People who love water will love the Philippines. There are more than 7600 islands and clear waters, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places in the world to go diving and snorkeling. The archipelago has amazing underwater experiences for divers of all levels, from colorful coral gardens to swimming with huge sea creatures. This guide will tell you about the best places in the Philippines for diving and snorkeling that every traveler should see.
1. Palawan
The Philippines’ Most Beautiful Place to Dive
Palawan is always one of the best places in the world to go for snorkeling and diving. The water is clear and there are many different kinds of marine life, so it’s a great place to go underwater. The province is home to two well-known diving spots: Coron and El Nido.
Coron
The shipwrecks from World War II in Coron Bay are famous and are between 10 and 40 meters deep. These wrecks have become fake reefs that attract schools of bright fish, big groupers and even sea turtles now and then. Beginners can dive on shallow wrecks, and more experienced divers can dive on deeper wrecks with the help of a pro. Coron has 20 metres deep clean water. This makes it a great place to take pictures underwater.
El Nido
El Nido is home to some of the most beautiful places to snorkel in the Philippines. There are colorful coral gardens in the shallow lagoons and hidden coves that are home to clownfish, parrotfish and butterflyfish. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are great places to snorkel because you can see the beautiful limestone formations above and the colorful marine life below. Diving fans can also check out nearby dive spots that are full of soft corals, nudibranchs and sometimes reef sharks.
2. Cebu
The Philippines’ Diving Center
People from the Visayas region like to go diving and snorkeling in Cebu. There are a lot of different dive sites here, from easy drift dives to thrilling wall dives that are great for everyone. Oslob, Moalboal and Malapascua are some of Cebu’s most famous underwater attractions.
Moalboal
The run of sardines at Moalboal is well-known. Schools of millions of sardines gather near Panagsama Beach, where they shine and swirl. This amazing natural event can be seen by snorkelers and divers just a few meters from the shore. Turtle Point, which is next to this area, is known for its green sea turtles that swim gracefully among the coral reefs. Divers will also love Pescador Island. There are colorful corals and fish in the reef.
Malapascua
Monad Shoal on Malapascua Island is famous all over the world for its thresher sharks. This is a great place for experienced divers who want to have a good time. The island’s clear waters, different kinds of animals and quiet atmosphere make it a great place to go diving. Malapascua has shallow coral gardens with bright tropical fish that are fun for snorkelers of all skill levels.
3. Bohol
Bohol, which is near Cebu, is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches, green hills and amazing sea life. Diving and snorkeling are very popular on Panglao Island.
Balicasag Island
There is a lot of marine life on Balicasag Island, which is a protected marine sanctuary with steep drop-offs and colorful corals. Divers can find snappers, barracudas and big groupers. The shallow reefs with butterflyfish, damselfish and colorful soft corals will be a hit with snorkelers. You can see more than 30 meters here, which makes it a great place to take pictures and explore underwater.
Panglao Island
There are a lot of good diving spots for beginners in Panglao. There are shallow reefs close to Doljo Beach and Alona Beach that are great for snorkeling and beginner dives. Night dives are very popular because they let you see shrimp, crabs and octopuses that come out at night. There are beautiful beaches, places to dive and cultural sites like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, which makes it a great place for vacationers.
4. Apo Island
Apo Island is a small volcanic island in Negros Oriental, not far from Dumaguete. It is known for its colorful coral reefs and the many kinds of fish that live there. People know about this protected area because they often see sea turtles swimming gracefully.
Apo Island has a lot of green sea turtles. Snorkelers and divers can swim with these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. The coral gardens on the island are home to a wide variety of fish, including clownfish, parrotfish and reef sharks. At night, interesting animals like cuttlefish and nudibranchs come out.
5. Siargao
People know Siargao for surfing but it also has great spots for diving and snorkeling. The water is home to colorful fish, coral reefs and other interesting underwater shapes.
Daku Island and Naked Island are both great places to go snorkeling. These places are great for families and people who are new to snorkeling because the water is clear, the bottoms are sandy, and the reefs are shallow. There are a lot of tropical fish in the water around here, so every swim is a great time.
Cloud 9 is known for surfing, but it also has nearby dive spots with beautiful coral reefs and marine life. There are lionfish, groupers and sometimes reef sharks living on the walls and reefs that divers can see. Adventure seekers will love Siargao because they can surf, dive, and hop from one island to another.
6. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the best place to dive in the Philippines. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can only get to this private marine reserve in the Sulu Sea by liveaboard trips from March to June. Divers will find reefs that haven’t been damaged, big pelagic species and a lot of other kinds of life.
7. Camiguin
A Secret Diving Gem
Camiguin, which means “Island Born of Fire”, has diving spots that are less crowded and more peaceful. Because of the island’s volcanic past, the underwater world is one of a kind, with caves, lava formations and colorful reefs.
Tips for diving and snorkeling in the Philippines:
- Plan your trip according to the weather conditions. The best time to dive in the Philippines is usually from November to May.
- Pick dive shops, resorts that have instructors who are certified and have strict rules.
- Don’t touch corals or bother aquatic organisms, respect marine life.
- Bring the things you need, like reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof cameras and snorkeling gear if you want to use your own.
- If you’re new to diving, you might want to get PADI or another diving certification ahead of time so you can enjoy it more.
There are numerous places to dive and snorkel in the Philippines. The archipelago has something for everyone, no matter how good you are at snorkeling or diving. Because the water is clear, there are many marine animals and the area is beautiful and tropical, it is one of the most popular places to dive in the world.
It’s not just fun to dive and snorkel in the Philippines’ best spots. It’s also about getting in touch with nature, helping to protect it and seeing the amazing beauty of one of the most diverse marine environments in the world. Get ready, dive in and see the Philippines from below the waves.