Scuba diving is an exhilarating activity that lets you explore the underwater world, and the Philippines is a paradise for divers. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and unique diving opportunities, it’s no wonder that the Philippines is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s dive deeper into the best scuba diving spots in the Philippines.
- Malapascua Island – Swim with Thresher Sharks
Malapascua Island is located in the Visayan Sea and is known for its unique diving experience with the pelagic thresher sharks. These gentle sharks are known for their long tails and are rarely seen in other parts of the world. You can also spot manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and colorful coral reefs while diving here. Malapascua Island offers a thrilling diving experience for advanced divers.
- Puerto Galera – A Diverse Diving Destination
Puerto Galera, located in Mindoro, offers a diverse range of diving experiences. You can choose to dive in shallow coral gardens, deep wrecks, or explore the vibrant marine life in Verde Island Passage. Puerto Galera is also home to a plethora of macro life, including nudibranchs, frogfish, and seahorses. With over 40 dive sites to choose from, Puerto Galera is a must-visit diving destination.
- Moalboal – Sardine Run and Pescador Island
Moalboal, located in Cebu, is known for its sardine run, where millions of sardines gather in a massive bait ball. You can swim through the bait ball and witness the mesmerizing spectacle up close. Moalboal is also home to Pescador Island, a marine reserve that’s teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks. With its rich biodiversity, Moalboal is a popular diving destination for underwater photographers.
- Dauin – Critter Diving
Dauin, located in Negros Oriental, is a popular diving spot for macro enthusiasts. Dauin’s black sandy bottom is home to a plethora of critters, including seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs. Dauin is also a great place for muck diving, where you can spot rare and unusual creatures, such as the blue-ringed octopus and the flamboyant cuttlefish. If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating diving experience, Dauin is the place to be.
- Panglao Island – Bohol’s Underwater Playground
Panglao Island is located in Bohol and offers a diverse range of diving experiences. You can explore the coral gardens, swim with sea turtles, or dive deep into the world-renowned Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. Panglao Island is also a popular spot for night diving, where you can witness the vibrant nightlife of the underwater world. With its warm waters and rich biodiversity, Panglao Island is a perfect diving destination for all levels of divers.
- Apo Island – A Pristine Coral Reef
Apo Island is a marine reserve located off the coast of Negros Oriental. It’s home to a pristine coral reef that’s teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, schools of jacks, and barracudas. Apo Island is also known for its challenging drift dives, where you can spot large pelagics, such as whale sharks and manta rays. With its breathtaking scenery and exclusive diving opportunities, Apo Island is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.
- El Nido – Palawan’s Hidden Gem
El Nido, located in Palawan, is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
El Nido’s beauty extends to the underwater world, where divers can explore the diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs. El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is home to a range of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to deep wrecks. The area is known for its visibility, which can reach up to 30 meters, allowing you to witness the vibrant colors of the coral and the intricate details of the marine life.
El Nido is also a great place for adventurous divers, as it offers cave diving and a chance to swim through underwater tunnels. For those interested in marine conservation, El Nido has a marine protected area called the Bacuit Bay Marine Sanctuary, where you can witness the efforts to protect and preserve the marine environment.
With its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse diving opportunities, El Nido is a hidden gem that should not be missed by diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, El Nido offers a unique and unforgettable diving experience that’s sure to leave you in awe.