Scuba Diving Destinations Philippines: Top 7 Provinces
The Philippines is an archipelagic country and home to some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world. Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and diverse marine life offer various adventures for all types of divers.
In this post, we’ll explore the top provinces for scuba diving in the Philippines, helping you plan the perfect itinerary and choose the best places to stay for your next underwater adventure.
Top 7 scuba diving destinations in the Philippines
Below are seven of the most beautiful provinces in the country to explore for diving and unwinding.
1. Palawan
Palawan is the largest province in the country, located in the western part of the Philippines. The province is known for its pristine waters, limestone cliffs, and world-renowned dive spots. Its key diving spots include the Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top dive spots globally, and Coron, famous for its WWII wreck diving.
Aside from diving, you can also enjoy other activities like hiking, trekking, exploring local cuisine, and visiting historical and cultural sites in Palawan.
Best time to dive: March to June for Tubbataha Reef and year-round for Coron.
2. Cebu
Cebu is located in the central part of the Philippines, within the Visayas region. The province’s capital is Cebu City, which is one of the Philippines’ most developed and populous cities. Being easily accessible via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu is a popular destination for local and international tourists.
Cebu is famous for its historical significance, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and world-class dive spots. Famous diving sites include the following:
- Malapascua Island: Known for thresher shark sightings.
- Moalboal: Known for its sardine run and vibrant coral reefs.
- Pescador Island: Known for its amazing visibility and rich marine life.
Best time to dive: Year-round, with best visibility from December to May.
3. Batangas
Batangas is a beautiful province on Luzon Island, northern Philippines. It is located just south of Metro Manila, making it one of the most accessible destinations for weekend trips or quick getaways, including diving.
Its key dive sites include the following:
· Anilao: Birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines and famous for macro photography.
· Sombrero Island: Colorful coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
· Verde Island Passage: Known as the “Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World.”
Best time to dive: November to May.
4. Bohol
Bohol is an island province located in the central part of the Philippines, within the Visayas region, just southeast of Cebu. It is known for its excellent dive sites, as well as its stunning natural attractions, including the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and beautiful beaches.
Bohol’s famous dive sites include the following:
- Balicasag Island: Protected marine sanctuary and healthy coral walls.
- Panglao Island: Easy access to multiple dive sites with great biodiversity.
- Cabilao Island: Quiet, less touristy, with vibrant coral gardens.
Best time to dive: November to May.
5. Mindoro (Puerto Galera)
Mindoro Island, specifically Puerto Galera, is located south of Luzon Island and Manila. It is easily accessible via boat from Batangas City. Puerto Galera is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. Its excellent dive spots include the following:
· Sabang Beach: Vibrant coral reefs and lots of dive centers.
· Canyons: Known for strong currents and large marine species.
· Verde Island: Incredible biodiversity and clear waters.
Best time to dive: Year-round, but November to May is best.
6. Davao
Davao offers less-crowded and off-the-beaten-path diving destinations. Located in Mindanao Island, the southern part of the Philippines, Davao offers majestic dive sites, including Samal Island with diverse dive spots close to the city, and Talicud Island, which features calm waters, and healthy coral reefs great for beginner divers.
Best time to dive: February to September.
7. Negros Island
Located in the central part of the Philippines and west of Cebu, the Negros Island offers diverse and thriving marine ecosystems, fewer tourists, and some of the best macro diving in the country.
Popular dive sites in the province include the following:
· Apo Island (Dauin): One of the best-known diving destinations in the Philippines, with coral gardens and abundant marine life.
· Dauin: Famous for macro diving, perfect for spotting nudibranchs, frogfish, and other small critters.
· Sipalay: Beautiful coral reefs, and untouched dive sites, perfect for those looking for quiet, uncrowded dives.
Best time to dive: November to May, though diving is possible year-round.
Scuba diving destinations Philippines: considerations
When choosing which province or provinces to explore for scuba diving in the Philippines, several factors come into play, including the following:
- Your diving-level experience. Choose between beginner-friendly or advanced diving sites depending on your level.
- Preferred type of diving. You can find sites for wreck diving, macro photography, big marine life, and other preferences.
- Accessibility and travel time. Choose sites close to major cities like Manila and Cebu if you prefer quicker trips. For longer, yet rewarding trips, you can opt for remote destinations.
- Seasonality and weather conditions. While many dive sites offer year-round diving, you also need to consider typhoon seasons in the Philippines, where dive conditions may be affected. The typhoon season in the Philippines typically runs from June to November, with the highest frequency of storms occurring from August to October.
- Additional activities and attractions. Apart from diving, you may also want to visit destinations that offer other activities like nature and historic tours. Other provinces also offer nightlife activities, five-star accommodations, superb dining choices, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Crowd level: Popular destinations like Palawan and Puerto Galera may attract larger crowds, while quieter areas like Negros and Davao offer more secluded diving experiences.
Deciding which province(es) to visit all depends on your diving goals and travel preferences.
Scuba diving destinations Philippines: conclusion
The Philippines offers a great variety of scuba diving experiences across its top provinces, each with unique underwater wonders. Whether you want to explore colorful coral gardens, encounter large marine creatures, or explore historic shipwrecks, these destinations have something to offer every diver of any level.
We hope that with the above list, you can plan your dive trips wisely, and immerse yourself in the underwater beauty of the Philippines.
