Best Diving In Philippines
Located in Indo-Pacific's Coral Triangle and boasting over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to some of the world's best scuba diving. With pristine coral reefs, lush coral gardens, huge schools of fish, rare critters, manta rays, and even whale sharks - there's something for everyone in the Philippines!
On top of all that, the hospitality of the Philippines dive staff, assortment of amazing dive resorts and liveaboards, along with the warm waters and picturesque landscape will give you some of the best memories in your entire scuba diving life.
Anilao- Cebu And Bohol
- Coron
- Dumaguete
- Leyte
- Malapascua Island
- Puerto Galera
- Romblon
- Tubbataha
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Average flight time from LAX
17 hours
Scuba Dive Level
All Levels
Visibility
50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters)
84°F / 29°C
Average Water Temperature
Macro Critters
Whale Shark Encounters
With so many islands and amazing dive spots, deciding on the best place to dive in the Philippines is no easy task. But worry not! We've rounded up a list of the best scuba diving destinations in the Philippines, complete with information on what to see, when to go, and where to stay so that you can pick the perfect spot for your next Philippines dive vacation hassle-free!
Anilao
Anilao is a haven for macro photographers and muck diving enthusiasts. Renowned for its vibrant nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and frogfish, Anilao's waters are a playground for critter lovers. Visit Anilao to check off rare critters, including stargazers and bobbit worms, and join one of our legendary underwater photography workshops to hone your macro skills.
Cebu And Bohol
Cebu and Bohol are two of the Philippines' easy-to-reach diving destinations, often serving as a gateway to popular nearby diving hotspots Malapascua, Moalboal, and Dumaguete. Cebu is known for its thresher shark encounters at Malapascua and sardine run at Moalboal, while Bohol boasts impressive marine biodiversity, including colorful reefs, turtles, and frogfish. Both islands offer unique cultural and natural experiences topside.
Coron
Coron, Philippines, is a wreck divers dream, with a dozen World War II Japanese warships scattered across its clear waters. These wrecks, some within recreational depths, are now teeming with marine life, offering divers an incredible historical and underwater experience. The region also offers beautiful coral gardens, freshwater lakes, and scenic island-hopping tours.
Dumaguete
Explore Dumaguete and Dauins sprawling coastline, home to sought-after macro life, including flamboyant cuttlefish, pipefish, seahorses, frogfish, nudibranchs, and more. Head to nearby Apo Island for stunning coral reefs, sea turtles, and reef fish. Discover why Dumaguete is one of Bluewater founder Scott Gietlers favorite dive destinations!
Leyte
Leyte, in the Philippines, is known for its whale shark encounters and spectacular coral reefs. Southern Leytes Sogod Bay offers uncrowded dive sites with pristine coral gardens, steep walls, and the chance to see large pelagics. The area is also a haven for macro enthusiasts, with plenty of nudibranchs, frogfish, and other critters hiding among the reefs.
Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is world-renowned for its thresher shark encounters, where divers can see these elusive creatures during dawn dives. Located in the Philippines, Malapascua also offers excellent macro diving, with frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs hiding in the reefs. Combine pelagic and macro diving for a well-rounded dive experience on this small but exciting island.
Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera in the Philippines is a fantastic diving destination with healthy coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and stunning wall dives. Known for its excellent visibility, the area offers something for every level of diver, from shallow reefs to deep underwater canyons. The region is also a haven for macro photographers looking for nudibranchs and other small critters.
Romblon
Romblon, located in the Philippines, is a hidden gem for macro enthusiasts. The regions muck diving sites are teeming with rare critters like nudibranchs, frogfish, and seahorses, making it a photographers paradise. For those seeking a more relaxed dive experience, Romblon also offers beautiful coral reefs and peaceful, uncrowded dive sites.
Tubbataha
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located in the Sulu Sea, is one of the Philippines' most remote and pristine dive destinations. Accessible only by liveaboard, Tubbataha offers incredible biodiversity, with colorful coral reefs, large pelagic species, and an abundance of marine life. The parks protected status ensures that it remains a stunning underwater paradise.
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