Dive sites and destinations in the Philippines
The Philippines is blessed with world-renowned pristine beaches. Along with it comes diving spots across the country perfect for novice and experienced divers.
Recently, the government has been slowly opening tourist destinations to jumpstart the country's lagging economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes allowing diving spots to accept local guests albeit in a limited number and with health guidelines to follow.
Batangas has opened its dive sites to visitors, while El Nido in Palawan has eased restrictions since October 30.
Coron in Palawan, meanwhile, is eyeing to accept local tourists starting on December 1.
Health protocols issued by the Department of Tourism include guests presenting a travel pass and proof of booking at the resort, and undergoing PCR test with negative results within 72 hours before traveling.
So, ready to pack and load your dusty diving gear into the car? Here are some of the country's top diving destination hubs you should know about.
Batangas
Source: Pexels
The province of Batangas is perfect for those living within Metro Manila who are looking for a quick splash.
Batangas is home to many spectacular beaches like Laiya in San Juan, Masasa in Tingloy, Calayo and Pulo Island in Nasugbu, Malabrigo Point in Lobo, and Matabungkay in Lian.
Anilao, meanwhile, is a diving paradise thanks to its rich and diverse marine life.
There are many dive sites to choose from depending on your skill level. Eagle Point is said to be great for beginners, while Mainit Point is better suited for advanced divers.
Those who are into underwater photography can go to Beatrice Rocks to capture great wide-angle photos of large rock formations and shallow reefs.
Guests can stay at the Eagle Point Resort for easy access to the Eagle Point diving spots.
Another option is the Mayumi Resort in Brgy. Bagalangit in Mabini where adventurous guests can book scuba diving sessions to make their stay more fun.
Palawan
Source: Palawan Divers Org (website)
Palawan is famous for its pristine, picturesque waters. It is also renowned for its rich marine eco-system that draws divers from around the world.
The island is not short with diving spot options--El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, and Tubbataha Reef.
El Nido and Puerto Princesa are suitable for new, inexperienced divers. Adventurous divers usually flock to Coron Island to see World War II shipwrecks. There's also the Barracuda Lake where divers can access a volcanic crater and a deep cave perfect for expert divers.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is another must-see with its diverse species of fish, sharks, dolphins, whales, and corals
Being a tourist destination, there are many accommodations in Palawan, particularly in El Nido, for all types of budget.
If you have some cash to spare, the Cadlao Resort and Restaurant might just be the place for you.
Travelers on a mid-range budget can choose between Corong-Corong and the Bulskamp Inn.
There are also budget but clean and cozy accommodations like the Hakuna Matata and Biolina Guesthouse.
Cebu
Source: Dive Bohol (website)
Not to be outdone is Cebu, an island province that also has its own world-class diving destinations for beginners and experts.
Mactan is one of the popular dive sites in the country featuring beautiful corals.
For beginners, Malapascua Island is recommended and divers here will not be disappointed with views of reefs, wrecks, and even sharks to get their feet wet.
The Olango group of islands stun with its turquoise waters and scenic coral reefs. There are plenty of diving spots around these islets, all showing the rich marine eco-system of Cebu. Some spots are fine for beginners although the strong currents and wild surges can be intimidating. It's advisable to join expert divers familiar in the area to best determine the suitable spots that match one's diving abilities.
Meanwhile, Nalusuan Island offers a fantastic diving experience for both new and advanced divers. This spot has a shallow area good for newbies.
More experienced divers, meanwhile, can navigate the deeper areas to catch views of the diverse marine life including stingrays, sea turtles, snappers, and barracuda. The marine life here is protected, which explains its robust eco-system.
Other locations in Cebu that are ideal for all types of divers are Capitancillo Island, Hilutungan Island, and Moalboal where divers can find themselves surrounded by a colony of sardines for that picture-perfect shot.
Accommodations such as the Roos Guesthouse and Teobas Homestay in Moalboal are affordable options.
If staying in Mactan, you can try RedDoorz or La Maria Pension and Tourist Inn Hotel.
Bohol
Source: Dive Bohol (website)
From historical spots dating to colonial years to natural land wonders, Bohol has it all. Adding more to its beauty are its striking diving spots popular among enthusiasts.
Cabilao Island is great for seeing various marine life including hammerhead sharks from December to June.
The marine sanctuary island of Balicasag impresses with its beautiful coral reefs plus diverse marine life.
Keen divers who are into underwater photography should head to Panglao Island to capture perfect shots of odd-looking frogfish, black-finned snake eels, scorpionfish, and butterflyfishes.
Guests can opt to stay at Bohol Divers Resort or the Drive-Thru Resorts in Panglao. Options are abundant though for all types of budget and you can search online to find the right deal.
To sum it up, the Philippines being an island nation is full of amazing diving spots scattered throughout the country.
Other places that are also worth mentioning are Cabugao In Ilocos Sur, as well as Agutayan Island, Constansia Reef, Sipaka Point, Talisayan Shoal, Sta. Ines, and Punta Diwata in Mindanao, and Cabuan Point, Mantigue Island, and Burias Shoal in Camiguin.
As always, make sure to do your research about the place. It is also important to find reputable and licensed diving tour groups and instructors in your chosen location to ensure safety.
Don't forget also to check if the place is already open to guests and what their health protocols are to avoid inconveniences.
Happy diving mga Kapuso!
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