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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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