Top 10 Dive Spots in the Philippines
- KGM Resorts
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Discover the Underwater Wonders of the Archipelago
Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is a diver’s paradise teeming with marine life found nowhere else on Earth. With more than 7,000 islands fringed by coral reefs, the country offers world-class diving opportunities for every skill level. From gentle reef slopes and vibrant coral gardens to deep wrecks and adrenaline-pumping shark dives, the archipelago is as diverse beneath the surface as it is above.
The Philippines is home to over 500 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of fish, making it one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Whether you’re chasing the elusive thresher shark, swimming through WWII wrecks, or marveling at a kaleidoscope of nudibranchs, each dive promises something extraordinary.
This blog is your curated guide to the top 10 dive spots across the Philippines—from protected UNESCO reefs to hidden volcanic gems. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just beginning your underwater journey, these destinations capture the magic of Philippine diving. Prepare to descend into a world of color, motion, and wonder.
Table of Contents Top 10 Dive Spots in the Philippines
Dive into Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan – A UNESCO-Protected Underwater Sanctuary
Tucked in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Philippine diving. This remote UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 97,000 hectares of protected marine area and is one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the world.
Why Dive Here:
Incredible Biodiversity – Home to over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral, Tubbataha offers a front-row seat to nature’s marine masterpiece.
Big Pelagic Encounters – Dive with reef sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, and the occasional whale shark in crystal-clear waters.
Spectacular Coral Walls – Vertical drop-offs and strong currents make for thrilling drift dives along colorful coral-covered escarpments.
Diving Season:
March to June Only – This is the only window when seas are calm enough for liveaboard dive vessels to access the park. Visibility ranges from 30 to 40 meters.
Travel Tip:
Liveaboard Required – There are no resorts on-site. Divers must book a multi-day liveaboard trip departing from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Verdict: Tubbataha is a bucket-list destination best suited for experienced divers seeking rare marine life and untouched underwater ecosystems. It’s the ultimate dive expedition in the Philippines—raw, remote, and unforgettable.
Explore Apo Reef Natural Park, Mindoro – The Philippines’ Hidden Coral Giant
Just off the coast of Occidental Mindoro lies Apo Reef Natural Park, the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This vast underwater wilderness is a must for divers looking to witness healthy reef ecosystems and dramatic marine encounters.
Why Dive Here:
Diverse Marine Life – Apo Reef is home to over 385 species of fish, including barracudas, groupers, angelfish, and trevallies. You’ll also encounter sea turtles and the occasional reef shark.
Pristine Coral Landscapes – Massive coral gardens, walls, and channels provide a colorful, complex habitat perfect for exploration.
Excellent Visibility – Waters are clear and calm during the peak season, with visibility often reaching 30 meters or more.
Diving Season:
Best from March to May – Calm seas and optimal underwater clarity make this the ideal time to explore the reef. Conditions are also great for underwater photography.
Travel Tip:
Base in Sablayan – Access the reef via boat tours or overnight safaris from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Combine your trip with nearby Pandan Island or Puerto Galera for a well-rounded dive itinerary.
Verdict: Apo Reef is a diver’s dream for its biodiversity and seclusion. Less crowded than Tubbataha but equally stunning, it’s ideal for both novice and seasoned divers craving rich marine life and peaceful waters.
Encounter Thresher Sharks at Malapascua Island, Cebu – The Only Daily Dive of Its Kind in the World
Nestled off the northern tip of Cebu, Malapascua Island has become globally renowned for one extraordinary reason: it’s the only place on Earth where divers can reliably spot thresher sharks every morning. This small island offers big rewards for those chasing rare and unforgettable marine encounters.
Why Dive Here:
Thresher Shark Sightings – Monad Shoal is a sunken island where thresher sharks rise from the deep at dawn to visit cleaning stations—an experience unique to Malapascua.
Exceptional Macro Life – Beyond the pelagics, the island boasts critters like mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, and blue-ringed octopuses, perfect for macro lovers.
Wreck and Night Dives – Dive the nearby Tapilon wreck or explore Lighthouse Reef for a glowing display of bioluminescence and mating mandarin fish.
Diving Season:
Year-Round Diving – Thanks to generally calm seas and favorable weather, Malapascua is accessible all year, though March to May offers the best visibility.
