Diving

With its location at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines boasts the highest concentration of marine biodiversity on Earth. From the “muck diving” capital of the world to prehistoric shipwrecks and massive vertical walls, the country offers a submerged frontier that caters to every level of diver.

1. In-Depth Guide to Diving the Philippines
When to Dive (Seasons)
While you can dive year-round, the Dry Season (November to May) offers the best visibility and calmest seas.

March to May: These are the “prime” months with glassy water and visibility exceeding 30 meters.

June to October: The Habagat (Monsoon) season brings more rain; however, protected spots like Southern Leyte or Bohol remain excellent.

2. Understanding the Dive Environments
Muck Diving: The Philippines is world-famous for macro photography. You’ll find “weird and wonderful” critters like flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopuses, and frogfish in the volcanic sands of Anilao and Dauin.

Wreck Diving: For history buffs, Coron Bay is home to one of the best-preserved fleets of WWII Japanese shipwrecks in the world.

Pelagic Encounters: If you want “the big stuff,” Malapascua is the only place in the world to reliably see Thresher Sharks daily, while Tubbataha Reef offers whale sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays.

Logistics and Safety
Certification: Most dive hubs have PADI or SSI shops offering everything from Discovery Scuba (DSD) to Divemaster courses. A standard DSD costs around ₱3,500–₱5,000.

Hyperbaric Chambers: Major hubs like Cebu City, Batangas, and Puerto Princesa have recompression chambers. Always ensure your travel insurance covers “scuba diving up to 30 meters.”

Marine Fees: Most sanctuaries require a “Sanctuary Fee” (₱100–₱500) per day, which goes directly toward local conservation and reef protection.

3. Must-Visit Diving Locations
Signature Location 1: Anilao, Batangas Famous for its breathtaking macro life and beginner-friendly conditions. Just a three-hour drive from Manila, it is the birthplace of Philippine scuba. With gentle slopes and colorful coral gardens, it is perfect for families and first-timers looking to get certified in calm, clear waters.

Adventure Hub 2: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park A challenging spot reserved for experienced enthusiasts, accessible only by liveaboard vessels from March to June. As a UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Sulu Sea, it is known for strong currents and dramatic scenery, including 100-meter vertical walls teeming with sharks, rays, and massive schools of trevally.

Hidden Gem 3: Anda, Bohol A secluded area that offers a peaceful escape, away from the main tourist crowds of Alona Beach. This quiet corner of Bohol features a stunning 14-kilometer reef system with pristine corals, seahorses, and turtles, allowing divers to explore underwater cathedrals in near-total solitude.