The Philippines is home to some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. The country has a wide array of incredible marine life and stunning coral reefs – perfect for an unforgettable underwater experience. From serene beaches to rich coral gardens, the Philippines has it all when it comes to scuba diving.
With crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, this tropical paradise is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience something truly magical underwater. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, the Philippines has something for everyone.
1. Tubbataha Reef
Tubbatha Reef is a fantastic site for scuba diving. Located in the Sulu Sea off of the northern Philippine province of Palawan, it’s made up of two coral atolls measuring a combined 97 square kilometers. This Marine Protected Area boasts some of the richest dive sites within the country and has been hailed by conservationists as one of the most beautiful natural habitats on earth.
Tubbataha Reef shelters around 600 species of fish and 350 coral species, creating an aquatic paradise for divers to explore. A wide range of marine life can be found here; everything from turtles and sharks to rays, pygmy sea horses, barracuda, and even dugong sightings have been reported – making this a must-see destination for all underwater adventurers.
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Visibility: 32 to 114 ft
Marine Life & Corals: Divers can expect to see a variety of reef sharks, including the whitetip and blacktip sharks, as well as large schools of barracuda and jacks.
Best Time to Dive: March to June and September to November are the best months for Tubbataha reef diving.
Address: Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
2. Apo Reef
Apo Reef, located off the western coast of Mindoro in the Philippines, is considered to be among the world’s most exciting and rewarding dive sites. Holidaymakers and locals alike come here to explore its coral formations, rich marine life, and delightful sheltered beaches.
With over 270 species of fish and two majestic atolls lying within a protected national park, it’s easy to understand why Apo Reef continues to be such a popular destination for divers of all levels. Swimmers are also able to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and whales during this unique diving experience.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
Visibility: The visibility in Apo Reef is usually good, ranging from 15-25 meters.
Marine Life & Corals: Divers can expect to see barracuda, octopus, parrotfish, eels, clownfish, anemone, dolphins, whales, and various species of sharks.
Best Time to Dive: April to June and October to December
Address: Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
3. Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Philippines is a renowned diving spot that offers an array of opportunities for underwater exploration. It boasts stunning coral reefs and clear blue waters that make it an ideal place for scuba diving enthusiasts.
With a wide array of tropical fish, its varied marine life provides an exciting adventure for both novice and experienced divers. Puerto Galera also provides easy access to some of the best dive sites in the world like Sabang Point, Verde Island Passage, and Aninuan Reef.
The area is known to provide an unspoiled experience with abundant marine life and breathtaking views of dramatic sea cliffs and white sand beaches along its coastline. Visitors can spend the day partaking in mini-treks or relaxing on picture-perfect white sand beaches, making it one beautiful destination that isn’t to be missed.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
Visibility: 50 – 80 ft & may reach 100+ ft in certain areas
Marine Life & Corals: Divers can expect to see turtles, barracuda, moray eels, lionfish, clownfish, cuttlefish, and various species of nudibranch.
Best Time to Dive: March to June and December are the best months for diving in Puerto Galera.
Address: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
4. Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is a stunning island located off the northeastern coast of Cebu in the Philippines and certainly deserves its billing as one of the best diving spots in the country. With crystal clear waters and an incredible variety of sea life, including sharks, turtles, dugongs and so much more, Malapascua offers a scuba diver’s dream!
The beautiful coral scenery and excellent visibility are unlike anything experienced elsewhere in the world and divers from all corners come to experience this unique paradise. On the other hand, snorkelers can take advantage of a shallow lagoon where rays, various species of fish, and dolphins can be observed. Malapascua is clearly an idyllic destination for any traveler looking for both adventure and relaxation.
Skill Level: Advanced
Visibility: 60-80 ft
Marine Life & Corals: Divers can expect to see hammerhead and thresher sharks, turtles, manta rays, various types of nudibranchs, seahorses, and barracudas.
Best Time to Dive: March to June is the best time for a dive on Malapascua Island.
Address: Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
5. Anilao
Anilao, in Batangas, is widely regarded as the best diving spot in the Philippines. The area boasts an impressive variety of colorful marine life perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The underwater landscape ranges from breathtaking coral walls and plentiful wrecks that offer a unique exploration experience to thrilling swim-throughs and picturesque reefs that provide divers with massive plumes of fauna to admire.
Whether you are an experienced scuba aficionado or just getting into this fantastic underwater passion, Anilao has something to offer all types of divers. With a network of dive operators ready to take you on an exciting journey underwater and its crystal clear waters, there’s no reason why Anilao shouldn’t be your next destination!
