. The water temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C.
- How to get there: From the city of Tagbilaran, Bohol, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Alona Beach on Panglao Island.
Boracay Island
Boracay is more famous for its beaches than for its diving. However, the island offers interesting diving opportunities on the coral reef for both beginners and more experienced divers.
The Yapak site, reserved for experienced divers, is a 32-meter vertical wall where you can encounter schools of barracuda, tuna, and reef sharks. Crocodile Island, with calm and shallow waters, is ideal for macro photography due to its stunning variety of macro life.
- Difficulty: Ideal for beginners and aspiring divers looking to obtain certification.
- Visibility and water temperature: Visibility of at least 20 meters and water temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C.
- How to get there: Boracay is well-connected and can be reached via the airports in Kalibo and Caticlan.
Anilao, Batangas
Easily accessible from Manila and renowned for its abundant Macro Life, Anilao is the perfect place to embark on a scuba diving adventure in the Philippines. It is one of the best sites in the country for macro photography and muck diving, boasting a multitude of unique and rare marine creatures.
Moreover, it is a favorite destination among local Filipino divers who visit for weekend dives, while aspiring divers utilize the area to obtain their certification.
- Difficulty: Most dive sites in Anilao are easy and ideal for beginners. However, there are also some sites like Mainit Point where currents can be very strong.
- Visibility and water temperature: Water temperature ranges from 24°C from November to February to 27°C from March to May. Visibility varies from a minimum of 3 meters to a maximum of 20 meters, depending on the season and tides. Generally, visibility is poor during the rainy season from July to September.
- How to get there: Anilao is connected to Manila by various public transportation options, including buses and taxi.