If you are looking for the best place to dive, then look no further – choose the Philippines! Explore 10 best dive spots scattered across the vast waters of our rich archipelago. Experience an underwater world that is absolutely wonderful when you go diving in the Philippines.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo- Puyat described it perfectly when she said “our underwater landscape is a colorful kaleidoscope of nature’s living jewels, one that divers cannot find anywhere else“. | Source: Philstar
Have a perfect combination of freediving and scuba diving in exploring reefs, depths, shipwrecks, underwater caves, etc. Find whale sharks, thresher sharks, sea turtles, critters, nudibranchs, large schools of sardines, colorful species of corals and fish and so much more when you go diving in the Philippines.
Philippines: The World’s Leading Dive Destination
The Philippines as the World’s Leading Dive Destination | Source: DOT
In the recently concluded 27th World Travel Awards, the Philippines was once again named as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for 2021, beating 8 other diving destinations including Maldives, Fiji and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
For 2 years now, the Philippines is undefeated as the best diving spot globally. It’s no wonder why dive enthusiasts make the Philippines part of their diving bucket list.
The Philippines and the Coral Triangle
The Philippines is located in a spot called the “Coral Triangle”, an area of tremendous importance because it is recognized as the global center for marine biodiversity, with over 2,000 species of fish, 76% of the world’s coral species, and an awe-inspiring array of marine life.
The Coral Triangle includes portions of the waters of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands which, looking at it on a map, very roughly resembles a triangular region.
Map of the Coral Triangle | Source: Wikipedia
But if this region is the center of global marine biodiversity, the center of this center is no other than the Philippines. The idea of being “the center of the center” came out of a study by Kent Carpenter and Victor Springer in 2005, where they noted that there is a higher concentration of species per unit area in the Philippines than anywhere else in this region. | Source: Haribon.org
Must-Do Experience: Diving in Philippines
The Philippines is without a doubt, the best place to dive in the world! Aside from an unparalleled underwater world, many of the dive spots located here are also blessed with beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature.
We have listed down 10 best places for diving in Philippines. You may use this as a guide to navigate our vast archipelago and complete your epic diving adventure in the Philippines.
10 Best Places for Diving in Philippines
Diving in Anilao: The world’s “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity”
Location: Batangas
Dubbed as the birthplace of diving in Philippines, Anilao has so much on offer with over 50+ dive spots and home to the most diverse marine varieties in the world, making it the “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity”. It is located in the Verde Island Passage, spanning 1.14 million hectares of extreme marine biodiversity.
It is home to a wide variety of corals as well as notable marine life including Pygmy Sea-horses, Hairy Frog Fish, Mimic Octopus, Stonefish, Barracudas and so much more. Anilao, Philippines also gained a global reputation for underwater macro photography and muck diving, where every divers’ critter wishlist can be found.
Video: Diving Anilao Wonders
Moalboal Diving: Sardine Run
Location: South-western part of Cebu
Find white sand beaches and an exciting sardine run at Moalboal in Cebu. Marvel in a parade of millions of sardines swirling around – an experience uniquely found in Panagsama Beach, Moalboal. Before, the sardine run was concentrated at Pescador Island but recently, it has moved to the reef very close to the shores of Panagsama Beach. You can also expect good sightings of turtles in the area.
VIDEO: Moalboal Sardine Run
If you’re an adventure junkie, you may also want to try Badian canyoneering and visit the Kawasan Falls – leap off waterfalls, slide down rocks and experience the ultimate adrenaline adventure.
Diving in Malapascua: Thresher Shark
Location: Northern tip of Cebu
Big Thresher Shark in Malapascua, Cebu | Photo by: Nicolasvoisin44 | Shutter Stock ID: 240146107
If you’re on for shark diving, then Malapascua is the perfect dive destination for you. Expect plenty of sightings of thresher sharks as well as whitetip sharks in Malapascua, Cebu. The shallow reefs at Malapascua are also home to marble rays and plenty of fish and critters.
Malapascua is also a good place for wreck diving where a good amount of shipwrecks can be found including a WWII Japanese cargo (called Tapilon), WWII Japanese landing craft (called Lighthouse Wreck) and a Cebu passenger ferry (called Dona Marilyn).
All of these wonders, shipwrecks and reefs are located in shallow water, making it an ideal place to complete a PADI dive course certification.
Apo Island Diving: Swim with Sea Turtles
Location: Dauin, Negros Oriental
The charming sea turtle swimming in the clear waters of Apo Island
Apo island has long been a mecca for divers, praised for its marine and coral biodiversity. The main highlight at Apo Island is swimming with giant sea turtles plus a good number of clownfish, unicornfish, red toothed triggerfish which definitely brings color to your diving or snorkeling experience.
