The Philippines is a diver’s paradise, with over 7,000 islands surrounded by some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. This area stands out because of its wide range of diving sites, which range from beautiful coral gardens to haunting shipwrecks.
Dive into the Philippines: A World of Underwater Wonders
Where to go diving in the Philippines? Here are some of the best locations for a fantastic dive holiday.
Puerto Galera has spectacular coral gardens and thrilling drift dives, with dive locations suitable for divers of all skill levels. Divers love its varying marine life and gorgeous underwater landscape. Anilao is a popular destination for macro fans, known for its spectacular animals, such as nudibranchs, frogfish, and pygmy seahorses. It’s a photographer’s heaven, with its brilliant and colorful marine life.
Malapascua is well-known for its thresher shark encounters, offering a rare chance to dive with these graceful sharks in their native environment at Monad Shoal. Coron Bay has a remarkable number of WWII wrecks, each with a unique story waiting to be told. These sunken ships are located at varying depths, providing intriguing dives for recreational and technical divers.
Finally, the Tubbataha Reefs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have some of the world’s most pristine and undisturbed reefs. The crystal-clear seas and diverse marine life make this a really one-of-a-kind paradise, only accessible by liveaboard. These are just a few of the Philippines’ numerous excellent diving sites!
Is the Philippines Good for Beginner Divers?
Absolutely! The Philippines offers plenty of dive sites perfect for beginners. Areas like Puerto Galera and Moalboal have calm, shallow waters with colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life, making them ideal for new divers. However, some sites, like Tubbataha Reef or the thresher shark dives in Malapascua, are better suited for advanced divers due to stronger currents and deeper waters. Beginners can still enjoy these areas, but it’s best to gain some experience first!
Accommodation Options: From Luxury to Budget
The Philippines offers a wide range of hotels, from basic lodges to high-end resorts. For those seeking luxury and comfort, the Atlantis Dive Resort in Puerto Galera is an excellent choice. Nestled in a tropical location, this resort provides outstanding service and pleasant, sustainable rooms, making it a great place to relax after a day of diving. Puerto Galera is well-known for its closeness to popular diving sites, and Atlantis offers easy access to them and great on-site dive facilities.
Anywhere you go in the Philippines, you’ll find a variety of luxury and low-cost accommodations, such as guesthouses and tiny dive lodges. These low-cost accommodations offer basic amenities and are frequently located near beaches and diving centers, allowing everyone to explore the magnificent underwater world of the Philippines.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines for Diving
The best period to dive in the Philippines is during the dry season, which lasts from November to May. The weather is pleasant, with calm seas and clear visibility, making it ideal for scuba diving. During this time, you’ll see many kinds of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and beautiful coral reefs.
March to May provides the best conditions for seeing large pelagics, while April to June is the peak season for Tubbataha Reef. Avoid diving during the rainy season, which lasts from June to October, because strong seas and low visibility can make conditions challenging.
Other Activities in Puerto Galera
The Philippines offers extensive land excursions perfect for divers wishing to venture beyond the ocean. Visit the breathtaking Chocolate Hills of Bohol, a natural treasure with over 1,200 distinctively sculpted hills. Discover history in Manila’s walled city of Intramuros, featuring Spanish colonial landmarks. For nature lovers, hike to the scenic Taal Volcano or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Banaue Rice Terraces. Island hopping through Palawan’s lagoons and waterfalls is also recommended, as is visiting local markets and tasting traditional Filipino cuisine.
How to Travel to the Philippines from the U.S.
Traveling from the U.S. to the Philippines, specifically Cebu or Manila, usually involves at least one layover. Direct flights to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) from cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco take about 15-17 hours. To reach Cebu, you’ll likely connect through Manila or another international hub before landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).
Join Scuba.com for an Unforgettable Dive Adventure in the Philippines
Are you ready for a fabulous dive holiday? Join Scuba.com on an organized group trip to the Philippines and explore some of the world’s most breathtaking dive sites. Your dream dive vacation is just a booking away, with skilled guides, fun activities, and the beauty of Puerto Galera to enjoy!
