5 Stunning Dive Spots in the Philippines
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha is every diver’s dream when coming to the Philippines. This is one of the most difficult to reach, yet stunningly beautiful diving destinations in the country. It is also important to know that it is accessible only from March to June, and only via liveaboard dive ships.
The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting a whopping 600 different species of fish and over 300 species of coral. You will also find over a dozen species of whale and dolphin, and 11 species of shark. Just in case you get bored.
Liveaboards coming from Palawan run for a week at a minimum, which is definitely too short to cover all 130,028 hectares of reef. As it’s out in the blue and currents are unpredictable, beginners are not recommended to visit this site.
Apo Reef Natural Park
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Apo Reef in Mindoro is the second largest atoll-like reef in the world, next to the Great Barrier Reef. The journey there is definitely not easy and includes several land and boat transfers. There are liveaboard trips, but it’s also possible to pitch a tent on the beach or at resorts in neighboring islands.
With 350 marine species calling this reef home, the tedious travel is definitely worth all the trouble. Although there are lots of dive spots to choose from, Apo 29 is usually considered as the best. Why? Because it is here you will see anything from reef, thresher and hammerhead sharks, to manta rays and giant schools of fish.
Just be aware that due to the challenging nature of Apo Reef, most dive operators require 100 logged dives in order to allow you on Apo Reef.
Verde Island Passage
Often dubbed as the “center of the center of biodiversity” (yes, you read that right), Verde Island is a stunning destination if you want to be literally surrounded by marine life. There are more species of fish and coral per square meter than anywhere else in the world. To date, marine biologists have found over 300 species of hard coral, which when you think about it is a little nuts. It is also home to over half of the Philippines’ fish species too.
It can be reached via Batangas and Puerto Galera, two provinces with dive sites to boast of their own. Visibility is excellent most of the time and all year round.
Apo Island
Not to be confused with the similarly-named Apo Reef, Apo Island is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. The town of Dauin in Dumaguete Province has taken many measures to protect and preserve the island. The entire area is a world-class dive destination filled with both soft and hard corals, hundreds of different kinds tropical fish and a turtle sanctuary right by the shore. Drift divers love to seek out dives at Coconut Site because of the strong and turbulent currents.
Monad Shoal
Monad Shoal is known for one thing: Thresher Sharks. These gentle creatures spend most of the day in the deep blue but come up in the morning to visit the cleaning stations. It is here that cleaner wrasses feed on the sharks’ dead skin and bacteria which allows divers a breathtaking show of anything up to 10 thresher sharks at one time.
Dives start at a drop off and descend up to 30 meters, so this is only allowed for advanced divers with proper certification. Nearer the surface, you’ll see various species of stingrays, lion fish, frog fish, and cuttlefish. So, don’t forget to keep your eyes open before you get out of the water.
The list of beautiful dive destinations in the Philippines is long. However, if you’re looking for your next dive adventure, this country definitely has a lot to offer. Just be sure to properly plan your dives in this beautiful tropical country and then prepare yourself to be blown away by rich marine diversity.
About the Author
Roger is a mad traveler and lover of the outdoors. Originally from Australia, he is now living in Switzerland where he spends most of his time traveling, blogging, hiking, mountain biking or flying his Mavic Pro drone. You can find him online at his blog or on Twitter.
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I’ve not made it to the Philippines yet but it looks nothing short of spectacular and I’d love to check out some of these dive spots (although I can’t dive yet). For a beginner which would be the best place to go?
Hi Mike
There are a million dive sites in the Philippines, and every area has sites that are good for beginners. The two below are in terms of ease of travel and marine diversity
Anilao in Batangas – accessible from Manila via 2-hour car ride. Known for macro photography and several relatively shallow dives and reefs for beginners
Puerto Galera – 2 hr car ride and 1 hr boat ride. Easy access to Verde Island (dubbed as center of the center of biodiversity), and lots of coral gardens and shallow shipwrecks for beginners
take a look at those two
cheers
Roger