If you are on the lookout for the perfect underwater playground, the Philippines’ list of diving destinations never disappoint. Whether you are new to diving or a deep dive regular, the region has no shortage of natural seascapes to plunge into. It is a marine paradise like no other, with no less than 7,641 island territories.
1. Apo Reef Natural Park
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
A UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, Apo Reef Natural Park is the region’s largest coral reef. It also ranks after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as the most massive connected reef system. Resting in the waters of Mindoro Strait, the marine wonderland is a seamless spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. This protected natural park is teeming with marine mammals as well, such as whale sharks and spinner dolphins. It has a wealth of terrestrial plants and mangroves, too, marking its place in the sustainable tourism sector.
2. Balicasag Island
Panglao, Bohol
With guaranteed coral gardens and deep drop-offs, Balicasag Island is an underwater utopia that is home to a bale of Hawksbill turtles, school of jacks, and sardine runs. The circular island off Bohol’s coast is a real muse for deep dive mavens, too, as you can spot sightings such as sea turtles, scorpionfish, angels, cardinals, and an assortment of tropical creatures. Ocean caverns and overhangs are a common work of art in this aqua terrain as well, appealing more to marine adventurers.
3. Monad Shoal
Malapascua, Cebu
An ideal place for macro photography, Monad Shoal in Cebu is an everyday enclave for the thrill-seeker. This ocean outpost is a top stronghold for thresher sharks, which is one of its famous signature features. It is the only diving destination in the Philippines where these apex predators appear on a timeless basis, wooing budding and seasoned divers alike. Despite the sharks’ elusive nature, this new encounter in the marine wild is a memorable experience for every explorer.
4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
A leading natural reef reserve nestled in the Philippines’ last ecological frontier, Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is an exemplar of deep sea diversity. It reigns as a compelling presence in a remote location—in the center of Sulu Sea, qualifying it as a vital site for marine fauna conservation. Having fetched UNESCO’s World Heritage Site title, this biodiverse ecosphere is billed as one of the archipelago’s oldest ecosystems. With its dynamic environment and ocean life, it offers a peek into pelagic species such as tunas, barracudas, turtles, silky sharks, mantas, hammerheads, mackerels, and many more.
5. Twin Rocks
Anilao, Batangas
Dubbed a muck diver’s favorite, Anilao’s Twin Rocks is an underwater fount of sediment-rich seabed. The site’s characteristic silty ocean floor is an oasis for diving aficionados and photographers alike, with a depth of about 16 meters at maximum. Its abundance lies in creatures like sea fans, soft corals, porcelain crabs, jacks, and other juveniles. Macropredators are more prominent here, too, hovering in plain sight as you swim the sea’s dark and muddy depths. Nicknamed the “nudibranch capital of the world,” you can be sure to expect a shoal of sea slugs in this aquatic turf.
While the Philippines’ diving season runs year-round, its dry season lasts from November to May, where there is little to no rain. If you are a newcomer who intends to dive for underwater discoveries and treats, these are the ideal months to make a trip to the archipelagic state. However, as the wet season approaches—which typically enters in May and ends in October—typhoons usually turn up, so prepare ahead and plan your schedule.