Travel Tip:
Stay on the Island – Getting to Malapascua requires a boat ride from Maya Port, Cebu. Book at least 3 days to maximize shark dives and explore nearby sites.
Verdict: Malapascua is a bucket-list destination for thrill-seeking divers. The guaranteed early-morning encounters with majestic thresher sharks make it one of the Philippines’ most iconic dive sites.
Discover Anilao, Batangas – The Birthplace of Philippine Scuba Diving
Just a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila, Anilao in Batangas is a favorite weekend dive escape and a pioneer destination in Philippine scuba diving. Known for its accessibility and astounding biodiversity, it’s a hotspot for underwater photographers and macro life enthusiasts.
Why Dive Here:
Macro Paradise – Anilao is world-renowned for “muck diving” and macro photography. Expect to find nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, and rare critters hiding in the sand and coral rubble.
Diverse Dive Sites – With over 50 sites, including Cathedral Rock, Secret Bay, and Twin Rocks, Anilao offers everything from gentle slopes to walls and pinnacles.
Year-Round Diving – Protected waters make Anilao a great choice for all seasons, with calm conditions and moderate currents ideal for beginners and pros alike.
Diving Season:
Best from November to May – While diving is possible year-round, dry months offer clearer visibility and calmer seas, perfect for photography and exploration.
Travel Tip:
Stay at a Dive Resort – Anilao is lined with dive-centric accommodations that include full gear rentals, boat access, and experienced guides. No need to bring your own equipment.
Verdict: Anilao delivers rich biodiversity and convenience in one package. Whether you’re chasing tiny critters or logging your first dive, this iconic destination sets the bar high for underwater adventures close to the capital.
Dive into Coron Bay, Palawan – A Sunken Fleet Turned Underwater Museum
Coron Bay in northern Palawan is one of the world’s top wreck diving destinations, known for its hauntingly beautiful sunken Japanese warships from World War II. Resting in crystal-clear waters and surrounded by limestone cliffs, these wrecks offer both historical intrigue and thriving marine life.
Why Dive Here:
World War II Wrecks – The bay holds around a dozen wrecks, including the Irako, Akitsushima, and Olympia Maru, now encrusted with corals and home to lionfish, batfish, and groupers.
Wrecks for All Levels – Whether you're a beginner or a tech diver, Coron has shallow wrecks at 10–25 meters and deeper technical dives at 40+ meters.
Unique Underwater Landscapes – Beyond wrecks, sites like Barracuda Lake feature thermoclines and haloclines that create surreal diving conditions.
Diving Season:
Best Time to Dive – October to June offers the calmest seas and best visibility, often exceeding 20 meters.
Travel Tip:
Base in Coron Town – Numerous dive shops offer wreck tours and PADI certifications. Combine your dive adventure with hikes up Mt. Tapyas and a visit to Maquinit Hot Springs.
Verdict: Coron Bay delivers an unforgettable blend of history, mystery, and marine biodiversity. It’s a must-visit for divers drawn to shipwrecks, eerie silence, and underwater exploration with a story to tell.
Dive into Moalboal, Cebu – Home of the Sardine Run and Vibrant Reefs
Moalboal, located on the southwestern coast of Cebu, is a diver’s paradise famous for its year-round sardine run, colorful coral walls, and accessible marine life just meters from shore. It’s one of the most convenient yet rewarding dive spots in the Philippines.
Why Dive Here:
Sardine Run Spectacle – Witness millions of sardines swirling in synchronized motion just off Panagsama Beach. No boat required—it’s a shore dive!
Turtle Encounters – Green sea turtles are a common sight grazing on the reef, often spotted during both dives and snorkel trips.
Diverse Coral Reefs – Pescador Island and nearby dive sites boast dramatic drop-offs, vibrant soft and hard corals, and reef fish galore.
Diving Season:
Year-Round Diving – With warm waters and mild currents, Moalboal is dive-ready almost every day of the year. Best visibility is typically from November to May.
Travel Tip:
Easy Access from Cebu City – Moalboal is about a 3-hour drive from Cebu City. Plenty of dive resorts, budget hostels, and beachfront restaurants line Panagsama Beach.
Verdict: Moalboal offers a rare mix of affordability, accessibility, and marine richness. Whether you’re a beginner diver or an underwater photographer, it’s a must-visit for those chasing unforgettable underwater moments—no boat necessary.
