Philippines
So much more than Tubbataha
From colorful reefs in Cebu to pelagics in the deep south, the Philippines are as varied as they are vibrant.
The Philippines is a diver’s dream, offering more than 7,000 islands filled with stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and incredible biodiversity. From colorful walls and macro-rich muck sites to dramatic drop-offs and thresher shark encounters, every dive here tells a different story.
Philippines — where every island brings new wonders
Expect pristine reefs, swirling schools of fish, rare critters, and some of the friendliest dive destinations in the world. Whether you’re chasing pelagics or photographing tiny nudibranchs, the Philippines has it all.
About the Philippines
Located in the center of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines boasts nutrient-rich waters that nurture an astonishing diversity of marine life. Its diving regions offer everything from easy reef dives to challenging walls, wrecks, and exhilarating drift dives.
With its warm waters, diverse dive environments, and endless island charm, it’s no surprise the Philippines ranks among the top dive destinations on Earth.
Marine Life Highlights
- Thresher sharks in Malapascua
- Huge schools of sardines and jacks
- Vibrant hard and soft coral gardens
- Whale sharks (seasonal)
- Rare critters: nudibranchs, frogfish, pygmy seahorses
- Turtles, reef sharks, and occasional mantas
Popular Routes in the Philippines
Tubbataha Reefs: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Remote and pristine, Tubbataha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Philippines’ crown jewels. Its atolls offer spectacular walls, thriving reefs, and big pelagic encounters.
Why dive there: Pristine reefs, sharks, and remote wilderness diving
Dive sites: Amos Rock, Shark Airport, Malayan Wreck
Currents: Moderate to strong
Apo Reef: a mini Tubbataha
Often compared to a mini Tubbataha, Apo Reef boasts dramatic walls, coral gardens, and schools of fish.
Why dive there: Healthy reefs, pelagic encounters, and amazing visibility
Dive sites: Shark Ridge, Apo 29, Binangaan Wall
Currents: Mild to moderate
Visayan Islands: A vibrant mix
A vibrant mix of diving experiences across Cebu, Bohol, and surrounding islands — from dramatic walls to lush coral gardens and macro critters.
Why dive there: Incredible biodiversity, sardine runs, and great mix of macro and wide-angle sites
Dive sites: Pescador Island, Balicasag, Cabilao
Currents: Mild to moderate
Malapascua: thresher sharks
World-famous for thresher shark sightings, Malapascua also offers rich macro life and vibrant reefs.
Why dive there: Thresher sharks, great macro, and relaxed diving atmosphere
Dive sites: Monad Shoal, Gato Island, Lighthouse
Currents: Mild to moderate
Southern Leyte: whale sharks
Known for its whale shark encounters, Southern Leyte also offers stunning coral gardens and laid-back diving.
Why dive there: Whale sharks, colorful reefs, and uncrowded sites
Dive sites: Napantao, Padre Burgos, Limasawa
Currents: Mild
Best Time to Dive in the Philippines
| Season | Conditions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Jun | Dry season, calm seas (27–30°C) | Best visibility, Tubbataha open season (Mar–Jun) |
| Jul – Oct | Rainy season, warmer water (28–30°C) | Fewer crowds, good diving in Visayas |
Why Choose a Liveaboard in the Philippines?
With thousands of islands and many remote dive spots, liveaboards are the best way to experience the Philippines’ most spectacular sites, like Tubbataha and the Visayas region. A liveaboard gives you access to far-off reefs, multiple dive regions, and the freedom to enjoy the ultimate island-hopping dive adventure.
Why Dive the Philippines
The Philippines offers the perfect mix of world-class reefs, thrilling pelagic encounters, and incredible macro diving. From thresher sharks in Malapascua to wrecks in Coron and the pristine reefs of Tubbataha, every dive is an adventure. If variety and biodiversity are what you seek, the Philippines should be at the top of your dive list.
Ready to go Diving?
Let’s explore the ocean together – in stories, in style, and in life.
Just drop me a message and I’ll help you find the right fit. Let me know where you are interested in going and preferably when. If you need to rent any equipment or want a bigger tank, no problem at all, just let me know what you need and I will send you an offer.
