The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving Locations in the Philippines
Diving in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most popular diving locations in the world and is home to some of the best scuba diving on the planet. Boasting over 7,000 islands, diving in the Philippines means divers have the opportunity to explore thousands of dive sites. The combination of stunning dive waters and picturesque landscapes will give you some of the best scuba diving memories of your life. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are as a diver, the Philippines suits all levels and abilities.
Whether you’re planning your first dive trip or chasing bucket-list underwater experiences, this guide breaks down the best dive sites, what makes them unique, and when to visit.
The Best Time to Dive in the Philippines
One of the many great things about the Philippines is that you can dive there all year round. However, there are a few seasonal changes that divers do need to be aware of as these can alter dive conditions, visibility, and general enjoyment. Diving the Philippines December to March is when the northeast monsoon comes, bringing strong winds with it. From April to June is the dry season, so the days are usually dry and warm. While from July to November, it is monsoon season, making the weather very wet but the water nice and warm.
Why Dive in the Philippines?
- Outstanding marine biodiversity — Home to thousands of species of fish, corals, macro critters, and pelagics
- Varied dive experiences — From shallow reefs and colourful coral gardens to steep walls, caves, and WWII wrecks
- Warm tropical waters — Comfortable diving year-round, especially between November and May
- Affordable and accessible — Great value trips with world-class operators across the islands
What to See in the Philippines
In the Philippines, there are over 1,200 marine species and 400 of the world’s 500 coral species. That alone makes for a lifetime worth of viewing and exploration. When diving in the Philippines, you don’t need to ask what you can see, you need to ask what you won’t see because you will discover almost everything diving in these beautiful waters.
The Philippines is a well-known area for spotting emperor fish, barracuda, scorpion fish, tuna, batfish, moorish idol, flute mouth, tuna, moray eel, and trevally. It is also home to triggerfish, unicorn fish, squid, parrot fish, octopus, trumpet fish, mantis shrimp, lionfish, sharks, devil rays, manta rays, whale sharks, eagle rays, and so much more. Wherever you are, you will be surrounded by incredible sites, beautiful corals, and stunning marine life.
Best Regions & Dive Experiences in the Philippines
1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – The Crown Jewel
Why it’s epic: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse reef systems on Earth. Tubbataha should be on every serious diver’s wishlist.
Dive highlights:
- Spectacular coral walls and pinnacles
- Schools of snappers, batfish, jacks, and barracuda
- Frequent sightings of sharks (whitetip, grey reef, hammerheads) and rays
- Healthy hard and soft corals
Best time to visit: Mid-March to mid-June (liveaboard season)
Good for: Pelagic diving, dramatic walls, large schools
2. Cebu (Moalboal & Malapascua) – Sardine Run, Thresher Sharks & Reefs
Moalboal – Sardine Run & Turtles
A coastal hotspot known for:
- Massive sardine balls just off Panagsama Beach
- Frequent turtle encounters
- Gorgonian fans and colourful reef life around Pescador Island
Dive vibe: Easy shore dives, dramatic mid-water action, great for underwater photography.
Malapascua – Thresher Sharks
Famous for:
- Daily sightings of thresher sharks at Monad Shoal (early morning)
- Macro life and colourful reef sections
Best for: Pelagic enthusiasts and macro shooters.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with best visibility from December to May.
3. Puerto Galera – Reefs, Walls & Night Dives
Close to Manila and beloved by divers of all levels, Puerto Galera delivers:
- Colorful coral gardens
- Steep walls with dramatic drop-offs
- Fantastic night diving for critters like frogfish and nudibranchs
Best for: Quick trips from Manila, weekend divers, macro and reef lovers.
4. Anilao – Macro Paradise Near Manila
Anilao is legendary among macro photographers for:
- Frogfish
- Seahorses
- Mandarin fish (best around new moon)
- Nudibranchs, shrimps, and crabs
Tip: Book a night dive to see the most spectacular critters!
Best time to visit: November to May for excellent visibility.
5. Coron – Shipwreck Heaven
Coron in northern Palawan is a magnet for advanced divers thanks to its well-preserved World War II wrecks at depths from ~12m to 40m.
Top wrecks:
- Okikawa Maru
- Irako
- Kyokuzan Maru
- Lusong Gunboat
Bonus dives:
- Barracuda Lake — thermocline dive with unique limestone formations
- Reef sites with healthy coral and diverse fish life
Best time to visit: October to May
6. Donsol & Oslob – Whale Shark Encounters
Two very different ways to swim with whale sharks:
Donsol (South Luzon)
- Responsible, ethical wildlife encounters
- Seasonal whale shark visits
- Great for snorkelling and diving with plankton-feeding gentle giants
Best season: December to May
Oslob (Cebu)
- Daily whale shark encounters
- Boat-based dives near the feeding area
- Controversial due to provisioning — do research and choose operators who dive responsibly
Best time: Year-round, early mornings best for calm conditions
7. Apo Reef – Second Largest in the World
A lesser-known but extremely healthy reef system off Mindoro:
- Extensive coral walls
- Big schools of fish
- Occasional manta rays and pelagics
Tips: Liveaboards or dive resorts operate multi-day trips here due to its remote location.
Best Time to Dive in the Philippines
- Dry Season (Nov – May): Clearer water, calmer seas, better visibility
- Peak Pelagic Season (Mar – Jun): Best for Tubbataha liveaboards and big schools
- Typhoon Season (Jun – Oct): Some regions may be rough, but southern sites often remain diveable
Top Marine Life You’ll See
Macro critters — frogfish, nudibranchs, shrimps
Sharks — thresher, reef, hammerhead (seasonal)
Rays — manta rays, eagle rays
Whale sharks — Donsol, Oslob
Schools of sardines — Moalboal
Vibrant reef fish — clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish
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Tips for Your Dive Trip
1. Book with Responsible Operators
Look for eco-friendly practices and reef-safe dive teams.
2. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect delicate coral ecosystems.
3. Plan Liveaboards for Remote Spots
For Tubbataha, Apo Reef, and deep pelagic action, liveaboards are ideal.
4. Check Seasonality
Some experiences are seasonal — plan accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Where is the best place to dive with whale sharks in the Philippines?
A: Donsol and Oslob are the top spots — Donsol for ethical wildlife encounters and Oslob for consistent sightings. They are talking of stopping the whale shark feeding at Oslob, so check before you book!
Q: What is the best month to dive in the Philippines?
A: March to May offer excellent visibility and calm seas for most regions.
Q: Is Philippines good for beginner divers?
A: Absolutely — sites like Puerto Galera, Moalboal, and Anilao have gentle reefs perfect for new divers.
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