All about the different dive sites of the Philippines
The Philippines is among the most diverse diving destinations in the world. With more than 7,000 islands located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the underwater biodiversity is enormous. From colorful reefs and sheer walls to muck diving and historic wrecks, virtually every type of diver will find something to suit him or her here.
The country is roughly divided into three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Each region has its own character, both above and below the water. In this guide, we take you through the main diving regions for each island group and explain what to expect in each region.
Table of contents
General information about the Philippines
The island groups of the Philippines
The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands, roughly divided into three major island groups: Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the central part and Mindanao in the south.
For divers, however, such a geographic classification is not always practical. Dive sites are scattered all over the country and are often grouped by type of diving, marine life and accessibility. Therefore, in this blog we focus not on island groups, but on the main diving regions in the Philippines.
For each diving region, we highlight the best known dive sites and give an idea of what to expect underwater there.
Some diving regions are close to each other and combine well on a roundtrip, while others are remote and visited mainly by liveaboard. We also use that classification in this overview.
Northern Philippines (Luzon)
Main diving regions in northern Philippines
Anilao
One of the Philippines’ most popular diving destinations, Anilao is located in the province of Batangas, about a two-hour drive from Manila. The region is internationally known for its exceptional macro diving and is often cited as one of the best places in the world for underwater photography. The dive sites around Anilao are surprisingly varied, ranging from shallow reefs and gentle slopes to steep walls and wrecks.
Underwater is all about detail. You will find a huge diversity of nudibranchs, frogfish and different species of seahorses, as well as rare and bizarre species that hide perfectly in the sand. Anilao is also famous for its night diving. Once the sun goes down, a completely different world comes to life and you will spot octopus, cuttlefish and other fascinating night life, among other things. Thanks to calm conditions and short boat times, Anilao is suitable for divers of all levels.
Want to know more about Anilao? Check out our trip to this destination here.
Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is a diverse diving region on the island of Mindoro and is known for its good infrastructure and wide variety of dive sites within a short distance of each other. The area offers a mix of colorful reefs, impressive walls and exciting drift dives, making every dive feel different.
The underwater world is rich and varied. You can encounter turtles, large schools of fish and reef life here, but macro lovers are also well catered for. Because of its diversity and good accessibility, Puerto Galera is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers and ideal for those who want to make many different types of dives in a short time.
Want to know more about Puerto Galera? Check out our trip to this destination here!
Subic Bay
Subic Bay is the destination for divers fascinated by wrecks and maritime history. The bay is home to a large number of World War II shipwrecks scattered at various depths. Over the years, these wrecks have become artificial reefs, where a rich marine life has developed.
Diving in Subic Bay feels like a trip back in time. You’ll explore old cargo ships, warships and aircraft, while fish, sponges and corals have slowly taken over the structures. Because of the depths and sometimes challenging conditions, Subic Bay is especially suitable for advanced divers looking for a unique and historic diving experience.
Diving in Palawan
Palawan is an archipelago in the western Philippines and is often considered one of the most beautiful regions of the country. The province consists of the long main island of Palawan and dozens of smaller islands, including the Calamian Islands to which Coron belongs. Geographically, Palawan lies between Luzon and the Visayas. This location gives Palawan a totally distinctive character, both above and below the water.
Diving in Palawan is known for clear water, healthy reefs and a huge variety of diving experiences. In the north of the archipelago you’ll find Coron, world-famous for its wreck diving, while further out to sea is the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote liveaboard destination with extremely healthy reefs and great marine life. We’ll come back to this later! ;ang along the coast of the main island of Palawan are beautiful reefs and quiet dive sites. This makes Palawan a versatile region that appeals to both recreational divers and experienced adventurers.
Main diving regions in Palawan
Coron
Coron, located in northern Palawan, is known worldwide as one of the best wreck diving destinations in the world. During World War II, several Japanese ships sank here, which now lie as impressive artificial reefs on the sea floor.
The wrecks are located at various depths and are partially overgrown with coral, making them not only historically interesting but also rich in marine life. Among other things, you can see schools of fish, barracudas and colorful reef species here. Due to the depth and character of the dives, Coron is especially suitable for experienced divers, although there are shallower wrecks accessible to less advanced divers. Above water, Coron is known for its karst landscapes and clear blue lagoons, making it an attractive destination for those who want to combine diving with nature and relaxation.
El Nido
El Nido is one of the best destinations in the Philippines for non-divers. The region is best known for its spectacular limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and idyllic islets. Island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing on white beaches are at least as popular here as diving.
For divers, El Nido offers excellent reef diving and snorkeling, but it is not a hardcore diving destination like Coron or Tubbataha. This is precisely why El Nido is perfect for trips where not everyone in the party dives, or for those who want to combine diving with nature, relaxation and impressive scenery above water. In short, you can dive here, but we recommend doing so in other places!
Diving in central Philippines (Visayas)
The Visayas are the heart of the Philippines. Here you will find many iconic diving destinations relatively close together, ideal to combine during a round trip.
