The Philippines has become known around the world as an ideal diving destination, thanks to its amazing variety of marine life and coral colonies, wrecks, vertical walls, and reefs.
Diving in the Philippine Islands
The Philippines are situated in the western part of the Pacific Ocean and comprises 11 large and hundreds of small, partly uninhabited islands. The Southeast Asia archipelago offers scuba diving enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a wide variety of marine species and some of the most beautiful ideal diving sites in the world.
In the waters around the 7107 islands of the Philippines, both beginners and professionals get the most out of their expenses. Everywhere in the country there are equipped diving centers and courses with expert instructors. There are many PADI affiliated centers, which guarantee excellent quality in safety standards with professional instructors and a high ethical standard, essential for preserving the wonderful seabed of the country.
The fifth-largest island state in the world has a coastline of over 36,000km, along which a fantastic dive spot follows the other. Those who enter the water here dive with turtles, sea snakes, or monkfish and can observe rare creatures in their natural habitat. And in the months of March and April, nature lovers can meet the fascinating whale sharks.
Top 3 Dive Sites in the Philippines
1. Tubbataha Reef near Puerto Princesa
If you want to immerse yourself in paradise, you have found the right place at Tubbatatha Reef. The peculiarity of this place is described as such: one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world is right here.
About 50 years ago some divers discovered this destination almost by chance and from that moment onwards a priceless natural heritage has been shown to the eyes of humanity and cannot be replicated elsewhere.
So beautiful that Tubbatatha Reef is ranked in the top 8 sites in the world for scuba diving.
The islet can only be reached by boat and from there it is then possible to dive to admire unique specimens of marine flora and fauna, an example of incredibly varied biodiversity, with manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles, and many other precious elements.
The coral reef does not extend in great width, but it is also possible to move around to observe others.
A little over 120 km away is the island of Cagayancillo, a remote place where mainly fishers live.
Precisely in this marine stretch, it is easy for the diver to admire something unique, enriching the diving experience made at Tubbataha Reef.
2. Dauin in the Negros Island
360-degree diving in Dauin in Negros Island, with dozens and dozens of dive sites around the island. Apo Island is one of these and from the early morning, it is possible to observe colorful fish, corals, sea herbs, sea snakes, and many other living beings.
Zero pollution ensures that everything is excellently preserved, making the diving experience unique and compelling. The territorial morphology also helps newbies and beginners: there are places where it is possible to dive even for beginners, while other sites require a greater rate of experience.
Mainit is another idyllic place to dive in Dauin, to where it refers to as a sanctuary. The blue water allows an overview starting from low depths, from 5 to 18 meters, characterized by a lot of sand and therefore a lot of light.
On the seabed, there is a point where there is a source of naturally boiling water that favors making the dive even more magical and satisfying.
If you like to relax underwater, dive in San Miguel, also in Dauin. Here man has created a very intelligent attraction by recreating an artificial coral reef with old worn-out truck tires placed on the seabed, favoring hiding places for some creatures and facilitating the proliferation of corals, at a depth of only 20 meters.
Several species of fish find refuge in this place.
3. Malapascua near Cebu
Not just the beach, but also great ideas for diving in Malapascua.
Kemod Shoal is a remarkably interesting site, easily accessible from the island and about three-quarters of an hour away. From 10 meters it is possible to spot coral carpets and sponges but after going down a few meters more it is easy to find entire walls covered with corals. The possibility of meeting hammerheads, other sharks, and other types of living beings is big, a plus that satisfies the descent, especially if done in the afternoon.
Taking a small boat from Malapascua, it is possible to arrive in about 15 minutes in Lapuslapus, a dive site in the north-western area characterized by rocks and home to corals and fish.
The area is easily accessible and can be explored without notions, which makes diving easier for those who do not have great diving experience.
If you appreciate night diving and have the desire to experience the thrill, from the island go to Faro, a site about fifteen minutes away that is renowned for mandarin fish, observable at night, like many other creatures that in those backdrops with the coming of the dark come out into the open to begin their life.
It takes 45 minutes to reach Gato Island by boat from Malapascua.
The dive site in question is renowned because it is very particular not only for sea snakes and sharks that rest in the rocky inlets but also for an underwater tunnel that crosses the entire island allowing the diver to enter the water on one side and exit the other.
Inside, several fish are visible, as well as swimming and taking refuge near the rocks that characterize that precise point.
If you love diving, this is really a place to consider.