Discover the Best Diving Locations in the Philippines

Diving Paradise: Exploring the Underwater Wonders of the Philippines

Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and encounters with majestic creatures like whale sharks and thresher sharks… the Philippines delivers an underwater experience unlike anywhere else. With over 7,000 islands, this tropical country offers everything from colorful beginner-friendly reefs to legendary wreck dives.

Whether you’re new to diving or an experienced enthusiast, the Philippines has something unforgettable waiting for you. Let’s explore three of the country’s top diving destinations.

Dive Into Puerto Galera: The Jewel of Mindoro

Our journey starts in Puerto Galera, on the eastern coast of Mindoro Island. Known as the “Macro Capital of the Philippines,“ this spot is a dream for underwater photographers and marine life lovers. Expect vibrant coral gardens packed with tiny wonders like nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and an endless parade of colorful fish.

How to Get There:

Fly to Manila (MNL)
From there, take a bus or private transfer to Batangas Pier.
Ferry to Puerto Galera
Fast boats or ferries from Batangas take you directly to Puerto Galera.

Tip: Book ferry tickets early, especially during peak travel seasons.

Stay tuned for our next stops as we explore historic wreck dives and thrilling shark encounters!

Subic Bay: A Wreck Diver’s Dream

If shipwrecks and maritime history excite you, head to Subic Bay on Luzon’s west coast. Once a US Naval base, Subic Bay is now a playground for wreck divers. Dive among sunken warships, planes, and ships that have transformed into vibrant artificial reefs bursting with marine life.

How to Get There:

By Bus:
From Manila, catch a Victory Liner bus to Olongapo, then a taxi or jeepney to Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
By Van:
Several companies offer direct van transfers from Manila to Subic.
By Private Car:
Drive from Manila via Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) for a fast and scenic route.

Tip: Many dive shops offer convenient pickup services from Olongapo or Subic, so check ahead when booking.

Get ready to explore one of the most unique underwater landscapes in the country!

Malapascua Island: Dive with Thresher Sharks

For a truly rare encounter, visit Malapascua Island off the northern coast of Cebu. This tiny island is one of the only places in the world where divers regularly see thresher sharks. Glide alongside these sleek giants with their signature long tails—a bucket-list experience for any diver.

How to Get There:

Cebu City to Maya Port:
Take a bus or shared van from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Maya Port (4 hours by bus, 3 hours by van or car).
Maya Port to Malapascua Island:
From Maya Port, take a boat to Malapascua (30 minutes to 1 hour).

Tip: Ferry schedules can change, so check with your accommodation or local ferry operators. During busy seasons, buy tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Malapascua offers much more than just sharks. Expect incredible coral gardens and excellent macro life too!

Cruising Through Coron: Wrecks and Reefs Await

Head north to the breathtaking Coron Island in the Calamian group of Palawan. This is a diver’s paradise where vibrant coral gardens meet hauntingly beautiful World War II shipwrecks. Imagine gliding through massive sunken ships now transformed into thriving underwater ecosystems. If wreck diving isn’t your style, Coron’s healthy coral reefs are equally mesmerizing, packed with colorful fish and fascinating macro creatures.

How to Get There:

Fly to Busuanga (USU)
Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, or Clark bring you to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga/Coron).
Transfer to Coron Town:
- Tricycle: Cheapest option, but tight for groups or big luggage.
- Van Transfer: Many resorts and dive shops arrange convenient van rides.
- Taxi: Available right outside the airport for a private, direct ride.

Pro Tip:
Look for flight and hotel package deals that include airport transfers. Book early if visiting during holidays or summer peak season to avoid sold-out flights and accommodations.

Get ready to dive into Coron’s unforgettable coral gardens and legendary wrecks!

Drifting with Gentle Giants: Whale Shark Encounters in Donsol, Sorsogon

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head south to Donsol, Sorsogon. This sleepy coastal town has gained global fame for its responsible whale shark encounters. Glide beside these gentle giants as they cruise gracefully through the waters. Donsol also offers pristine coral reefs and excellent muck diving for those looking to explore further.

