The Philippines is a diver’s paradise, with an abundance of stunning and diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Philippines offers a range of dive sites to suit all levels of experience. In this article, we explore the best diving spots in the Philippines and why they are worth visiting.
Apo Reef Natural Park is a must-visit for any diver in the Philippines. Located in the western part of the Philippines, it is the largest coral reef system in the country and the second largest in the world. The reef system is composed of three atolls, and it is home to over 600 species of fish and an abundance of sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and more. The reef offers a range of dive sites suitable for all levels, from shallow reef dives to deep-wall dives.
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Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. The park is home to a vast array of marine life, including schools of colourful tropical fish, whale sharks, and manta rays. The reef is also a popular nesting site for sea turtles, making it a unique and breathtaking diving experience. The dive sites here offer a range of experiences, from shallow reef dives to drop-off walls, with depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. The park is only accessible by live-aboard dive boats, which offer a truly immersive diving experience.
Anilao is a small town located on the southern tip of Luzon Island, and it is one of the best places in the Philippines for macro diving. The area is famous for its diverse range of marine life, including nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish. Anilao is also home to a number of muck diving sites, where you can spot bizarre creatures like the blue-ringed octopus and the devil scorpionfish.
Malapascua Island is a small island located off the coast of Cebu and is well known for its thresher shark encounters. The island offers a range of dive sites, from shallow coral reefs to deep walls, and is home to a vast array of marine life, including schools of colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. Thresher shark encounters can be had at the famous Monad Shoal dive site, where divers can witness these magnificent creatures up close.
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Coron Island
Coron Island is located in the Calamian Islands and is famous for its WWII shipwrecks. The island is home to a number of dive sites that offer a glimpse into the past, with wrecks such as the Irako, Akitsushima, and the Okikawa Maru. The wrecks teem with marine life and offer a unique and exciting diving experience.
Donsol
Donsol is a small town located in the Bicol region of the Philippines and is famous for its whale shark encounters. From November to June, whale sharks can be seen in the waters of Donsol, making it a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. The whale sharks are attracted to the area because of the large plankton blooms, and diving with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Best Diving Spots in the Philippines
In conclusion, the Philippines is a must-visit destination for any diver, with an abundance of stunning dive sites that offer a range of experiences. From the vast coral reefs of Apo Reef Natural Park to the WWII shipwrecks of Coron Island, there is something for every type of diver. Book your trip to the Philippines today and experience the best diving in the world.
Currently residing in Subic Bay, Philippines; he has amassed more than 10,000 open-circuit and CCR dives over three decades of challenging diving across the globe.
Andy has published numerous diving magazine articles and designed advanced certification courses for several dive training agencies, He regularly tests and reviews new dive gear for scuba equipment manufacturers. Andy is currently writing a series of advanced diving books and creating a range of tech diving clothing and accessories.
Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize, and Cyprus.
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Wow I love your blog about the best diving spot in the Philippines. It’s great to see ur recommendations for my future diving sessions.