Tubbataha Coral Reef
Tubbataha is located in the southeastern part of Palawan Island in the Sulu Sea, and is one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines. Being remote has allowed it to be well-preserved, and the Philippines has 90% of the world's coral species. A diving trip to Tubbataha is a rare experience in life.
Diving in Tubbataha allows you to admire 11 different species of sharks, 479 types of fish, as well as large mid- and upper-level fish such as jacks, batfish, tuna, and whale sharks. In addition, Tubbataha is also one of the highest population density areas for whitetip reef sharks, making it a common sight for divers.
The best time to dive is from mid-March to mid-June, during which the weather is warm and sunny, the water temperature is comfortable, and thus perfect for diving.
Subic Bay
This bay used to be the location of the largest overseas naval base of the United States until its withdrawal in 1992, which was then opened to tourists and diving enthusiasts. Within the diving depth of Subic Bay, there are several shipwrecks and the USS New York, which are frequently visited by divers. Divers can see the double-barrel gun of the ship's big gun as they descend, making it an excellent place to experience history.
Subic Bay has excellent natural conditions with calm waters throughout the year and it also has unique diving sites such as shipwrecks and plane wrecks, which result from its historical military elements. Exploring these ancient relics is the highlight of diving trips.
The best time for diving is from November to May of the following year when the marine environment in Subic Bay is very suitable for diving activities.
Dumaguete
This region is one of the easiest places in the world to swim with whale sharks, and divers have the chance to see them every day. This area is also home to one of the world's most pristine coral conservation areas, making it one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. Snorkeling here allows you to get up close and personal with clownfish.
Highlights: DAUIN Beach is a famous diving spot in Dumaguete, and the DuCoMi Pier in this area is one of the best diving spots where you can see marine life such as manta rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks.
Best time to dive: from November to May of the following year.
Boracay Island
This is Boracay Island, rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Its emerald waters provide the best conditions for diving and attract countless divers and non-divers. There are more than 30 diving sites on Boracay Island, with YAPAK, CROCODILE, CAMIA, FRIDAYS and LAUREL being the most famous, suitable for divers with OW and AOW level. Here you can see various fish species such as barracudas, jacks and sharks. Diving can be done all year round.
Cebu Island
Cebu boasts its ever-changing blue seawater as its attractive feature, and the discovery of thresher sharks has made this formerly tourist destination even more famous. For those who love surfing and diving, conquering this blue sea brings immense joy.
Highlights: The small islands surrounding Cebu have white sandy beaches and numerous diving spots, the most famous of which is Malapascua (commonly known as "Momos Island"), with over 20 dive sites. The warm tropical waters here make for stunning diversity and landscape for divers. The waters of Cebu are crystal clear, surrounded by schools of fish, where marine life like thresher sharks, devil fish, hammerhead sharks, and dolphins can be seen.
Best diving time: Suitable all year round.
6. Peppermint Island
This is the 10th ranked island in the Philippines, known as Coral Island because its beaches are formed of crushed coral stone washed by seawater, providing a cool sensation even when walking on it under the hot sun. The island's attractions include ancient churches, a covenant monument and the world's smallest tarsier monkey forest.
Highlight: This is a prime diving destination home to black coral colonies, dolphins, and lionfish.
Best time to dive: Diving is suitable all year round, with March through September being the best time.
Anilao Island
Anilao is one of the origins of diving in the Philippines and a paradise for divers. Whether you are snorkeling or scuba diving, a beginner or an experienced diver, you can find suitable diving spots here. Highlights: There are many diving spots, where you can see marine creatures such as sea turtles, seahorses, and soft coral reefs. Best diving time: Suitable all year round.
Dolphin Bay
This place is called Dolphin Bay because dolphins often appear here throughout the year. It has a natural shelter, which creates rich underwater ecology and terrain, and is known as one of Asia's famous diving paradises and one of the main places for technical diving in Asia, attracting many diving enthusiasts to come for certification. Highlights: This is recognized as one of the diving sanctuaries, with rich marine life, including must-dive sites such as Hole in the wall, Canyons, and more challenging dive site Fishbow. Here, you can observe marine life such as dolphins, devil fish, and hammerhead sharks. Best diving time: January to June and October to December.
Cologne Bay
Coron is a famous shipwreck diving spot in the Philippines, more accurately named Coron Bay. If you love diving among shipwrecks, then you must not miss Coron Bay. There are over 15 shipwreck dive sites to choose from, all of which were Japanese ships sunk by the US Air Force in 1942. Most of the shipwrecks are located in the dark bay, with the best visibility being a 40-meter-long submarine at East Tangat. Here you can see shipwrecks, sea cows, and large schools of fish. The best diving season is from October to May the following year.