Skill Level: Beginner
Visibility: 40-50 ft
Marine Life & Corals: The area features a myriad of vibrant coral walls and large, colorful reefs that attract all sorts of marine creatures, including sea turtles, parrotfish, lionfish, and eels. Its waters are home to many species of sharks and rays as well, making it perfect for advanced divers.
Best Time to Dive: The best times to dive in Anilao are during the months of April and May when visibility is at its peak. Other good times to visit are between November and March.
Address: Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
6. Coron Bay, Palawan
Coron Bay in Palawan is an extraordinary diving spot for all types of divers, from beginners to pros. The bay is home to an incredible array of marine life including tropical fishes, vibrant corals, and majestic shipwrecks. The water temperature is warm year-round and the visibility is usually splendid with crystal clear waters giving magnificent views of the sea floor.
From manta rays to curious barracudas and other exciting species, one can experience a truly mesmerizing underwater journey. In addition to the wonderful marine life encounters awaiting you, Coron Bay also presents thrilling dives at historical World War II wrecks that date back more than 70 years. With its superb diving conditions and exciting undersea adventures, it’s no wonder why this famed Philippine paradise is a dream come true for divers of all levels!
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Visibility: Up to 80 ft
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Divers can expect to see manta rays, turtles, barracuda, clownfish, parrotfish, and a variety of other colorful marine creatures.
Best Time to Dive: November through April is the best time for diving in Coron Bay.
Address: Coron Bay, Palawan Island, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
7. Anda, Bohol
If you’re looking for the perfect diving spot in the Philippines, Anda in Bohol is the place to be. It has some of the best corals and sea creatures in the country due to its untouched and unspoiled marine ecosystems. The rich underwater life makes it ideal for both novice and experienced divers and snorkelers, while the landscape surrounding it makes this small coastal town a stunning backdrop.
With its crystal clear waters, Anda’s stunning reefs are filled with vibrant corals, anemones, and a variety of tropical fish species that guarantee unforgettable dives. Its laid-back atmosphere and lovely white beaches also provide a great setting for relaxation after an exciting day of exploring the underwater world.
Skill Level: All levels
Visibility: 50 – 60 ft
Marine Life & Corals: Divers can expect to see a variety of reef sharks, Moorish idols, blue spotted stingrays, parrotfish, nudibranchs, anemones, and other various species of marine life.
Best Time to Dive: October through May is the best time for diving in Anda.
Address: Anda, Bohol, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
8. Dauin, Dumaguete
Dauin in Dumaguete, Philippines is the premier spot for scuba diving. Thousands of tourists and locals alike flock to this small town year-round to explore the colorful coral and diverse array of sea life that it has to offer.
Featuring a variety of endemic marine species, like pygmy sea horses and mandarin fish, along with some stunning coral walls, the waters off Dauin are truly mesmerizing. With hundreds of dive sites accessible from many ports throughout Dumaguete, you have your pick of the litter when it comes time to explore this underwater wonderland.
Skill Level: Dauin is definitely a must-see for all divers and snorkelers, no matter their experience level.
Visibility: 30 – 40 ft
Marine Life & Corals: Mandarinfish, Pygmy Seahorses, Anemonefish, Clownfish, Turtles, and more
Best Time to Visit: April through October for the best visibility and underwater life. November through March is cooler months with increased plankton blooms which can make conditions slightly less clear.
Address: Dauin, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines 6200
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
9. Pescador Island
Located in the heart of Cebu, Pescador Island is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts thanks to its crystal clear waters and spectacular coral landscapes. The area around the island is teeming with aquatic life; schools of colorful fish, giant sea turtles, and even rare whale sharks make it home to some of the most diverse marine biodiversity in the Philippines.
From novice divers to experienced professionals alike, Pescador Island offers something for everyone. As such, tourists flock to Pescador Island throughout the year looking for an unforgettable scuba diving experience where they can explore the depths of this magnificent natural environment.
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced
Visibility: Up to 40 feet
Marine Life & Corals: Stunning coral reefs, vibrant fish life, and the possibility of seeing whale sharks.
Best Time to Visit: October through April is the best time for a dive on Pescador Island. The rainy season between June and September can bring strong currents and turbulent waters, so it is best avoided.
Address: Pescador Island, Cebu City, Philippines.
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
In Conclusion
The Philippines is a dream destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life, it has something to offer all levels of divers. From shallow reefs to dramatic walls and wrecks, the archipelago boasts some of the most beautiful underwater sites in the world.
Whether you are looking for an exciting adventure or just want to relax and take in some of the breathtaking scenery, there is something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next dive trip now!
