Philippines Diving

There is nothing like going scuba diving or snorkeling off an exotic island to feel revitalized, and get away from the daily stresses of life. There are excellent dive sites all over the Philippines, but the following are certainly among the cream of the crop.

Arco Point, Bohol

South of Bohol is where most of the dive sites are located, and definitely one of the best known is Arco Point.

One of the main attractions of Arco Point is that it is very accessible. You can get to the site on any small boat or banca. Once there you jump into the water and at a level of about 25 ft, you will find what divers call the Shaft. It is a vertical wall in the sea measuring some 18 meters (60 ft) and there you will come upon some of the most amazing and unique marine life anywhere, including sea snakes, Trigger Fish and various types of eels.

Boracay Island, Aklan

What diving experience would be complete without an excursion into the depths of Boracay? For most, this island epitomizes all that is

beautiful and good about diving.
It isn’t just the white sands that makes Boracay such a powerful draw for tourists; it is the waters as well, which anyone, even beginners, can undertake without much difficulty. The stunning coral reefs, and myriad forms of fish will have you coming back for more.

Coron Bay, Busuanga, Palawan

Coron Bay, off northern Palwan, consists of several dive sites that have no match for sheer diversity.

Coron Reef will seem something out of a fairy tale, enveloped by enchanting lakes and cliffs; the deep is no less impressive as it reveals the best aquamarine life the island has to offer. Other dive sites in Coron Bay allow underwater explorers to examine up close wreckages of World War II vessels.

Anilao, Batangas

If you are the type who indulges in underwater photography, Anilao is one site you cannot afford to miss.

A dive in the cool waters will reveal an astonishing number of sea creatures, a large number unique to the Philippines. At any time of the day you will see stunning multi colored crinoids are in profusion; nudibranchs and echinoderms can be seen in great numbers. Even better is to dive in Anilao at night, with octopuses, in various shades of blue, snake eels, ghost pipe fishes and more.

Subic Bay, Zambales

If exploring wreckages of historical ships is your cup of tea, then Subic Bay in Zambales will serve exactly what you need.
Unlike other dive sites, the ship wreckages in Subic Bay are still in good condition, and these vessels are not the run of the mill types either; most of them date from the time of the Spnaish-American War in 1898 and also from the Second World War, giving you a taste of history and culture.

Donsol, Sorsogon

Some 40 miles (66 km) off the capital lies the small town of Donsol, site of one of the most famous dive sites in the world, and the butanding (whale shark).

There are a lot of things to see and do when in Donsol, but in the end, it is still about the butanding. Whether you are on a boat or diving underwater, the sight of the whale shark is simply mind blowing. They can reach a length of some 18 meters (60 ft); technically speaking, it is not a fish, but by whatever name it is called, the butanding remains the reason why a trip to Donsol is a must.

Sinandigan Wall, Puerto Galera

This dive site can only be reached by boat, but the trip is well worth it, as it ranks up there as one of the most captivating dive sites in Puerto Galera.

Compared with other sites, the learning curve is slight, which is fortunate; as you plunged down some 10 m (30ft) you will come against the wall, where a multitude of coral reefs, fishes, crinoids and other species await.

Verde Island, Batangas

Verde Island sets itself apart from the others, as it offers something for both the underwater enthusiast and the explorer/adventurer.

There are actually several dive sites around the island, but the most famous is the Pinnacle. As you descend into the waters, you will realize why the place earned its name, as it will truly seem to be the ultimate when it comes to showcasing corals and marine life. For ship wreck enthusiasts, the remnants of a Spanish Galleon, filled with Chinese vases, will be worth examining.

Apo Island, Negros Oriental

Covering some 150,000 hectares, the Apo Reef is one of the largest dive sites in the Philippines and also one of the most well preserved.

Apo Reef holds something for all types of divers; there are several drop offs, fit for beginner and expert; for marine life lovers, every type of fish imaginable, from barracudas, mantas, sting rays etc. There are beautiful sea turtles, and over 500 types of coral. One trip will not be enough, and you will want to keep coming back for more.

Pamilacan Island, Bohol

Pamilacan is a small village to the southeast side of Bohol, and is now considered as one of Bohol’s top attractions.

Thanks to the efforts of the citizens and the local government, the sea and its inhabitants have been protected. As you delve into the deep, you will come face to face with the denizens of this underwater world, including manta rays, Trigger Fish, and several whale sharks.