You can actually dive year-round in this region, but keep in mind the rainy season. The best period is from dember to May. Diving in the Visayas is suitable for a first dive trip in the Philippines, divers who want lots of variety and divers who want island hopping and a combination of diving, culture and nature.
Whale sharks in this region
Many whale shark excursions are offered in this region, mainly where you can snorkel with these amazing animals. Note that they are often excursions where the whale sharks are fed. That way the providers can guarantee an encounter. This is definitely not good for the animals. They now stay in the same place instead of migrating and following food as they normally do. We discourage you from participating in these excursions, mainly at Oslob. We recommend you go in Southern Leyte, which we discuss as the last of the most important diving regions in the Visayas.
Main diving regions in the Visayas
Malapascua
One of the most unique diving experiences you can have in the Philippines is undoubtedly an encounter with thresher sharks. These special dives take place at Malapascua, a small island north of Cebu known worldwide for these rare sharks. The island itself feels like a step back in time: white sand beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and hardly any motorized traffic.
Most dives with thresher sharks take place early in the morning at Monad Shoal, an underwater plateau where these normally shy animals come up to be cleaned by cleaner fish. The moment when silhouettes of thresher sharks slowly emerge from the blue is one you won’t soon forget. In addition to these iconic encounters, Malapascua also offers beautiful coral gardens, interesting wrecks and plenty of macro life. Think mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses and, with luck, even manta rays. A destination perfect for divers looking for something truly special. Check out our trip to Malaspascua here.
Cebu & Moalboal
Located in the heart of the Philippines, Cebu is an accessible and versatile diving destination with a huge variety of dive sites. Especially around Moalboal you will find spectacular reefs and impressive wall dives, where the marine life literally moves around you. The absolute highlight here is the famous sardine run: huge schools of sardines gathering just off the coast and providing a breathtaking spectacle.
In addition, you can regularly encounter turtles, reef sharks and colorful schools of fish in the waters around Cebu. Due to the good infrastructure and diversity of diving, Cebu is suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to very experienced divers. Those specifically looking for thresher sharks are better off in Malapascua, but Cebu is perfect as an all-round diving destination with plenty of variety.
Apo Island & Dauin
Apo Island and Dauin are known as two of the best places in the Philippines for those who love healthy reefs as well as exceptional macro diving. Apo Island is a marine protected area and it shows immediately underwater: colorful corals, large numbers of turtles and an abundance of fish life. The reefs are lively, well-preserved and ideal for relaxed diving.
Dauin, on the coast of Negros, on the contrary, is famous for muck diving. Here you scavenge over dark sandy bottoms for the smallest and most bizarre sea creatures, such as nudibranchs, octopuses and other rare macro species. What makes this region extra special is its strong focus on marine conservation and sustainable tourism, allowing you to dive in an environment where conservation is central. Check out our trip to Dauin here.
Bohol & Panglao
Bohol is a quiet and versatile destination where diving can be perfectly combined with nature and culture on the island itself. Most diving takes place around Panglao and at Balicasag Island, an area known for its impressive coral formations and clear blue waters. Underwater here you can encounter large schools of jackfish, barracudas and tuna, as well as turtles and various shark species.
The dive sites consist mainly of reefs, making Bohol suitable for both novice and advanced divers. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful underwater world make this an ideal alternative for those who want it a little quieter, but still want to enjoy spectacular dives.
Besides diving, Bohol also has much to offer above water. The island is best known for the Chocolate Hills, a unique natural phenomenon consisting of hundreds of symmetrical hills. In the green interior you will find jungle, rice fields and rivers, where you can explore nature by boat or on foot. This combination makes Bohol very suitable for a varied round trip in which diving and nature alternate.
Southern Leyte
Southern Leyte is a province in the Philippines, located in the southern part of the island of Leyte. It is a destination that still feels wonderfully unspoiled and is especially popular with divers looking for tranquility, nature and special underwater encounters.
Diving in Southern Leyte, and particularly in Sogod Bay, is known for spectacular coral reefs and an impressive underwater world. You will find steep walls and exceptionally high biodiversity. Because the area is still relatively quiet, you can enjoy relaxed diving without mass tourism. The best time to dive here is year-round, but for one special encounter a season really stands out.
Whale Sharks in Southern Leyte
Southern Leyte is one of the best places in the Philippines to spot whale sharks in the wild. Between November and May, these gentle giants are most likely to appear along the coast. What makes this location extra special is that the whale sharks are not fed here. They come to Sogod Bay entirely on their own, attracted by natural food sources. This makes Southern Leyte one of the most ethical places in the Philippines to see whale sharks. Responsible tourism is strictly enforced, respecting the animals and their natural behavior. By choosing ethical tours, you contribute to the conservation of this magnificent species as well as having an authentic, unforgettable underwater experience.
Diving in Romblon
Romblon is a group of islands located in the central region of the Philippines. It is part of the Visayas archipelago, but thus consists of several islands itself. Geographically, it lies exactly between Visayas and Luzon.
