Scuba Diving in Philippines: 10 Places For An Incredible Diving Experience

2 Dec 2021

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Geographically conglomerating several popular Islands, the Philippines has its unique identity among world’s popular diving destinations. Sought after amongst the divers, this island nation welcomes the tourists to feel refreshed as well as rejuvenated in the crystal clear waters at various diving sites.

Equally famous as home to whale sharks, pelagic thresher sharks, giant mantas mandarin fishes, warty frogfish, pygmy seahorses and corals, this region showcases great affinity to nature’s bounties. Tourists from around the world keep flocking for a great and memorable experience of scuba diving in Philippines.

10 Best Sites For Scuba Diving In Philippines

Divers receive warm welcome in this tourist-friendly nation whose waterfront promenades, centuries-old Chinatown, clam beaches and music-loving locals always enchant them. Scuba diving truly becomes memorable for the tourists. So do they explore best of Filipino cuisines and sight-seeing during the tours.

1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

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A World Heritage site od repute, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Reached only by liveaboards, this famous diving spot in The Philippines comprises of almost 100,000 hectares of Marine Protected area. Recently, this park was nominated as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the Natural World.’ A protected area, it is home to beautiful natural flora and fauna.

Visitors visiting this park encounter manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks et al. It is home more than 360 coral species; 600 fish species; 13 whale and dolphin species; 11 shark species and several bird species. Amazing diving spots are boon in disguise for divers in search of unforgettable diving adventures.

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2. Monad Shoal

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If you are looking for scuba diving in Philippines, then there is no point to miss out Monad Shoal. This famous diving site in and around Malapascua captivates divers’ attention. Also called Shark Point, it is considered an ultimate place to see the rare and timid Thresher Sharks existing in the world. The scuba diving site is an underwater island on the edge of a 200m deep water.

To encounter sharks, you must visit there early in the morning. As shyest creatures, they come out of water in the wee hours. Best time for the divers to explore it is from March to May, though one can dive here throughout the year.

3. Canyons

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Canyons diving site in Puerto Galera (The Philippines) is popular and sought after destination as diving site in The Philippines. This site is famously called “Canyons” as it lies under the blue water descent. A diving paradise blessed with the crystal clear waters, ample marine life and variety of diving environments, it merits to be considered as your next diving destination to encounter variety of fishes such as barracudas, batfish, snappers and emperors.

Average water temperature at this site is around 29°C throughout the year. Tourists reach here as per their convenience year around. With amazing visibility, divers can even see rare flora and fauna here. Novice divers should approach highly skilled and experienced diving members as their guides to enjoy this incredible underwater world.

4. Apo Reef Natural Park

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Being 2nd largest coral reef in the world, Apo Reef Natural Park is home to many rare water animals like hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and manta rays. With its crystal-clear waters, it captivates divers from the worldwide locations. The price of scuba diving in this famous diving spot of The Philippines remains comparatively affordable to all.

Best time to visit this diving destination is between November and May, although divers keep visiting round the year. Being home to 285 species of fishes and 197 species of corals, it appeals to every visitor. Wide range of Philippines liveaboards have been made available to offer best Apo Reef itineraries to tourists throughout the year.

5. Manta Bowl

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Your scuba diving visit in Philippines would remain incomplete without exploring Manta Bowl in Donsol. It was established diving site in 2002. Prior to that, this spot was known to only fishermen as the place for having many mantas. Covering 7 hectares of flat area, this diving destination became a favorite location for the visitors willing to see massive whale sharks, hammerheads and tiger sharks.

Best time to visit this place to encounter the rare creatures is between December and May. Tourists visit round the year for scuba diving purpose. With numerous attractions, it is the best dive sites in Philippines today. Divers find unique and memorable experience in its constantly flowing current.

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6. Okikawa Maru

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If you are willing to explore cheap diving in Philippine, then Okikawa Maru could be a perfect diving spot for you to choose. It is former civilian sunken Tanker which is fully covered with the corals now. It had sunk in 1944 during the World War II by an American air raid. A perfect diving site for beginners today, it has several holes in the hull.

Although, The Philippines diving season is not fixed for any specific month, divers consider its diving spots while water remains crystal clear and warm too. It being a sunken tanker of 160m long, it requires at least 2 dives for its total exploration. Exploring this spot, divers often memorize a feel of World War II now.

