Best Sites for Diving in the Philippines

Dive into the breathtaking underwater world of the Philippines! From the UNESCO World Heritage Tubbataha Reefs teeming with 600+ fish species to the WWII wrecks of Coron Bay, adventure awaits. Swim with millions of sardines in Moalboal, witness thresher sharks in Malapascua, or explore the macro wonders of Dauin. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting, the Philippines offers an unforgettable diving experience. Explore our guide to discover the perfect dive site for you!

Important information

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO site, offers pristine reefs with over 600 fish species.
• Coron Bay features WWII wrecks teeming with marine life, suitable for all diving levels.
• Moalboal, Cebu, is famous for its year-round sardine bait balls, easily viewable from shore.
• Malapascua Island’s Monad Shoal is a cleaning station frequented by thresher sharks.
• Donsol offers unique opportunities to swim and snorkel with whale sharks.

Best Sites for Diving in the Philippines

The Philippines offers incredible diving experiences for every diver.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies within the Sulu Sea. Its remote location means divers typically arrive by liveaboard boat. This renowned diving spot offers incredible biodiversity, with pristine coral reefs teeming with over 600 fish species. It’s a remarkable underwater paradise.

Coron Bay

Coron Bay attracts divers from around the globe, eager to explore its World War II shipwrecks, now transformed into vibrant artificial reefs. Divers of all skill levels, from novice to expert, can explore renowned sites such as the Okinawa Maru and Tangat Gunboat, teeming with diverse marine life. This unique blend of history and nature creates an unparalleled diving experience. Beyond the wrecks, Coron Bay also offers stunning lagoons and breathtaking coral gardens.

Moalboal, Cebu

Moalboal, Cebu, is famous for its incredible sardine run, where millions of these fish gather, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle. Divers and snorkelers are equally captivated by this breathtaking sight.

Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island is renowned for its thresher shark sightings, attracting divers to Monad Shoal, a cleaning station these sharks frequent.

Dauin and Apo Island

Dauin is a muck diving paradise, a perfect spot for macro photography enthusiasts to capture incredible critters like frogfish and nudibranchs. For a contrasting experience, Apo Island, nestled between Negros and Siquijor, boasts 385 fish species and calm waters ideal for beginners. Its vibrant marine life has even earned it the nickname “the little Tubbataha“.

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, is a diver’s paradise catering to all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy accessible shore dives, while experienced divers can explore more remote locations by boat. Vibrant coral reefs teem with diverse marine life, from colorful reef fish and sea turtles to the tiny, intricate nudibranchs. This creates a truly unforgettable underwater experience.

Apo Reef

Located between Mindoro and Coron, Apo Reef, designated a Natural Park in 1980, is often referred to as “Little Tubbataha”. This vibrant reef teems with an astounding 385 fish species, making it a vital marine sanctuary within the Coral Triangle. As the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef system, its ecological significance is immense.

Anilao, Batangas

Anilao, Batangas, is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. It boasts incredible marine biodiversity and stunning scenery. Divers flock to this haven for diverse experiences, from muck and reef diving to exhilarating drifts. Vibrant corals, tiny nudibranchs, and even the elusive frogfish await discovery. Conveniently located near Manila, Anilao offers a quick and easy escape.

Donsol

Donsol, Philippines, is a world-renowned diving destination, famous for its incredible whale shark encounters. Divers and snorkelers alike can swim alongside these gentle giants, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Unique Diving Experiences in the Philippines

Wreck Diving in Coron Bay

Dive into history at Coron Bay, where World War II shipwrecks have transformed into thriving artificial reefs. Explore remarkably preserved Japanese warships and supply vessels now teeming with marine life. These shallow-water wrecks offer a unique diving experience for all skill levels, blending underwater exploration with a glimpse into the past.

Thresher Sharks at Monad Shoal

Malapascua Island’s Monad Shoal is renowned for its thresher shark population. These sharks regularly visit the shoal’s cleaning stations, where smaller fish meticulously remove parasites and dead skin. Divers have the extraordinary opportunity to witness this fascinating interaction—a truly unforgettable underwater experience.

Sardine Bait Balls in Moalboal

Moalboal is famous for its stunning sardine bait balls, enormous schools of millions of swirling fish. Divers and snorkelers come from all over to see this spectacle, easily accessible right from the shore. Even better, these mesmerizing bait balls are always there, viewable year-round.

Muck Diving in Dauin

Dauin is renowned for its muck diving, offering an exceptional opportunity to observe unusual macro marine life. Frogfish and nudibranchs flourish in this environment, alongside a plethora of other small critters that inhabit Dauin’s volcanic black sand.

Whale Shark Encounters in Donsol

Donsol, Philippines, is renowned for its whale sharks, offering visitors the incredible opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside these gentle giants. This eco-tourism hotspot provides a truly unique travel experience.