The Most Beautiful Places To Go Scuba Diving In The Philippines

There’s no shortage of world-class dive sites among the Philippines‘ 7,107 islands. Divers will receive a warm welcome in this archipelago known for its marine biodiversity, dreamy beaches and music-loving locals. Many resorts have their own house reefs, and from almost any island, a remarkable dive is only a boat ride away. Culture Trip rounds up the most beautiful places to go scuba diving in the Philippines, above and below the surface.

Coron

Part of Palawan’s exquisite Calamianes group of islands, Coron has stolen many a diver’s heart with its explosive sunsets and endless underwater excursions. Coron is regularly listed as one of the world’s top sites for wreck divers: 11 gun boats, cargo and supply vessels were sunk in a single fateful day of WWII. For experienced divers, the Taiei Maru is unforgettable penetration dive, made more beautiful by schools of batfish and snappers, and even the occasional eagle ray.

Malapascua

A skip and a hop, or a bus and a boat ride, from the international airport in Cebu, you’ll find Malapascua Island. Small and with hardly any development, it’s an idyllic place for a beach holiday, but it gets even better under the water. Monad Shoal is a sunken island and cleaning station for the graceful thresher sharks. Divers come to Malapascua specifically to watch the sharks’ daily appearance in the cleaning stations, and to see them herd and hunt their prey. While the threshers are the stars of the show, you’ll encounter a strong supporting cast of tunas, lionfish, nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses as well.

Bohol

Possibly the Philippines’ best island for nature lovers, Bohol is blessed with brilliant beaches, lush countryside and more than a few compelling dive sites. Dive boats leave from Alona Beach on Panglao, heading for the coral-covered slopes and dramatic reefs surrounding Balicasag. To get away from the groups, try a day of diving off Pamilacan Island, where dolphins and whales are often spotted, and bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and wrasses are regulars. Equally enjoyable diving can also be found on Cabilao Island, on the quiet western side of Bohol.

Dauin and Apo Island

The Negros Island in the Visayas region is still one of the Philippines’ less-visited destinations. But those who do come usually come for the diving. Only 20 minutes from Dumaguete City, Dauin lures underwater photographers with its rare critters. About 20 dive sites and marine sanctuaries are within easy access just off the shore of Dauin. Apo Island, with its green turtles, schools of trevally and stunning hard coral fields, is a short boat ride away.

Puerto Galera

There’s something for everyone among Puerto Galera’s 40-plus dive sites. Sabang in Puerto Galera is the jump-off point. Here the serious divers converge to explore the area’s treasures, including the Canyons, a favorite drift dive site that takes you past three breathtaking canyons covered in sponges and soft corals. Large schools of fish and occasional shark sightings add to the beauty of the scene.

Tubbataha

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the holy grail of dive sites in the Philippines. Situated smack in the middle of the Sulu Sea and the Coral Triangle, this national marine park sprawls over more than 1,300 square kilometers, including two jaw-dropping coral atolls and vast lagoons. Nearly half of all coral species found on the planet can be found in Tubbataha. But what divers really come for are the big, big fish: black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks and whale sharks, among others. The only way to dive Tubbataha is on a liveaboard boat between the months of March and June. One for the bucket list, certainly.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.