As much as there are countless things to see around the Philippines’ lush natural landscapes, the country also boasts of thriving biodiversity and wide variety of dive sites to explore if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind and exciting experience on your trip back home, especially over the holidays (which coincide with peak season for some diving destinations).
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines proves to be an ideal place for divers, both first-timers and experienced ones alike. Anyone who wants to try diving for the first time while vacationing in the Philippines will not be disappointed. There is so much to see underwater: colorful corals of all shapes and sizes, schools of both large and little fish that swim in unison, and rare creatures like pawikans (sea turtles) and massive whale sharks. To dive in these PH sites for even a few moments is like being a part of their world (Disney pun intended).
There are also special sites with additional things to see and do, like exploring shipwrecks and visiting sunken historical artifacts. These areas are equally packed with biodiversity that have embraced these things as part of their home. Below, we listed some of the best dive sites around the Philippines according to difficulty level, then shared a few reminders for planning your future dive trip.
Diving trip bonus: Filipino hospitality shines through at the wide selection of dive resorts in these popular destinations. Both resort staff and dive masters make sure you are well taken care of throughout your stay and dive, while you and your travel companions enjoy the ocean view and create new experiences together.
Famous PH dive sites
Cathedral – Anilao, Batangas
Difficulty level: Beginner
Only a two-hour drive away from Metro Manila, Anilao is one of the most well-loved diving areas in the country, known for both its accessibility and wide variety of dive sites. The Cathedral, among others, stands out for its main attraction: a concrete cross that was blessed by Saint John Paul II, placed there by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The cross sits in between two large rocks, making it appear like a cathedral. It is also a marine sanctuary, with calm blue waters and an array of colorful fish and coral reefs that welcome anyone who comes to visit.
Diver’s Heaven – Balicasag Island, Bohol
Difficulty level: Beginner
If you’ll be traveling to Bohol while you’re in PH, one of the must-visit spots is Balicasag Island, six kilometers from the main island of Bohol. What diver’s often refer to as “Diver’s Heaven,” Balicasag Island is a sanctuary for marine life, with its colorful coral reefs serving as thriving habitat for many sea creatures. There is an area on the island where waters are shallow enough for snorkeling, while more adventurous visitors can enjoy an assisted deep-sea dive. Those who decide to go for a dive are more often than not met with friendly fish, turtles, and even dolphins—definitely sights worth seeing in Bohol, besides the typical Chocolate Hills and tarsier.
Okikawa Maru – Coron Bay, Palawan
Difficulty level: Beginner
Coron, Palawan is a popular destination not just for Pinoys—whether based in the Philippines or just visiting from abroad—but for tourists from all over the world because of its beautiful beaches, islands, and snorkeling or dive sites. One of its most famous dive sites is Okikawa Maru, which happens to be a World War II Japanese tanker that sank to the bottom of Coron Bay. With the main deck only being 12 meters below the surface, it’s an easy and memorable personal experience of Coron’s largest shipwreck (there are 11 other sunken warships to see in Coron!). Many kinds of fish and creatures have turned this sunken ship into their home. At Okikawa Maru, there will always be something new to see, alongside a literal chunk of history.
Amos Rock – Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Also in Palawan is the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned dive sites around the globe. One of its more popular spots is Amos Rock, located at the northern part of the reef, which slopes down into a wall that leads divers to the big blue ocean. Here, you’ll find the wall is covered with colorful corals and anemone, thriving with fish and oysters across the entire structure. Here, divers often come across giant mackerel, groupers, eagle rays, and occasionally, white tip sharks (like the one TV host and WWF Ambassador Marc Nelson captured on video below). Amos Rock is the perfect dive site for locals and tourists who want to have up-close experiences with larger underwater species.
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Pescador Island – Moalboal, Cebu
Difficulty level: Intermediate
There are many places to explore around Cebu Province besides just Metro Cebu, and one that attracts tourists and divers alike is the town of Moalboal, which is known for its reef diving sites, especially Pescador Island. Only a 20-minute boat ride away from the main island of Moalboal, it’s the diving treasure of the town, so much so that people who have gone diving here call it the “Pescador Experience.” The site’s highlight is a wall that drops down to 50+ meters, entirely covered in coral, sponges, and anemone—and a thriving home for marine life. You can look forward to encounters with snappers, scorpion fish, trigger fish, nudibranchs, moray eels, and more. If you are brave enough to look out toward the great blue (opposite of the wall), you might just see barracuda swimming in large groups. People often come across large sea turtles here, too! Moalboal is definitely a great addition to your Cebu trip with loved ones or friends. (Keep an eye out for KUBO’s multiple Cebu travel guides in the coming weeks!)
Kimud Shoal – Malapascua Island, Cebu
Difficulty level: Advanced
Besides Cebu’s many beaches and attractions, what draws tourists and divers from the world over to this province is Malapascua’s famous dive sites. One of them is Kimud Shoal, which happens to be a sunken island. The top of the island is 12-16 meters below the surface, while the side drops down to more than 200 meters. Advanced open-water divers are often excited by the shoal’s main attraction: a shiver of up to 200 hammerhead sharks, especially during the months between December to May. Moreover, Kimud is close enough to another dive site, Monad Shoal, that is connected by the same trench. Thresher sharks, manta rays, and devil rays are commonly seen here, with occasional turtles that swim by. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins! There are lots of smaller creatures to look out for as well, such as moray eels and frogfish. Kimud Shoal is the perfect side trip for more experienced divers and travelers who are looking for a kick of adrenaline during their Cebu vacation.
Yapak – Boracay Island, Aklan
Difficulty level: Advanced
For more seasoned open-water divers, a vacation to Boracay Island can also be a great opportunity to explore the Yapak dive site. Here, you can expect to see more pelagic creatures like white tip and grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, moray eels, stingrays, and trigger fish. Yapak is divided into two sections—Yapak 1 and Yapak 2, separated by two walls—which can be explored on separate days or all in one go.
What you need to know before diving in PH
1. First-timers need to do a beginners course. Because diving requires specific skills and gear, beginners have to take a quick course before trying out an open-water dive. Most dive resorts are required to offer these courses to anyone who hopes to try it out for the first time.
2. Be prepared to spend on diving gear rentals. There are many items that you need to take on a dive, like a wetsuit, O2 tank, buoyancy control device (BCD), mask, and fins. All of these equipment are available for you to rent at the dive resorts or schools, which you have to pay for on top of fees for the dive proper (e.g. boat ride, divemaster, etc.), which vary per destination.
3. Mind your divemaster. When diving, you will be accompanied by a certified divemaster who will take you around, give you instructions, and of course, ensure your safety throughout the dive. Always pay attention to where they are and what they direct you to do, so you can simply have the most enjoyable diving experience in the Philippines!
