Diving in the Philippines
Besides diving, do you like to socialize? Then go on a diving vacation to the Philippines! There is a lot of variety to be found in the Philippines, both in terms of price and dive destinations. But what is the same everywhere: the relaxed and fun atmosphere!
- Very varied
- Good affordable
- Coral reefs full of colorful fish
- Also for wreck diving
An archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a diving destination every diver should explore. With its crystal clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, beautiful coral reefs and countless shipwrecks, the Philippines offers diving opportunities that should not be missed.
What makes diving in the Philippines so special?
The Philippines is home to some of the most impressive dive sites in the world. The country is known for its pristine coral reefs, beautiful coral gardens, deep drop-offs, fascinating shipwrecks, and an abundance of marine life. The Philippines has an incredibly rich marine biodiversity, and divers can discover a wide range of fish species, sharks, manta rays, turtles, octopuses, seahorses and more.
There are many different areas in the Philippines known for their fantastic diving opportunities.
One of the most unique encounters you can have in the Philippines is with thresher sharks. Diving with thresher sharks is possible in Malapascua. This is a unique experience not to be missed if you are looking for an exciting adventure in the Philippines. Malapascua is a small island north of Cebu and is known for its Monad Shoal dive site, where divers have the chance to see thresher sharks.
Anilao is a popular diving destination in Batangas province, located about a 2-hour drive from Manila. Anilao is known for its macro diving opportunities. The dive sites around Anilao range from shallow reefs to steep walls and wrecks. The area is also known for its night diving, where you can see several species of octopus, cuttlefish and other unusual night life.
Romblon is a group of islands located in the central region of the Philippines. 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.
Cebu is an island in the central region of the Philippines and has some of the most spectacular dive sites in the region. One of the most popular dive sites in Cebu is Pescador Island, known for its crystal clear waters and spectacular underwater scenery. Here you can see large schools of fish, sharks and turtles. Monad Shoal, where you can dive with thresher sharks, is also located near Cebu.
In Bohol, divers often dive the reefs of Panglao and Balicasag Island, which are known for their beautiful coral formations and large populations of different species of marine animals. Here you can see large schools of tuna, barracuda and jackfish, as well as turtles and several species of sharks, among others.
Coron, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to do some of the most famous wreck diving in the world. The waters around Coron are home to numerous Japanese wrecks, including the famous Irako Maru and the Akitsushima, both of which sank in World War II. Besides these wrecks, you can also find beautiful coral gardens and rock formations where you can enjoy the view.
In short, the Philippines is a great diving destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are a novice diver or hugely experienced, there are numerous dive sites suitable for all levels. In addition, the Philippines offers an incredible diversity of animals. Whether you are interested in large pelagic animals such as sharks and manta rays, or small and colorful reef fish, there is something for everyone. Best of all, the Philippines is such a large country with so many islands that you could travel for months and still discover new dive sites.
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