10 Best Dive Spots in the Philippines

10 Best Dive Spots in the Philippines

Siete Pecados

When translated, it is known as the Isles of the Seven Sins. Why seven sins? Local folklore tells the story of seven sisters who, one day, against their mother’s wishes, swam in the ocean and then drowned, never to be found again. Years later, seven islands rose from the waters, which locals believed to be the manifestation of the seven daughters’ lost souls.

Today, the waters where the seven rocky islets stand have become a home for some of the most stunning coral reefs.

Location

Coron, Palawan

Max Depth

22 meters / 72 feet

What's so great about Siete Pecados

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Barracuda Lake

Despite its name, there aren’t many barracudas in this lake. Although it is said that a giant barracuda lurks beneath its depths, the most fantastic feature of this lake is the unique sensory experience swimmers will encounter here. The lake is where cold freshwater and warm seawater meet, causing a thermocline. A phenomenon where the water’s temperature suddenly changes with depth. Because of this, swimming in its waters is genuinely one unique experience.

Location

Coron, Palawan

Max Depth

40 meters / 131 feet

What's so great about Barracuda Lake

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Okikawa Maru

If you enjoy wreck diving, you’ll love this. During World War II, many ships and marine vessels sought refuge in the small islands around Busuanga, Coron. This strategic move resulted in many warships sinking to the bottom of its waters. One of these vessels is the Okikawa Maru – a 168m long Japanese tanker that was sunk in 1944 by the US military. Today, it remains remarkably preserved by the salty waters, lying 85 feet below the surface. The wreckage has become a thriving habitat for hundreds of fish and corals. It has transformed into a great diving spot and preserved a small piece of history.

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Location

Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan

Max Depth

25 meters / 85 feet

What's so great about Okikawa Maru

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Tubbataha Reef

If you’ve never heard of this place, you’ve lived under a rock. This diving destination is hailed as one of the world’s best. Tubbataha Reef is home to thousands of marine species, including hundreds of endangered ones, such as the green sea and hawksbill turtles. Although only accessible by liveaboard boats, the typical 7-day tour will be well worth it for those seeking an exceptionally unique diving adventure.

Location

Cagayancillo, Palawan

Max Depth

60 meters / 196 feet

What's so great about Tubbataha Reef

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Twin Rocks

Twin Rocks in El Nido stands out as a truly unique dive site. Its distinctive rock formation, resembling two separate rocks rising from the sea, is just a preview of the even more stunning landscape underwater. Also known as the ‘Stingray Airport,’ this site is famous for frequent stingray sightings. The underwater caverns and swim-throughs also add a mysterious element to one’s diving adventure.

Location

El Nido, Palawan

Max Depth

30 meters / 98 feet

What's so great about Twin Rocks

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Monad Shoal

Our next on the list is not one for the faint of heart. This underwater island is the perfect diving destination and probably the only one for an up-close encounter with the ever rare thresher shark. And that’s not all – depending on the season, the reef also attracts manta rays, devil rays, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks.

Thomas Alexander, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Max Depth

200 meters / 650 feet

What's so great about Monad Shoal

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Gato Island

While no actual cats (or may be there are?) reside in Isla del Gato, its name is derived from its distinct shape, resembling a cat curled up in sleep. However, don’t let the serene appearance of this island fool you, as beneath the water’s surface, it hides an underwater cave where venomous sea snakes frequent. Adding to the thrill, the fact that certain shark species utilize the cave as a daytime resting spot makes the diving experience all the more exhilarating.

Photo by Jong Marshes on Unsplash

Location

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Max Depth

83 meters / 272 feet

What's so great about Gato Island

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Tapilon Wreck

If swimming with sharks feels a bit too intense, the Tapilon Wreck in Malapascua offers a captivating alternative. This underwater site is a World War 2 Japanese cargo carrier, victim to a torpedo strike, now transformed into an artificial reef.

Divers exploring the Tapilon Wreck can encounter a diverse marine world, including zebra crabs, squat lobsters, and occasionally elusive creatures like ghost pipefish and frogfish. With a maximum depth of 29 meters, this site is well-suited for advanced divers seeking an underwater adventure with historical significance and vibrant marine life.

Photo by Heidi Bruce on Unsplash

Location

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Max Depth

32 meters / 104 feet

What's so great about Tapilon Wreck

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Mantigue Island

It is a small island with an almost perfectly shaped charm, as if a drop of paradise fell from the heavens. Don’t just take my word for it – Google it and you’ll understand.

Surrounded by pristine white sand, the island offers a picturesque escape. And as stunning as it is above water, so is it below. Diving or snorkeling here opens up a vibrant underwater world where you might witness sea turtles gently go about their daily lives. The island is a protected sanctuary for these fascinating creatures.

Photo by David Troeger on Unsplash

Location

Camiguin Island

Max Depth

20 meters / 65 feet

What's so great about Mantigue Island

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu

Largahan

Largahan stands out as a remarkably diverse diving site, ideal for macro diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers. It showcases a dark sandy area contrasted by vibrant coral gardens and volcanic rocks.

Location

Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental

Max Depth

22 meters / 72 feet

What's so great about Largahan

How to get there from Manila

How to get there from Cebu