Top 10 Dive Sites in the Philippines

The Philippines is a diver's paradise, boasting over 7,000 islands and some of the world's most spectacular underwater landscapes. With its position in the Coral Triangle, the center of marine biodiversity, the Philippines offers unparalleled diving experiences for everyone from beginners to experienced technical divers.

From vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to dramatic drop-offs and historic shipwrecks, the Philippine waters promise unforgettable adventures beneath the waves. Here are the top 10 dive sites you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park - Palawan

Tubbataha is the crown jewel of Philippine diving and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, this remote marine sanctuary is only accessible by liveaboard during the diving season from mid-March to mid-June.

What makes it special: Pristine coral walls that plunge hundreds of meters, encounters with sharks (grey reef, whitetip, and hammerheads), manta rays, whale sharks, and an incredible diversity of reef fish. The visibility often exceeds 40 meters, offering crystal-clear views of this underwater wonderland.

Best for: Advanced divers with experience in deep diving and strong currents.

2. Apo Reef - Mindoro Occidental

Apo Reef is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world, covering 34 square kilometers. This marine natural park features dramatic walls, channels, and lagoons filled with vibrant marine life.

Highlights: Regular sightings of manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and massive schools of jacks and barracuda. The reef walls are decorated with colorful soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Shark Airport, one of the most famous dive sites here, offers encounters with whitetip and blacktip reef sharks.

Getting there: Accessible by liveaboard from Batangas or Coron, typically requiring 2-3 days.

3. Moalboal - Cebu

Moalboal has become one of the Philippines' most popular dive destinations, and for good reason. The main attraction is the famous sardine run at Panagsama Beach, where millions of sardines form massive, swirling baitballs that create an otherworldly underwater spectacle.

Must-dive sites:

• Sardine Run: Shore dive with millions of sardines creating mesmerizing formations
• Pescador Island: Dramatic wall dive with a stunning cathedral cave
• Tongo Point: Healthy coral gardens perfect for macro photography

Marine life: Besides the sardines, expect to see sea turtles, frogfish, nudibranchs, and the occasional thresher shark.

4. Malapascua Island - Cebu

Malapascua is world-renowned as one of the only places on the planet where you can reliably see thresher sharks. These graceful creatures, with their distinctive elongated tail fins, visit the cleaning stations at Monad Shoal every morning at dawn.

Signature dive: Monad Shoal - A submerged island plateau at 25 meters where thresher sharks come to be cleaned by wrasse. Early morning dives (5:30 AM start) offer the best chance of sightings.

Other attractions: Manta rays at Kimud Shoal, beautiful coral gardens, and the fascinating Dona Marilyn wreck.

Best time: November to May for optimal conditions, though diving is possible year-round.

5. Puerto Galera - Mindoro Oriental

Just a few hours from Manila, Puerto Galera is one of the Philippines' most accessible and diverse dive destinations. With over 40 dive sites ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep walls, there's something for every level of diver.

Top dive sites:

• The Canyons: Underwater rock formations creating swim-throughs and caverns
• Sabang Wrecks: Three vessels sunk intentionally for diving, now teeming with marine life
• Verde Island Wall: Pristine wall dive with incredible coral coverage

Special features: Excellent for macro photography with abundant nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish. Night dives reveal Spanish dancers, bobtail squids, and hunting lionfish.

6. Coron - Palawan

Coron is a wreck diver's paradise, home to some of the most accessible and well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. Sunk during a surprise Allied attack in 1944, these vessels now serve as artificial reefs covered in colorful corals.

Famous wrecks:

• Irako: A massive supply ship at 40 meters, perfect for technical divers
• Okikawa Maru: Well-preserved cargo ship with engine room penetration
• Skeleton Wreck: Accessible to beginners at 22 meters
• Barracuda Lake: Unique thermocline dive in a stunning limestone-surrounded lake

Skill level: Sites range from beginner-friendly to advanced technical diving.

7. Anilao - Batangas

Known as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines, Anilao is the premier destination for macro photography and muck diving. Just 2-3 hours from Manila, it's perfect for weekend diving trips.

Macro heaven: Anilao's dive sites are treasure troves for underwater photographers. Look for blue-ring octopuses, mimic octopuses, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimp, wonderpus, and countless nudibranch species.

Must-dive sites:

• Secret Bay: Premier muck diving site with rare critters
• Cathedral Rock: Beautiful underwater cathedral with swim-throughs
• Basura: Ironic name for a site packed with fascinating macro subjects

8. Balicasag Island - Bohol

Part of the Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary, this small island near Panglao offers spectacular wall diving and is famous for sea turtle encounters and massive schools of jacks and barracuda.

Highlights: The wall drops from 5 meters to over 40 meters, covered in healthy hard and soft corals. Green and hawksbill turtles are virtually guaranteed on every dive. The Black Forest, a section decorated with black coral trees, is particularly stunning.

Accessibility: Perfect for all levels, with calm conditions most of the year.

9. Donsol - Sorsogon

While primarily known for whale shark interactions (snorkeling), Donsol also offers excellent diving opportunities. The area features pristine coral reefs, dramatic walls, and the chance to dive with manta rays.

Best season: November to June for whale sharks (snorkeling only - diving with whale sharks is prohibited). Year-round diving on the reefs and walls.

Conservation note: Donsol is a model for responsible wildlife tourism with strict guidelines to protect the whale sharks.

10. Siargao Island - Surigao del Norte

Famous for surfing, Siargao is an emerging dive destination with pristine reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and relatively unexplored dive sites. The island's remote location means less diver traffic and healthier marine ecosystems.

Dive highlights:

• Pristine coral gardens with minimal human impact
• Regular encounters with reef sharks and rays
• Interesting rock formations and caves
• Excellent visibility (20-30 meters typical)

Best for: Adventurous divers looking to explore less-crowded sites.

Planning Your Philippine Diving Adventure

Best diving season: Generally, the dry season from November to May offers the best conditions, though diving is possible year-round in most locations. Each region has its specific optimal seasons:

• Tubbataha: Mid-March to mid-June only
• Visayas (Moalboal, Malapascua, Bohol): Year-round, best November-May
• Puerto Galera: Year-round
• Coron: November-June

What You Need to Know

Water temperature: Ranges from 26°C to 30°C year-round. A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient, though some divers prefer 5mm for deeper dives.

Certifications needed: While many sites are suitable for Open Water divers, having Advanced certification opens up more possibilities, especially for wreck penetrations and deeper dives.

Conservation: The Philippines is at the forefront of marine conservation. Please practice responsible diving - maintain proper buoyancy, don't touch corals or marine life, and never feed fish.

Why Dive the Philippines?

The Philippines offers unmatched diversity in a single destination. In one trip, you can explore historic wrecks, dive pristine coral walls, hunt for rare macro creatures, and encounter megafauna like whale sharks and manta rays. The Filipino people's warmth and hospitality make every diving trip memorable beyond the underwater experiences.

With affordable prices, excellent dive infrastructure, and year-round diving opportunities, the Philippines truly is a world-class diving destination that should be on every diver's bucket list.

Ready to explore these incredible dive sites? Contact us to plan your Philippine diving adventure today!