7. Coconut Point

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The Coconut Point diving destination is named so due to abundant availability of coconut trees in the area besides coconut shells on the ocean floor. One of the best spots for muck diving in The Philippines, this spot is home to interesting marine life like pelagic fishes, banded sea kraits and sea turtles. It is perfect to see huge Green Turtles and Banded Sea Kraits. Even meter-long Bumphead Parrotfish is seen occasionally on this site.

Drift-lovers would like to add Coconut point to their must-dive list as the entire area is world-class diving destination. At the end of the day, there is only one thing that Coconut Point offers divers is to spend time underwater. This is what they love it the best!

8. Yapak

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One of the most visited diving spots in The Philippines, Yapak diving spot is made up of 4 unique spots. Yapak 2 remains popular amongst the divers. It is equipped with beautiful corals and huge gorgonian sea fans besides teeming marine life. Apart from memorable diving experiences, tourists and locals visit here to see big fishes like Barracudas, Giant Trevallies and Dogtooth Tunas etc.

Yapak diving spots are recommended for advanced and experienced scuba divers only. If you don’t have the desired experience, hire a professional instead. Located in northwestern tip of the Boracay Island right beside Punta Bunga dive site, it can be reached by a 15-minute motorboat ride from the shores of boat station 1 and 2.

9. Divers’ Heaven

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Located northeast of the Balicasag Island, Bohol, The Philippines, Divers’ Heaven is a wall dive starting with approximately 10 meters to going deeper to 40 meters. It offers good chance to both divers and visitors to see large species of jack fish and barracuda in spite of turtles and moray eels. It remains an exciting moment to encounter different types of nudibranchs around here, fusiliers and small tropical fishes. They hide between brown daisy corals and many sponges.

Don’t wait for Philippines diving season. Although, it is perfect for January to May, you can explore throughout the year. Beginners may also experience scuba diving as currents are light and depth can be determined.

10. Manit Muck

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Manit Muck won’t disappoint you, if you are keen for unlimited diving experience. Also known as Secret Bay, Manit Muck is home to several ambon scorpion fishes, ghost pipefish, wonderpus octopus, mantis shrimp and nudibranchs. This diving destination in The Philippines is often considered rival to the select few muck diving destinations in Indonesia. Perfect diving site for beginners, it is visited round the year. Although explored round the clock, divers prefer diving in the night to feel unique environment coming to life.

Further Read: Luzon Island: The Longer Stretch Of Coastal Extravaganza In Philippines

The Philippines has some most recognized scuba diving sites of the world. Whether you are trained or beginner, you must visit these Islands if love diving. With over 7100 Islands, this country has almost endless supply of shorelines and sea waters to explore. To experience unforgettable diving, you must visit it at last once in your lifetime. There is no particular Philippines diving season, so plan a trip now and explore as per your convenience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Philippines

What is the Philippines known for?

The Philippines, which is an archipelago of more than 7600 islands is home to some of the most stunning beaches and delicious tropical fruits. If you are an adventure seeker and love to explore unknown lands, you can find yourself more than 5000 unknown islands that are still untouched by humans.

What is there to do in Philippines?

A few of the most exciting things to do in Philippines are:
1. Plunge into the waters of the Hinagdanan Cave
2. Ride up the Chocolate Hills
3. Walk across the Bamboo Hanging Bridge
4. Experience the Zipline Boracay
5. Trek up the Taal Volcano

Is the Philippines good for diving?

Amazing marine life, coral reefs, diverse aquatic animals and crystal clear waters make the Philippines an excellent diving site

Which is the best time to visit the Philippines?

November to February is the ideal time to visit the Philippines. Being the dry seasons, it allows you access to almost all the places in the Philippines and lets you explore all beautiful islands.

How much does scuba diving cost in the Philippines?

A basic 3 hours boat dive in the Philippines can cost you about INR 4200 (3000 pesos).

Is scuba diving in the Philippines safe for first-timers?

Yes. You can find scuba diving in the Philippines absolutely safe even for the first-timers. But make sure you are assisted by a trained professional.

Which are the best diving centers in the Philippines?

Here are a few popular diving centers you can visit for necessary diving assistance and training:
1. Island Adventure Dive Center
2. Cebu Dive Centre
3. Palawan Divers – El Nido
4. Thresher Shark Divers
5. Neptune Diving Adventure

Do you have to be certified to scuba dive in the Philippines?

Yes. You are required to have a valid scuba diving certificate for scuba diving in the Philippines. If you do not have a certificate yet, you can easily get the required training and certificate in just 2 days.