Our 10 favorite diving destinations of the Philippines
The Philippines is a dream destination for many divers. And that is not surprising, because you will find beautiful islands, spectacular marine life and warm water. Still, you have to make a choice where to dive in the Philippines: after all, the country consists of more than 7,000 islands. Of these, about 1,000 are uninhabited and the distances between the islands can be great. In this article we tell you more about our favorite diving destinations within the Philippines. Want to read more about the different regions? We have explained more about the regions and the diving destinations for each region in this blog.
1. Malapascua
Malapascua is without a doubt one of the most iconic diving destinations in the Philippines. The small island is known worldwide for its daily encounters with thresher sharks, a unique experience you have in very few places in the world.
The dives around Malapascua range from deeper dives to reef and slope dives. In addition to thresher sharks, you can see manta rays (seasonal), reef sharks and schools of fish here. Due to the nature of some of the dives, Malapascua is especially suitable for divers with some experience, but the rewards underwater are great.
2. Dauin
Dauin, located on the coast of Negros, is known as one of the best muck and macro destinations in the world. Its seemingly simple sandy bottoms are home to an enormous amount of extraordinary marine life.
While diving in Dauin, you will spot frogfishes, seahorses, nudibranchs and other rare macro species. Conditions are generally calm, making it an ideal destination for photographers and lovers of small life. Dauin perfectly demonstrates how spectacular diving can be, even without colorful reefs. Dauin combines well with Malapascua, as in this trip.
3. Siquijor
Siquijor is a small and relaxed island that fits perfectly into a varied diving trip. The atmosphere is peaceful and the diving is diverse, with healthy reefs, slopes and plenty of macro.
Underwater you will find a nice mix of reef fish, turtles and small life. Siquijor is suitable for all levels and offers a fine balance between diving and island experience. Combined with Malapascua and Dauin, Siquijor forms a logical and varied tour of the central Philippines. Check out the trip here.
4. Camiguin
A green, volcanic island in northern Mindanao, Camiguin offers a surprisingly diverse diving experience. Underwater, the volcanic landscape translates into unique formations and interesting dive sites.
The reefs around Camiguin are colorful and rich in life, with many reef fish and macro species. The dive sites are suitable for all levels and the atmosphere on the island is small-scale and relaxed. Camiguin is ideal for travelers who want to combine diving with nature, waterfalls and hot springs. Check out our trip to Camiguin here.
5. South Leyte
South Leyte is known for its ecological approach to whale sharks. In season, the waters around this region offer a chance for impressive encounters, with respect for the animals at the core of the experience.
In addition to whale sharks, South Leyte offers beautiful reefs, walls and drift dives with lots of biodiversity. The region is quiet and less touristy than many other parts of the Philippines, making for a relaxing diving experience. South Leyte is suitable for divers who value conservation and enjoy diving away from the crowds.
6. Anilao
Anilao, located a few hours’ drive from Manila, is considered the macro capital of the Philippines. It is a destination where everything revolves around marine life.
The dive sites consist mainly of muck and macro dives, with an unprecedented variety of small life. Nudibranchs, frogfishes, lionfish and other unusual species are spotted here daily. Anilao is especially popular with experienced divers and underwater photographers, but less advanced divers can also do very well here. Check out our trips to Anilao here.
7. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha is the absolute highlight for experienced divers in the Philippines. This remote reef lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is accessible only by liveaboard.
The reefs are exceptionally healthy and the marine life impressive: large schools of fish, sharks, manta rays and strong currents characterize diving here. Tubbataha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is strictly protected, making it one of the most beautiful diving areas in the country. Diving here is intense and adventurous, but unforgettable. Want to go to Tubbataha? We offer several trips to this top diving destination.
8. Dumaguete
Dumaguete is a popular base for divers who want to focus on macro and muck. The nearby dive sites are known for their wide variety of particularly small life.
Frogfishes, seahorses and other rare species are regularly seen here. Dumaguete combines well with Puerto Galera; we have put together a nice combination trip for this.
9. Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is a versatile and easily accessible dive destination near Manila. The area offers a wide mix of dive types: drift diving, walls, reefs and macro.
Thanks to its good infrastructure and variety of dive sites, Puerto Galera is suitable for all levels. It is a fine destination for those who want to make many different types of dives without long travel times.
10. Romblon
Romblon is a relatively unknown diving destination and that is precisely what makes it so attractive. The region consists of several islands and is known for quiet dive sites, healthy reefs and good visibility conditions.
Underwater you will find colorful coral, reef fish and interesting macro species. Romblon is ideal for divers who want to avoid the crowds and are looking for a relaxed, pristine diving experience in the Philippines. Check out the trip to Romblon here.
What these destinations have in common is that they each show in their own way how diverse diving in the Philippines is. Combining different regions creates a trip that is varied and inspiring both above and below the water. Whether you choose macro, big life, quiet reefs or a liveaboard, the Philippines never ceases to surprise!