Coron Diving: Coron Shipwreck
Location: Palawan
Diving a Japanese shipwreck in Coron | Photo by: Oneinchpunch | Shutter Stock ID: 1463315660
Considered as the “Shipwreck Capital of the Philippines”, Coron is home to 12 sunken wartime ships which is a result of the attack of the US Navy to the Imperial Japanese Navy in September 1944 WWII. Coral structures, interesting fishes and critters have taken over these massive war ships. Seeing them up-close in the clear waters of Coron is an experience like no other.
Of course, Coron still has a lot of breathtaking natural attractions to show-off. Do not miss to visit the Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pecados, Malcapuya Island and so much more! Coron has so much to offer – it’s a long list of must-see places and must-do adventures.
El Nido Diving: Best Island in the World
Location: Palawan
Discover beautiful lagoons, beaches and snorkeling spots as well as dive spots at El Nido. Considered as one of the most coveted islands in the world, this paradise certainly will not disappoint! El Nido offers a handful of dive sites including the areas around Bacuit Bay, Miniloc Island, Helicopter Island, Entalula, Paglugaban and more.
Admire the corals, swim with elusive aquatic animals and be surrounded by hundred colorful fishes species on a one of a kind underwater adventure at El Nido.
Tubbataha Reef Diving: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location: Palawan
Tubbataha is the Philippines’ first national marine park and is one of the largest Marine Protected Area in the country. Proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it covers over 100,000 hectares of marine protected wildlife.
The underwater world at Tubbataha | Photo by: Richard Whitcombe | Shutter stock photo ID: 1501390199
The reef serves as a fortress for the green sea turtles, at least 600 fish species, 13 whale and dolphin species, 360 coral species, and 100 species of birds. Let your eyes feast at a sight of wonderful-looking creatures all found at Tubbataha Reef.
Boracay Diving: Boracay Helmet Diving
Location: Aklan
Be surprised to know that the world-famed Boracay Island also offers excellent dive spots both for novice and experienced divers. In fact, there are over 25 dive sites available on the island.
Yapak is the most popular dive spot on the island where Barracudas, Grouper, Whitetip as well as Blacktip Reef Sharks, Trevally and other pelagic big fishes can be spotted.
Other equally intriguing and diverse dive sites include the Bat Cave, Crocodile Island, Laurel Island, Angol Point and more.
If you’re in for a unique and no-fuss experience, Boracay also offers helmet diving which requires no diving experience. Have a feel of being an aquanaut as you submerge in the underwater world wearing a water hemet, with the guidance of your certified PADI scuba diving instructors. Boracay helmet diving is one of the most in-demand water activities on the island.
Puerto Galera Diving: Verde Island Passage
Location: Oriental Mindoro
Located along the Verde Island Passage (together with Anilao), experience one of the most diverse diving encounters at what is considered the “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity” at Puerto Galera. Marvel around over 300 species of corals and close to 60% reef species in the world. Truly, this part of the world is gifted with underwater wonders, making it an excellent dive destination.
Bohol Diving: Hidden Gems in the Visayas
Home of the world-famous Chocolate Hills, the adorable Tarsiers, the pristine Loboc River and the breathtaking beaches in Panglao, Bohol is an island with so much to offer. Let us not miss to mention some of its hidden gems, home of the most underrated dive spots the Philippines. Excellent dive spots in Bohol includes:
- Pamilacan Island
- Anda
- Balicasag Island
You can also experience the treasures of Bohol on this sample tour.
VIDEO: Balicasag Diving
Diving, Snorkeling, Wildlife Encounters: More Fun in the Philippines:
The Philippines has a lot to offer! With the things mentioned above, there is no doubt that the country is a perfect destination for diving.
Aside from those destinations on our list, there are a lot more stunning areas that begged to be explored. For instance, you may also want to head to Donsol, Sorsogon for the multi-awarded whale shark interaction operated there.
Surely, the Philippines will treat you to incredible sights and experiences like no other. Whether it’s diving, snorkeling, birdwatching, Philippines wildlife, tropical plants, etc., find extraordinary biodiversity on this part of the planet. You can never go wrong with choosing the Philippines for your exciting travel vacation.
Moreover, have the peace of mind to know that the country implements strict global safety protocols. Learn more about the New Normal for Travel and Tourism in the Philippines on this blog.
Dive Tour: Planning To Go On Diving in Philippines?
Depending on your preference and wishes, we can help curate a diving tour for you. Feel free to contact or leave us a comment.
Our team will be delighted to receive a message from you. Just leave the details to us and we start from there – with the right planning and our expert advice, we are confident we will be able to make your dream dive tour a reality.
Have a safe travel! And see you soon in the Philippines 🙂
Recent Comments