Diving in the Philippines: A Guide to the Best Spots, Best Times to Visit, and Essential Tips

Diving ranks high on the extensive list of reasons to Love the Philippines, and for many good reasons. Did you know that the Philippines hosts 70-80% of the Earth’s species, and is one of only 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world?! As such, the country is a diver’s paradise, with its thousands of islands surrounded by some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. Its location in the Coral Triangle means that it is home to more than 500 species of coral and 2,500 species of fish, offering endless beautiful underwater sites to see. Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism, Philippines joined Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch in the inaugural edition of #AgodaDialogues, touching on the incredible diving opportunities in the Philippines, including “award-winning islands such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Siargao, and so many others!” Check out their full conversation in the video below:

The warm tropical waters and relative affordability compared to other world-class diving locales also make scuba diving in the Philippines a can’t-miss experience. Get started on your underwater adventure with this Philippines diving guide.

Best Diving Spots in the Philippines

From thriving coral gardens to historic shipwrecks, the Philippines has something for everyone. Whether you’re after serene reef explorations or adrenaline-pumping drift dives, these top dive sites in the Philippines have it all.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – Palawan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reefs on Palawan is the crown jewel of Philippine diving. Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, this remote marine park is only accessible via liveaboard (a boat you can live on) between March and June. The park consists of two massive atolls, North and South, along with the Jessie Beazley Reef, all of which are surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the country.

Divers can expect pristine coral walls, large species like hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks, and a stunning diversity of reef fish. The sheer density of marine life makes Tubbataha one of the top dive destinations in the world. In addition to its marine wonders, the park’s remoteness adds a layer of adventure. Divers get to immerse themselves in a multi-day trip far from civilization, waking up to breathtaking sunrises and ending days with spectacular night dives.

Apo Reef – Mindoro Occidental

Often compared to the Great Barrier Reef, Apo Reef in Mindoro Occidental is the largest atoll-like reef system in the Philippines. Covering over 34 square kilometers, it boasts breathtaking coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and some of the best visibility in the country. One of the highlights of diving in Apo Reef is the chance to explore its diverse underwater landscapes. Some sites feature gentle slopes perfect for beginners, while others have strong currents that bring in numerous marine species.

The reef is a true marine life sanctuary, including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, and enormous schools of barracuda. The deep blue waters beyond the reef’s edge hold surprises like manta rays, tuna, and even the occasional hammerhead shark. Apo Reef is also known for its strong conservation initiatives. Managed as a natural park, it requires divers to pay a diving fee that helps fund protection efforts.

Malapascua Island – Cebu

Diving in Malapascua Island, Cebu is a unique experience due to its small-town island vibe, and it is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines for one main reason: thresher sharks. These deep-sea predators are rarely seen elsewhere, but at Monad Shoal, they make daily early morning visits. The chance to witness these sleek, long-tailed sharks up close makes Malapascua one of the most sought-after dive destinations in the world.

But Malapascua isn’t just about thresher sharks. The island also has incredible macro diving (observation of smaller marine life), with sites like Lighthouse Reef offering encounters with seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and blue-ringed octopuses. Wreck diving is also a popular attraction here, with sunken Japanese warships from World War II providing artificial reefs teeming with life. The relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a fantastic spot to spend a few days.

Balicasag Island – Bohol

Balicasag Island, located off the coast of Panglao in Bohol, is known for its exceptional coral gardens and abundant underwater life. The waters surrounding this marine sanctuary are filled with stunning hard and soft corals, providing shelter to an impressive variety of fish species. One of the highlights of diving in Balicasag is its massive schools of jackfish that move in synchronized formations, creating mesmerizing underwater displays. Divers can also encounter barracudas, batfish, and several species of reef sharks. Green sea turtles are common here, often seen gliding gracefully through the reefs or resting on coral beds.

The island’s marine sanctuary status means that its reefs remain in excellent condition, with local regulations ensuring that diver traffic is controlled to prevent overuse. This makes Balicasag a prime destination for both novice and experienced divers looking for vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

Moalboal – Cebu

Home to the legendary sardine run, Moalboal offers one of the most unique diving experiences in the Philippines. Millions of sardines form massive bait balls just meters from the shore, attracting larger predators like tuna in an incredible spectacle. Apart from the sardine run, Moalboal also features stunning walls, caves, and reef dives. Pescador Island, just a short boat ride away, is known for spectacular drop-offs with colorful corals and abundant sea life, including frogfish, scorpionfish, and sea snakes. The area is also a hotspot for sea turtles, which are often seen resting along the reef slopes.

Moalboal’s accessibility from Cebu makes it an excellent destination for weekend trips, and its diverse dive sites cater to all levels of divers. Whether you’re chasing schools of sardines or exploring the rich reef ecosystems, Moalboal provides plenty of underwater excitement.

Coron – Palawan

If you’re into wreck diving, Coron is a must-visit destination. The area is home to a collection of well-preserved World War II shipwrecks, many of which are still intact and teeming with life. Some of the most famous wrecks include the Irako, Akitsushima, and Olympia Maru, all of which offer thrilling penetration dives. The wrecks are scattered across various depths, with some in shallow waters, while others require deeper dives with specialized equipment. The eerie beauty of these sunken warships, combined with the rich marine life that now calls them home, makes Coron one of the top wreck diving destinations in the world.

