The Philippines is a true paradise for diving. With its countless islands, crystal clear waters and an impressive variety of marine life, it offers some of the best dive sites in the world. In this article, we present the outstanding dive sites in the Philippines, including Moalboal on Cebu, Leyte, Malapascua and Coron in Palawan. We also give an insight into the best snorkelling spots and share useful tips for an unforgettable diving holiday.
Best diving spots in the Philippines
Moalboal, Cebu
Moalboal on Cebu is known for its breathtaking schools of sardines and the many sea turtles. The sardine shoals are a spectacular natural phenomenon that delights divers and snorkellers alike. The shoals move in synchronisation and create breathtaking patterns in the water. In addition to the shoals of sardines, Moalboal also offers a rich variety of corals and marine life, including clownfish, moray eels and much more.
Leyte
Leyte is the perfect place to swim with whale sharks. In contrast to Oslob, where the whale sharks are fed and lose their natural rhythm, divers in Leyte can observe the majestic whale sharks in their natural environment. The gentle giants can be seen here seasonally and the encounter with them is an unforgettable experience.
Malapascua
Malapascua is famous for its unique Thresher Sharks. These rare sharks are known for their long, whip-like tails and attract divers from all over the world. Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where you can regularly observe these fascinating creatures. The dives to the thresher sharks usually take place early in the morning when the sharks rise from the depths.
Coron, Palawan
Coron in Palawan is a real paradise for wreck divers. The waters around Coron are the final resting place of numerous Japanese warships from the Second World War that were sunk in an American air raid. There are a total of twelve main wrecks that can be explored and they offer divers the opportunity to discover a piece of history. Most of these wrecks are located at depths that are only accessible to divers with an Advanced Open Water diving licence, which gives the dives a special appeal.
Popular diving spots in Coron
- Irako Maru
- A Japanese refrigerated ship lying at a depth of 43 metres. This wreck is well preserved and offers an abundance of marine life, including large schools of fish and impressive coral formations.
- Akitsushima
- A Japanese seaplane carrier wreck that lies at a depth of 36 metres. The wreck is partially intact and is home to a variety of fish and corals.
- Okikawa Maru
- A Japanese tanker lying at a depth of 26 metres. This wreck is known for its impressive coral growth and the variety of marine life that inhabits it.
- Kyokuzan Maru
- A Japanese transport ship that lies at a depth of 22 to 30 metres. The wreck is easily accessible and offers interesting dives through the various decks and holds.
- Olympia Maru
- Another Japanese cargo ship lying at a depth of 30 metres. The wreck is well preserved and is home to a variety of fish and corals.
- Nanshin Maru
- A Japanese oil tanker wreck that lies at a depth of 45 metres. This wreck is suitable for advanced divers and offers impressive insights into the history of the Second World War.
Snorkelling spots around Coron
- Twin Lagoon:Two interconnected lagoons with crystal-clear water and impressive rock formations. A paradise for snorkellers.
- Barracuda Lake: A unique place where snorkellers can snorkel in warm, clear water between rocks and corals.
- Siete Pecados: Another popular snorkelling spot with a rich variety of corals and fish.
- Banol Beach: A picturesque beach with clear water and beautiful coral reefs, ideal for relaxed snorkelling.
- Skeleton Wreck: A wreck that lies at a shallow depth and is easily accessible for snorkellers. It offers an exciting opportunity to explore a piece of history without having to dive deep.
In addition to the wreck dives, Coron also offers some of the best snorkelling spots in the Philippines. These spots are ideal for day trips and offer a breathtaking variety of marine life and underwater landscapes.Tour from Coron to El Nido
There is also the option of travelling from Coron to El Nido on an overnight tour. These tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery of the Philippines and visit various diving and snorkelling spots.
Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa
There is also the option of travelling from Coron to El Nido via an overnight tour. These tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery of the Philippines and visit various diving and snorkelling spots.
Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa
Tubbataha Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best diving areas in the world. It is located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, about 150 kilometres south-east of Puerto Princesa on Palawan. The reef consists of two atolls, the North and South Atolls, and is home to an impressive variety of marine life, including large schools of fish, sharks, manta rays and turtles. The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-June, when conditions are ideal and visibility can be up to 30 metres.
Apo Reef, Dumaguete
Apo Reef is the second largest continuous coral reef in the world and another highlight for divers in the Philippines. It is located around 80 kilometres west of Dumaguete and offers spectacular dives in crystal-clear water. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, manta rays, barracudas and huge schools of fish. Visibility here can be up to 40 metres and the best diving conditions are from December to May.
Best time to visit, temperature and visibility
The best time to dive in the Philippines is generally from December to May, when the weather is dry and underwater visibility is at its best. During these months, water temperatures are usually between 26°C and 30°C, which is ideal for longer dives. Visibility varies depending on the dive site and can be between 10 and 40 metres.
Conclusion
The Philippines offer an impressive variety of diving spots that will delight both beginners and experienced divers. With spectacular dive sites such as Moalboal, Leyte, Malapascua, Coron, Tubbataha Reef and Apo Reef as well as beautiful snorkelling spots, there is plenty to discover. It is worth spending several days in the Philippines to fully savour the diversity of the underwater world. This is just a small selection of the many beautiful diving and snorkelling spots that can still be discovered in the Philippines. Whether you want to get your diving licence or simply enjoy the beauty of the marine world, the Philippines is an unrivalled diving destination.
The Philippines offer an impressive variety of diving spots that will delight both beginners and experienced divers. With spectacular dive sites such as Moalboal, Leyte, Malapascua, Coron, Tubbataha Reef and Apo Reef as well as beautiful snorkelling spots, there is plenty to discover. It is worth spending several days in the Philippines to fully savour the diversity of the underwater world. This is just a small selection of the many beautiful diving and snorkelling spots that can still be discovered in the Philippines. Whether you want to get your diving licence or simply enjoy the beauty of the marine world, the Philippines is an unrivalled diving destination.
You can find out more about diving in the Philippines in this article on the PADI website.
For even more inspiration, take a look at our article on diving in Bali and Nusa Penida.
