Best Dive Spots In The Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whether you’re a novice diver or one with years of experience, the Philippines is a perfect destination for your diving vacation. As one of the world’s most stunning diving destinations, the Philippines lets you experience spectacular reefs, UNESCO underwater world heritage sites, mantas and whale sharks, all in wonderfully clear waters.

If you’ve chosen the Philippines as your next diving spot, you’ll want to know which of the many dive sites to head to. Here are some of the best.

1.Amos Rock

Want to go somewhere really remote? Amos Rock is the site for you. Located in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, this site can only be accessed by a liveaboard during the summer months. This world heritage site is the perfect place to spot hundreds of fish and coral species as well as dolphins, whales and sharks. Suitable for intermediate to experienced divers, this site will take at least a week to explore fully.

2.Monad Shoal

If you’re looking for a shark dive, the Monad Shoal is definitely the site for you. If you get down to 100 feet, you’re guaranteed to see at least one thresher shark. It may be a tiny paradise, but the dive will be thrilling, as long as you’re an advanced diver.

3.Puerto Galera

If you’re staying in the capital Manila, Puerto Galera is a very convenient site. You’ll love the crystal clear water, the impressive array of marine life and range of diving environments to enjoy. If you’re a skilled diver, the Canyons dive site is perfect for you. There are 3 stunning canyons here covered with sponges and soft corals. Here, you’ll also see snappers, trevally and barracudas.

4.Apo Reef Natural Park

The Apo Reef Natural park is the world’s second biggest coral reef and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Best accessed from a liveaboard, this remote site is a challenging yet impressive dive. There are several shark species to see here as well as manta rays. However, you’ll need to have a hundred dives under your belt if you’re to dive here.

5. Manta Bowl

This intermediate drift dive covers seven hectares with the Manta Bowl sitting between the Burias and Ticao Passes – well known for their plankton-rich waters. If you love manta rays, you’ve come to the right place as they alleyway has become recognized as a feeding and cleaning station, especially from December to May. You may also see tiger sharks, hammerheads and whale sharks too.

6.Coron Bay

Fancy diving to see some shipwrecks? Make Coron Bay your first stop. There are a number of Second World War sunken Japanese warships here which are now dive sites ripe for exploration. The best is the Okikawa Maru, a site that is perfect for even novice divers.

7.Coconut

Apo Island is close to Dumaguete and while the whole area is an outstanding diving spot, Coconut is an especially outstanding drift dive. Called The Washing Machine by locals, this site is only for experienced divers, however it’s also home to some stunning marine life such as sea turtles and sea kraits.

8.Yapak

Boracay may be well known for its white sandy beaches, but it also hosts some amazing diving sites. Yapak is one of the best with its 106 foot wall where sharks and tuna will float past you. Pygmy seahorses also congregate here along the wall, and the mola mola will sometimes ascend from the depths.

9.Balicasag

If you’re staying near Bohol, head to Balicasag for a true coral reef paradise. Divers’ Heaven is the best spot here – a beautiful 30-130 foot wall dive where fish like barracuda and jacks seem not to notice divers as they pass. The currents are very light here and since you can determine your own depth you’ll cope well with this spot even if you’re a beginner.

10.Manit Muck

If you’re interested in night diving, Manit Muck is the spot for you. Sometimes called Secret Bay, you’ll find some spectacular fish and marine life here including ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp and wonderpus octopus. Fabulous during the day, it’s even better at night.

Don’t forget when you’re heading out to the Philippines that you may not be able to find all the equipment you’ll need for your safety when you arrive. Make sure to take everything you need with you.