Apart from the wrecks, Coron also offers freshwater diving in Barracuda Lake. This volcanic lake features thermoclines that create surreal temperature shifts, making it a one-of-a-kind diving adventure.

Anilao – Batangas

Often dubbed the “nudibranch capital of the world,” Anilao in Batangas is a macro diver’s dream. It is one of the best muck diving (diving in areas with low visibility) destinations in Asia, with a rich diversity of critters like frogfish, ghost pipefish, and seahorses. The sheer variety of small marine species makes it a haven for underwater photographers. Anilao is also known for its impressive coral reefs, featuring vibrant soft corals, colorful sponges, and thriving fish populations. Some sites, like Sombrero Island, offer great drift dives, while others provide calm conditions perfect for beginners.

Its proximity to Manila makes Anilao a popular diving destination for both locals and tourists. With dozens of dive resorts lining its coast, it’s an ideal place to enjoy weekend dive trips without the need for long travel.

Verde Island Passage – Batangas

Regarded as one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world, the Verde Island Passage is often called the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity. This narrow strait, which separates Luzon and Mindoro, is home to an astonishing variety of marine life, making it a must-visit for divers seeking rich underwater ecosystems and thrilling encounters with large schools of fish.

One of the most famous dive sites in the area is The Drop-Off, a breathtaking underwater wall teeming with life. This sheer wall, covered in colorful corals, descends into the depths where trevallies, groupers, fusiliers, and sweetlips gather in massive numbers. The strong currents bring nutrient-rich waters, attracting pelagic species like reef sharks, tuna, and even the occasional manta ray. The abundance of small critters like nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and frogfish also makes it a great site for macro photographers.

Best Time to Dive in the Philippines

Diving in the Philippines is possible year-round, but the optimal conditions vary depending on the location. The country’s tropical climate means that water temperatures remain warm, averaging between 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), making it an ideal destination for divers at any time of the year. However, monsoon seasons and regional weather patterns can affect visibility and accessibility. To help plan the best time for your dive trip, here’s a breakdown of diving conditions by season:

• November to May: This is generally the best time for diving all over the country as it falls within the dry season. The waters are calmer, visibility is at its peak (often exceeding 30 meters in some locations), and marine life is abundant. This period is particularly great for liveaboard trips to remote destinations like Tubbataha Reefs, Apo Reef, and Malapascua, as the conditions are optimal for diving.
• June to October: This is the monsoon season, particularly affecting the western side of the country. The southwest monsoon, known as “Habagat,” can bring rough seas and reduced visibility to many areas. However, conditions are more stable in areas like Balicasag Island, Moalboal, Coron, and Anilao. Underwater life is also so abundant in the Verde Island Passage that diving remains rewarding even during the rainy months.

Essential Tips for Diving in the Philippines

• Get Your Certifications in Order – Most dive spots in the Philippines cater to both beginners and experienced divers, but certain locations require advanced certification. If you’re planning to explore deep wrecks in Coron, for example, an advanced certification is recommended.
• Plan Ahead for Remote Destinations – For top-tier dive locations like Tubbataha Reefs and Apo Reef, advance planning is essential. Liveaboards to Tubbataha often book out 6 to 12 months in advance, so securing your slot early is a must.
• Bring a Reef-Safe Sunscreen – The Philippines is home to fragile coral ecosystems, and using reef-safe sunscreen (free of oxybenzone and octinoxate) helps protect marine life. Many marine sanctuaries enforce strict regulations on chemical-based sunscreens.
• Check for Marine Park Fees – Some dive destinations, particularly protected areas, charge environmental fees to support marine conservation. These fees range from PHP 100 to PHP 5,000 depending on the site and duration of your stay.
• Be Prepared for Strong Currents – Sites like Monad Shoal (Malapascua), Verde Island Passage, and Tubbataha’s reef walls can have powerful currents that challenge even experienced divers. Consider taking a Drift Diver specialty course before attempting these sites.
• Respect Local Wildlife – Do not touch or chase marine life, including turtles, sharks, reef fish, and coral, and don’t take anything from the ocean. Sustainable and respectful diving helps preserve these incredible sites.

Diving Safety Tips

• Always Dive with a Buddy – Even experienced divers should never dive alone. A buddy can help in case of emergencies.
• Check Your Equipment – Ensure all gear is functioning properly before every dive and do a buddy check before entering the water.
• Monitor Your Air Supply – Always keep track of your air consumption and ascend with at least 50 bar remaining.
• Follow Depth and No-Decompression Limits – Stick to your training limits and plan dives to avoid decompression sickness.
• Practice Good Buoyancy Control – Maintaining neutral buoyancy helps protect marine life and prevents unnecessary air consumption.
• Be Aware of Weather Conditions – Always check the forecast and listen to your dive operator’s advice regarding sea conditions.
• Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol Before Dives – Dehydration increases the risk of decompression sickness, so drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol before diving.
• Know Emergency Procedures – Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hyperbaric chamber and emergency protocols. The Philippines has decompression chambers in Manila, Cebu, Batangas, and Palawan.