Dive into Balicasag Island, Bohol – A Compact Marine Wonderland
Just a short boat ride from Panglao, Balicasag Island is a compact but world-renowned marine sanctuary in Bohol. Its crystal-clear waters, dramatic drop-offs, and rich biodiversity make it a favorite among divers of all levels.
Why Dive Here:
Turtle Capital of Bohol – Balicasag is famous for its resident green sea turtles. Divers can easily spot them grazing on seagrass or cruising alongside the reef walls.
Black Forest and Cathedral Sites – These iconic dive spots offer steep slopes teeming with jacks, barracudas, and macro life, perfect for drift dives and underwater photography.
Protected Coral Reefs – As a marine sanctuary, Balicasag’s reefs are in excellent condition. Expect vibrant hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges.
Diving Season:
Best from November to May – Calm seas and excellent visibility during these months provide optimal diving conditions.
Travel Tip:
Easy Day Trip from Panglao – Most dive shops in Alona Beach offer half-day dive packages to Balicasag. Book early, as only a limited number of divers are allowed each day to protect the ecosystem.
Verdict: Balicasag Island offers a rich diving experience packed into a small, sustainable footprint. Whether you're chasing turtles, swirling jacks, or coral-covered slopes, it’s a must-dive gem in the heart of the Visayas.
Dive into Camiguin Island – The Volcanic Underwater Frontier
Camiguin, known as the “Island Born of Fire,” offers a unique diving experience where volcanic landscapes above water mirror the dramatic terrain below. This lesser-known destination in Northern Mindanao is a hidden gem for divers seeking serenity, healthy reefs, and a touch of mystique.
Why Dive Here:
Volcanic Reef Formations – Explore vibrant reefs shaped by ancient lava flows, providing habitat for a diverse range of marine life.
Buried Cemetery Dive – Near the famous Sunken Cemetery, submerged structures and crosses create a surreal dive setting, steeped in local history.
Rich Marine Biodiversity – Camiguin's waters are teeming with reef fish, nudibranchs, sea turtles, and occasional visits from larger pelagics.
Diving Season:
Best Time to Dive – March to June offers optimal weather and water conditions with excellent visibility.
Year-Round Access – While diving is possible most of the year, weather can be unpredictable during the rainy season (July to November).
Travel Tip:
Quiet and Unspoiled – Dive shops are limited, so it’s best to book in advance. Combine diving with trekking, waterfalls, and hot springs for a full Camiguin adventure.
Verdict: Camiguin Island is ideal for divers looking to pair underwater discovery with volcanic wonder. It’s peaceful, culturally rich, and perfect for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Explore Verde Island Passage – The Center of the World’s Marine Shorefish Biodiversity
Often hailed as the “Amazon of the Oceans,” the Verde Island Passage between Mindoro and Batangas is a diver’s paradise and a global marine biodiversity hotspot. Its nutrient-rich waters host a spectacular range of marine species, making it a must-visit for both macro photographers and coral lovers.
Why Dive Here:
Extreme Biodiversity – Home to more than 300 species of coral and over 1,700 species of fish, including rare and endemic marine life.
Stunning Drop-offs and Coral Gardens – Dive sites like The Washing Machine and The Cathedral offer thrilling currents, vibrant coral walls, and massive schools of reef fish.
Accessible Yet Rich – One of the most biologically diverse yet easily accessible diving destinations in the country.
Diving Season:
Year-Round Diving – Best visibility from November to May. June to October may bring rougher seas but still good for diving.
Ideal for All Levels – From beginner-friendly sites to advanced drift dives, there’s something for every diver.
Travel Tip:
Base Yourself in Puerto Galera or Anilao – Both towns offer dive resorts and are less than 3 hours from Metro Manila, making the passage highly accessible.
Verdict: Verde Island Passage is a world-class dive destination that lives up to its global reputation. For underwater photographers, reef lovers, and marine life enthusiasts, it offers unmatched diversity and vibrant underwater scenery.
Dive into Panglao Island, Bohol – Gateway to Reef Walls and Whale Sightings
Panglao Island in Bohol is more than just powdery beaches and turquoise waters—it’s a diving haven that opens the door to some of the Philippines’ most accessible and rewarding underwater experiences. With vibrant coral walls, diverse marine life, and close proximity to world-class dive sites like Balicasag and Pamilacan, Panglao is ideal for both beginner and seasoned divers.