How to Get There:

Fly to Legazpi (LPZ)
Daily flights from Manila bring you to Legazpi Airport, just 1 hour away.
Legazpi to Donsol:
- Van: The most affordable choice. Expect a 2–3 hour trip.
- Private Car: A faster, flexible option (about 1.5 hours).

Pro Tip:
Book your whale shark tour ahead, especially during peak months. Many operators include van transfers from Legazpi to Donsol. Budget-conscious? Stay at guesthouses near the town center and walk to the interaction center to save on transport.

Get ready for an unforgettable meeting with the world’s largest fish and explore Donsol’s lesser-known dive treasures!

Diving Deep into History: Exploring the Wonders of Apo Reef

For those seeking an extraordinary dive adventure, Apo Reef is a must. Located around 35 kilometers off Mindoro’s southwest coast, Apo Reef is the largest continuous coral reef system in Southeast Asia. It’s a diver’s dream: schools of tropical fish, graceful turtles, majestic sharks, and even shipwreck remnants resting quietly on the seabed. The reef’s vibrant marine life combined with its sense of history makes this an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.

How to Get There:

Fly to San Jose (SJW), Mindoro:
Domestic flights connect San Jose from major Philippine cities like Manila and Cebu.
San Jose to Sablayan:
- Bus: Budget-friendly, with a 4–5 hour travel time.
- Van Transfer: Quicker and more comfortable, available directly from the airport.
- Private Car: For ultimate flexibility, rent a car and drive approximately 3 hours to Sablayan.
Sablayan to Apo Reef:
Most visitors join liveaboard dive trips from Sablayan. These multi-day trips offer meals, comfortable accommodation, and guided dives, taking you deep into the heart of the reef.

Pro Tip:
Liveaboard trips usually range from 3 to 7 days. Pick the length that matches your time and budget. Visibility here is often incredible, so pack your underwater camera for world-class photo opportunities!

Get ready for an epic journey to explore the untouched underwater world of Apo Reef.

Discover the Philippines’ Underwater Treasures

The Philippines is a diver’s playground, offering something for every skill level. From colorful coral gardens to ghostly shipwrecks, and from tiny nudibranchs to towering whale sharks, the country’s waters hold endless surprises. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, each dive site tells a different story of vibrant marine life and history.

So grab your gear, choose your destination, and get ready to uncover the best-kept secrets under the waves in the Philippines!

Unveiling a Kaleidoscope of Marine Life: Puerto Galera and Malapascua Island

Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Often called the “Macro Capital of the Philippines,” Puerto Galera delights both beginners and experienced divers. Dive into coral gardens bursting with life and spot colorful nudibranchs, flamboyant pygmy seahorses, and countless tiny marine wonders.

Malapascua Island, Cebu
For those chasing a thrill, Malapascua offers the rare chance to dive with majestic thresher sharks. Watch their long, elegant tails sweep through the deep blue. Beyond the sharks, the island’s vibrant reefs and hidden macro life offer something special on every dive.

A Journey Through History and Nature: Coron Island, Donsol, and Apo Reef

Coron Island, Palawan
Coron’s crystal waters hide an unforgettable mix of colorful coral reefs and haunting World War II shipwrecks. Swim through history as you explore these underwater giants, now home to thriving marine life.

Donsol, Sorsogon
Donsol offers an incredible, responsible way to encounter the ocean’s gentle giants—whale sharks. Glide alongside these enormous filter feeders. For divers, Donsol also holds rich coral reefs and fascinating muck diving sites.

Apo Reef, Mindoro
As the largest contiguous coral reef system in Southeast Asia, Apo Reef delivers an unmatched diving experience. Expect dazzling schools of fish, graceful sharks and turtles, and even scattered shipwrecks resting on the sea floor.

Dive Deeper: Exploring the Philippines’ Rich Diversity

This is just a taste of what the Philippines has to offer. From the dramatic underwater walls of Sogod Bay to swimming with the gentle giants of Oslob, Cebu, every dive site tells a new story. Pack your gear, get your fins ready, and explore the magic beneath the waves!