The Philippines have a number of the most unbelievable diving spots on this planet, with reefs stretching for miles and providing loads of discovery alternatives for individuals who wish to discover the underwater world. For those who’re searching for the perfect locations to go scuba diving within the Philippines, learn on!
The Philippines is break up into 3 fundamental islands; Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, however there are additionally a number of different smaller islands dotted round providing the proper spots for diving. The advantages of scuba diving are plentiful in case you love marine life, as you’ll get to expertise a number of the immense coral reefs, see underwater habitats, and will even spot some uncommon and attention-grabbing species native to the islands of the Philippines.
Whether or not or not you may have your individual scuba diving gear otherwise you’re simply turning as much as be part of a bunch, listed here are the ten greatest locations to go scuba diving within the Philippines.
1. Mindoro
Mindoro is among the greatest locations to go scuba diving within the Philippines, and gives a number of the greatest diving for freshmen within the nation. The world is supposedly the second largest contiguous coral reef on this planet, and also you’ll discover all kinds of diving happening right here.
With wrecks to discover, and ample simple shore dives, no matter your stage of expertise you’ll have a good time right here. Probably the most iconic areas to dive right here is Puerto Galera. It’s an excellent vacationer space but additionally has some improbable dive websites close by. Although there are dives for all talents on this space, superior divers can see some superb species akin to reef sharks, eagle rays and turtles, and get some glorious images if underwater images is your factor.
2. Coron Bay
The island of Coron is a well-liked vacationer spot with a number of areas for eager divers to discover. Coron Bay is a good one in case you’re involved in exploring historic WW2 wrecks (there are apparently 11 of them) whereas additionally seeing superb reefs close by. Many divers come right here to attain their PADI Wreck Diver certification, so if that is one thing you’re involved in, Coron is a improbable spot.
A liveaboard is a purpose-built boat for scuba diving, and can sometimes provide diving journeys lasting greater than at some point. There are a number of liveaboard choices in Coron and plenty of will provide the prospect to go to Apo Reef the place you’ll be able to see vibrant coral, pelagic fish and reef sharks.
3. Anda, Bohol
The island of Bohol gives beautiful white sand seashores and loads of diving alternatives, and the realm of Anda is a quieter diving spot away from the touristy areas of Bohol. If you wish to really feel such as you’re the one one exploring these untouched reefs, Anda is an effective spot on the proper time of 12 months.
You possibly can attempt several types of dives right here, akin to coral gardens and muck dive websites, and spot an abundance of unbelievable marine life like Napoleon snake eels, pygmy seahorses, completely different sorts of shrimp, and in case you’re fortunate, turtles.
4. Boracay
Boracay scuba diving is nicely often called some of the premier scuba diving areas within the Philippines. It’s a tiny island however will get tremendous widespread because of its postcard-perfect seashores and stunningly clear water. This island has been voted the perfect island on this planet prior to now, so it attracts vacationers from throughout — maintain this in thoughts if you’re reserving dives right here… it will get busy!
With stunning coral reefs and loads of fascinating fish like parrot fish, puffer fish and blue noticed stingrays, you gained’t imagine how stunning diving on this space might be. And, clearly you’ll want a very good feed in spite of everything that swimming so be sure that to take a look at my listing of the perfect locations for breakfast in Boracay right here.
READ MORE: The way to Do Boracay on a Finances
5. Moalboal, Cebu
Moalboal is situated on the island of Cebu between different widespread diving websites Oslob and Malapascua. It’s recognized for its sardine run which occurs virtually day by day and sees as much as 7 million sardines cross by way of alongside different massive faculties of fish.
Diving within the space gives the prospect to see this unbelievable occasion, in addition to exploring caves and canyons, and recognizing a number of the widespread marine life round Cebu akin to whitetip reef sharks, dolphins and manta rays. This space gives some extremely diversified diving experiences for freshmen and superior divers alike.
For those who’re visiting Cebu in your journey, I positively advocate you to take a look at Kawasan Falls. It’s beautiful!
6. Malapascua, Cebu
Transferring additional up the island of Cebu to the north is Malapascua, which is among the greatest spots to dive in in case you’re looking out for the shy, rarely-seen thresher shark. These timid creatures are fairly a sight with their big tails giving the looks of a a lot bigger shark.
In addition to thresher sharks, you might spot tiny seahorses, shrimp and different distinctive marine life within the space. There’s additionally wreck diving; the Doña Marilyn, a cargo and passenger vessel that sank in 1988, has a 98ft hull now lined in coral and makes for a tremendous dive web site. I went as much as Malapascua after I was within the Philippines for 2 weeks and beloved the little island.
7. Oslob, Cebu
Oslob is among the greatest recognized areas for scuba diving Philippines packages, with many diving centres current within the space. It’s situated south of Malapascua and regardless of the attractive coral and plenty of different fish that may be seen right here, Oslob is the place to go to see the biggest fish on this planet; the whale shark. Oslob gives many dive packages to swim with these mild giants who you might be glad to study have tiny enamel and solely eat small shrimp, fish and plankton.
Take into account many dive excursions to see whale sharks will provide the prospect to feed them. This can be a little controversial as many imagine this interferes with their pure feeding patterns, so you might desire to search for a tour operator who will take you to a dive spot and let you observe the whale sharks with out feeding.
8. Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan
The Tubbataha Reefs provide a number of the highest biodiversity within the Philippines, though bear in mind a number of the greatest spots can solely be accessed by way of a liveaboard. Tubbataha Reefs Pure Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and is taken into account top-of-the-line diving spots within the Philippines. It’s additionally one of many prime vacationer spots in Palawan. With beautiful coral and plentiful marine creatures to look out for, together with round 600 species of fish, 11 species of shark and inexperienced sea turtles, you gained’t be capable of peel your self away.
For those who’re fortunate, you might also spot manta rays and barracuda, and heading to Amos Rock gives you a number of the greatest diving experiences on the island, however bear in mind diving season right here is from February to June so e book your journeys inside this window.
9. El Nido, Palawan
Positioned north of Tubbataha Reefs on Palawan island is El Nido, which is a extremely popular vacationer spot for extra than simply scuba diving. With lush tropical walks, beautiful seashores and epic sunsets, El Nido attracts crowds yearly.
Diving right here is otherworldly, with many uncommon creatures. From distinctive wanting seahorses and crustaceans to reef sharks, eagle rays and groupers, there may be a lot to see right here. It’s additionally an excellent place to go to in case you’re eager to see turtles in your dives.
10. Mactan Island, Cebu
Mactan Island is the closest diving spot to Cebu Metropolis, so in case you’re staying within the metropolis, hop on over to see some beautiful coral reefs and marine life. It’s particularly widespread for its clear water visibility, drop-offs to discover and wrecks to {photograph}. You possibly can even dive to the Tambuli aircraft wreck, a single seater twin engine plane which has been reclaimed by the coral and marine life round it.
Maintain a lookout for big faculties of sardines above and porcelain crabs scuttling alongside beneath. This dive web site isn’t really useful for freshmen so be sure you e book the fitting expedition for you. Skilled divers will even love the Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary which gives nice images alternatives because of its shallow reefs lined in sea life.
Philippines scuba diving
Able to e book a scuba diving journey to the Philippines? These unbelievable dive websites situated everywhere in the nation are a number of the greatest on this planet, so if you’re searching for the perfect locations to go scuba diving within the Philippines, positively add them to your listing of must-dives!
For those who’re planning a visit anytime quickly, take a look at my listing of prime Philippines journey suggestions that will help you get pleasure from your journey.