Why Dive Here:
Easy Access to Marine Sanctuaries – Dive shops offer daily trips to Balicasag Island, renowned for turtles, jackfish schools, and black corals, and to Pamilacan Island, known for dolphin and whale sightings.
Healthy House Reefs – Dive straight off the beach at Alona or Dumaluan and discover soft corals, reef fish, and macro critters.
Diverse Marine Encounters – Expect encounters with frogfish, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, sea turtles, and occasionally whale sharks in nearby waters.
Diving Season:
Best Time: November to May – Calm seas, great visibility, and ideal diving conditions. Summer months also offer whale and dolphin sightings.
Travel Tip:
Stay in Alona Beach – A vibrant area with dive shops, resorts, and restaurants. From here, you’re just minutes away from most dive sites.
Verdict: Panglao Island is the perfect mix of tropical charm and underwater discovery. Whether you're taking your first dive course or exploring marine sanctuaries, this Bohol gem offers unforgettable experiences for every type of diver.
Travel Tips for Divers – What to Know Before You Dive in the Philippines
Planning a dive trip to the Philippines? Here are key travel tips to help you make the most of your underwater adventures:
Best Time to Dive
Most dive sites are best visited during the dry season from November to May, when waters are calm, and visibility is optimal.
For Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the season is strictly March to June and only accessible by liveaboard.
Dive Gear Rental
Major dive hubs like Puerto Galera, Moalboal, and Bohol offer reliable gear rentals at certified dive shops.
If you prefer using your own equipment or are planning multi-site trips, bringing your personal gear is ideal for comfort and familiarity.
Dive Certification Requirements
Always bring your dive log and certification card.
Many sites, especially wrecks (e.g., Coron) or deep walls (e.g., Apo Reef), require Advanced Open Water certification or above.
By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can enjoy world-class diving in the Philippines safely and responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to be certified to dive in the Philippines?
A: Yes, most dive operators require an Open Water Diver certification from agencies like PADI or SSI. However, many resorts also offer introductory dives for non-certified beginners under the guidance of professional instructors.
Q: What’s the best dive spot for beginners?
A: Moalboal (Cebu) and Panglao Island (Bohol) are ideal. These destinations offer calm waters, vibrant reefs, and beginner-friendly dive schools with personalized instruction.
Q: Can I dive all year round?
A: Diving is possible year-round in many places, but the best season is November to May. For Tubbataha Reefs, the season is limited to March to June due to its remote location and sea conditions.
Q: Are night dives available in the Philippines?
A: Yes! Many dive sites such as Anilao, Dauin, and Puerto Galera offer guided night dives where you can witness nocturnal marine life and bioluminescent species.
Q: Is dive equipment available for rent?
A: Yes, reputable dive shops and resorts offer complete gear rental. If you’re particular about fit or quality, bringing your own mask, fins, and dive computer is recommended.
Q: How much do dive trips cost in the Philippines?
A: Prices vary by location and dive package. A single dive typically ranges from $30 to $50 USD, while multi-dive packages or liveaboard trips (e.g., Tubbataha) can go higher. Introductory dives usually include gear and instructor fees.
Q; Is dive insurance necessary?
A: It’s highly recommended. While not always mandatory, dive insurance covers medical emergencies, decompression treatment, and evacuation costs, especially for remote locations.
Takeaway – Discover the Depths of the Philippines
With its unmatched biodiversity and strategic location in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines stands proudly as one of the world’s premier diving destinations. From the legendary reefs of Tubbataha to the haunting WWII wrecks of Coron and the sardine runs of Moalboal, the country offers something for every diver—novice or expert.
But beyond the thrill lies a deeper responsibility: to protect these underwater treasures. By choosing sustainable dive operators, respecting marine life, and spreading awareness, we help preserve these fragile ecosystems for generations to come.
Have you explored any of these dive sites—or are you planning your first plunge? Share your favorite underwater spots or ask us for beginner-friendly recommendations in the comments. Let’s keep the spirit of ocean adventure alive while diving responsibly.
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I haven't yet but I hope one day got a chance to explore all this amazing dive site.
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