The area is known for its pristine reefs and clear blue waters. Dive sites in Romblon include Blue Hole, where you can dive through a narrow passage into a large hole, and Bonbon Beach, where you can dive among soft corals and large schools of fish. Popular in Romblon is the so-called Black Water Diving. Blackwater diving in Romblon is a unique diving experience you won’t soon forget. During this dive you will descend, at night, into deep waters, far away from the shoreline, to explore the incredible underwater world of the open sea – in the pitch dark. You will not use a dive light during this dive. Check out our trip to Romblon here!
Diving in Southern Philippines (Mindanao)
Mindanao is rougher, less touristy and known for great marine life and strong currents. Many dive sites are visited by liveaboard.
Diving in Mindanao is especially suitable for experienced divers and big life enthusiasts. In addition, this is the region best traveled by liveaboard, so you can also go to the remote dive sites. The best travel time is in the dry season.
Main diving regions in southern Philippines
Samal Island / Davao Gulf
Samal Island lies off the coast of Davao City, in the southern Philippines, and together with the Davao Gulf forms a relatively unknown but surprisingly diverse diving region. The area is less touristy than many other parts of the country, offering a tranquil and authentic diving experience.
The dive sites in Davao Gulf consist of slopes, reefs and sand flats and are rich in macro and reef life. With some luck, you’ll spot turtles, reef sharks and large schools of fish here. Conditions are generally calm, making most dives suitable for different experience levels. Samal Island is particularly interesting for divers who like to go off the beaten track and combine diving with a relaxing stay above water.
Camiguin
A small, green island in northern Mindanao, Camiguin offers a surprisingly diverse diving experience. The island is of volcanic origin, which also translates underwater into unique landscapes and special dive sites. The atmosphere is small-scale and relaxed, perfect for those who want to combine diving with nature and adventure above water.
The reefs around Camiguin are colorful and rich in life, with plenty of reef fish and interesting macro species for those who look closely. The dive sites are suitable for all levels and offer a nice balance of calm dives and visual variety. This makes Camiguin an ideal destination for travelers who not only want to dive, but also enjoy waterfalls, hot springs and the island’s green interior. Check out our fantastic trip to Camiguin here!
Remote reefs & liveaboard areas
In addition to the well-known diving regions, the Philippines has a number of remote reefs that are among the absolute highlights of the country. These areas lie far from the coast and are usually only accessible by liveaboard. It is precisely this remoteness that makes for exceptionally healthy reefs and a wide variety of marine life.
Diving in these areas is characterized by strong currents, large schools of fish and regular encounters with sharks and other pelagic species. Liveaboards make it possible to visit multiple dive sites per day and take full advantage of the best conditions. This type of diving is especially suitable for experienced divers looking for adventure, pristine nature and the best the Philippines has to offer underwater. The best travel time for these areas is usually during the dry season, when the sea is calmest and visibility is optimal.
Main diving regions for liveaboard trips
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is undoubtedly among the absolute highlights of diving in the Philippines, and even far beyond. This remote reef lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is only accessible by liveaboard. This very isolation has ensured that nature here is exceptionally well preserved. Not for nothing is Tubbataha on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Underwater, you are surrounded by extremely healthy coral reefs, steep walls and an impressive amount of life. Large schools of fish move along the reef, while sharks and manta rays regularly glide by in the blue water. The dives can be challenging due to current and depth, making Tubbataha especially suitable for experienced divers. Those who have dived here once understand why this area is considered one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. The area is open only from March to June. Check out our trip to Tubbataha here.
Apo Reef
Apo Reef is the largest coral reef in the Philippines and a destination especially loved by divers who love space, tranquility and great marine life. The reef is located far from the coast, giving it a remote and pristine feel. The dives are characterized by impressive walls and vast plateaus that slowly disappear into the deep blue.
Apo Reef is known for encounters with sharks, turtles and large pelagic fish that migrate along the reef here. Due to its open location and sometimes strong currents, this is a destination best suited for advanced divers. In return, you get spectacular dives in an environment where nature is still fully in charge.
Which region in the Philippines suits you?
Which diving region suits you best depends on your experience, interests and the time you have. Some regions are ideal for a first introduction to the Philippines, while others are suitable for experienced divers looking for adventure or specific underwater experiences.
If you like variety and short travel distances, the Visayas are the place to be. This region lends itself perfectly to island hopping, combining several dive sites in one trip. For macro fanatics and underwater photographers, Anilao is an absolute must, while Palawan (which includes Coron) combines well with other regions for those who want to do both wreck and reef diving.
For divers who want to get the most out of their trip and also explore more remote areas, liveaboards offer access to dive sites that are inaccessible from shore. Think pristine reefs, great marine life and intensive dive days where everything revolves around the diving itself.
The strength of the Philippines lies in the possibilities of combining different regions. Whether you choose a multi-island roundtrip, a specific dive destination or a liveaboard, there is always a trip to put together that suits your needs and diving experience.
Our diving trips to the Philippines
We offer island hopping tours in the Visayas, specialized diving trips to Anilao and various liveaboard itineraries through the Philippines, among others. Have any questions? Feel free to contact one of our travel specialists.