The Philippines, with its 7,641 islands, is a diver’s dream destination. This archipelago, nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, boasts some of the world’s most diverse marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes. From vibrant coral reefs to hauntingly beautiful shipwrecks, the Philippines offers a scuba diving experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice eager to explore the deep blue, here are some of the best scuba diving sites in the Philippines that should be on your bucket list.
1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Palawan)
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the crown jewel of Philippine diving. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Sulu Sea, is only accessible by liveaboard between March and June, making it a true diving adventure. The park is home to more than 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 11 species of sharks, and 13 species of dolphins and whales. With visibility often exceeding 30 meters, divers can expect to see manta rays, whale sharks, and a variety of other pelagic species. The reef walls, which drop to over 100 meters, are adorned with a vibrant mix of hard and soft corals, making it a breathtaking site for both beginners and advanced divers.
We offer dives in Tubbataha Reef.
2. Apo Reef Natural Park (Mindoro)
Apo Reef, the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, is another must-visit for divers. Located off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, Apo Reef offers crystal-clear waters, dramatic drop-offs, and a rich array of marine life. Divers can explore vast coral gardens teeming with schools of jacks, barracudas, and trevallies. The reef’s intricate labyrinths and tunnels are also home to reef sharks, turtles, and a variety of macro critters. Whether you’re diving at Apo Island or the main reef, you’ll be treated to some of the most pristine and untouched marine environments in the Philippines.
3. Malapascua Island (Cebu)
For those seeking an encounter with the elusive thresher shark, Malapascua Island is the place to be. This tiny island off the northern tip of Cebu is the only place in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks year-round, thanks to the nearby Monad Shoal. These graceful sharks, with their long tails and unique hunting style, are a sight to behold, especially during early morning dives. Aside from thresher sharks, Malapascua also offers fantastic muck diving, with sites like Gato Island and Kalanggaman Island providing encounters with seahorses, frogfish, and various nudibranchs.
We offer dives in Malapascua Island and the Cebu area.
4. Anilao (Batangas)
Just a few hours from Manila, Anilao is the go-to spot for macro photography enthusiasts. This diving haven in Batangas is known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant coral gardens. The underwater landscape here is a macro lover’s paradise, with a plethora of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and colorful shrimps. Dive sites like Twin Rocks, Secret Bay, and Cathedral are popular for their critter-filled reefs and excellent visibility. Anilao is also a great spot for night diving, where you can witness the nocturnal activities of the reef’s many inhabitants.
5. Coron Bay (Palawan)
For a different kind of diving adventure, head to Coron Bay in Palawan. This area is renowned for its World War II shipwrecks, which lie scattered on the sea floor. These wrecks, which include Japanese warships sunk by the U.S. Navy, are now encrusted with corals and teeming with marine life, offering a unique mix of history and biodiversity. Divers can explore the haunting remains of these ships, some of which are still largely intact. The eerie atmosphere, combined with the colorful corals and schools of fish, makes wreck diving in Coron a truly unforgettable experience.
We offer scuba diving and other tours in the Coron area.
6. Dauin and Apo Island (Negros Oriental)
Dauin, located near Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, is famous for its black sand muck diving. The nutrient-rich volcanic sand here is home to a dazzling array of critters, including flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopuses, and a variety of frogfish. Just a short boat ride away, Apo Island offers some of the best coral reef diving in the country. The marine sanctuary around Apo Island is a riot of color, with its coral walls and slopes covered in healthy hard and soft corals. Sea turtles are a common sight here, as are schools of jacks and barracudas.
7. Moalboal (Cebu)
Moalboal is best known for its sardine run, where millions of sardines gather in a massive bait ball just off the coast. This spectacle, which can be seen year-round, is a must-see for any diver visiting Cebu. The sardine run attracts a variety of predators, including jacks, tuna, and even the occasional thresher shark. Apart from the sardine run, Moalboal also offers stunning wall dives at Pescador Island, where the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life provide endless underwater exploration opportunities.
Booking
We’d be happy to help you organize for you a fantastic diving adventure to the Philippines. Just send us a note!
We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.