In Too Deep: 8 Best Places To Dive In The Philippines

1. Anilao, Batangas

Dubbed as one of the world’s best scuba diving sites, Anilao is filled with resorts and hotels that offer basic and advanced scuba diving lessons, all at affordable rates. Aside from that, Anilao also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the shoreline, and features biodiversity in its marine life unmatched by any other. It’s also quite near Metro Manila (it’s just a bus and jeepney ride away), so if you’re staying in Manila and are looking for a quick getaway to the beach, Anilao may be a great option.

Anilao, Batangas

Address: Barangay Bagalangit, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines

Price: Rooms start at 90 USD, while diving rates start at 50 USD

Access: Ride a bus (e.g. JAM) going to Batangas Port, get off at Batangas Grand Terminal, then ride a Jeepney going to Anilao

2. Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

Ranked among the top 8 best dive sites in the world by CNN’s travel website (cnngo.com), Tubbataha Reef in Palawan is a treat for any diver. It’s composed of two huge coral atolls in the form of the North Atoll and the South Atoll. Tubbataha Reef also contains the Jessie Beazley Reef, which is a coral structure 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the North Atoll and a nature preserve too. Aside from diving, you can also go snorkeling, and you can expect a bird-watching facility to be opened soon!

Tubbataba Reef, Palawan

Address: located near the middle of Sulu Sea, 150 kilometres (93 mi) southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Price: from 100 USD per person, 50% discount for repeat visitors within the season

Access: From Manila, take a regular flight to Puerto Princesa. Dive operators typically offer transportation for guests from the airport straight to the pier.

Website: Tubbataha Reef

3. Barracuda Lake, Coron

This charming freshwater lake is located inside a former crater, and isn’t your typical dive. While you may expect coral reefs and fish in other dive sites, Barracuda Lake instead gives you an experience amidst sharp limestone cliffs, and curious underwater rock formations. In Barracuda Lake, you can go diving or snorkeling, or even book your own private boat tour - all for a small entrance fee of 2.00 USD!

Barracuda Lake, Coron

Address: Northern part of Coron Island, Coron, Busuanga Island, Philippines

Price: from 2.00 USD

Access: Ride a plane or ferry to get to Coron, Palawan. Then, rent a boat to Barracuda Lake or get a tour package from Coron resorts

4. Ticao Pass, Masbate

If you’re the type to look for adrenaline-pumping adventure, Ticao Pass may be a perfect dive spot for you. Ticao Pass houses “Manta Bowl”, the nickname given to an area that serves as the feeding ground of manta rays. This area contains water rich in plankton, making it the perfect place for whale sharks and thresher sharks to hang out. Diving here is perfectly safe though, especially if you are accompanied by a professional who can help you out. Ticao Pass has many activities for its guests: scuba diving, whale shark interactions, horseback-riding, kayaking, Firefly River tours, fishing trips with the locals, and several island tours too.

Ticao Pass, Masbate

Price: from 16 USD

Access: Take a bus or plane to go to Legaspi City, then take a van to Bulan or Pilar port. Ride a boat to Monreal, Masbate and ride a motorbike to Ticao Pass Resort

5. Apo Island

Located in Dauin, Negros Oriental, Apo Island is famous for being one of the world’s best known community-organized marine sanctuaries. Apo Island is home to over 600 documented species of fish, and is also home to an estimated 400 varying species of corals. Biodiversity here is undeniable, but so is the community’s hospitality and care for the environment - it’s difficult not be charmed by Apo Island.

Apo Island

Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental

Price: from 6.00 USD

Access: Fly to Cebu, ride a taxi to Dumaguete Ceres bus terminal, then take a bus or Jeepney to Malatapay. Walk to the ferry station, and then rent a boat from Malatapay to Apo.

Website: Apo Island

6. World War II Wreck diving in Palawan

Dubbed as the best wreck diving course in Southeast Asia, World War II Wreck diving at Coral Bay Beach and Dive Resort is perfect for history buffs and divers alike. You get to see 170-meter (557-foot) long ships underwater, surrounded by corals and filled with vast marine life. Located in Popototan Island, Palawan, this diving course is not one to be missed. Aside from diving, you can can go scuba diving, jungle trekking, kayaking, snorkeling, or island hopping.

World War II Wreck diving in Palawan

Address: Popototan Island, Palawan, Philippines

Price: from 6.00 USD

Access: Fly to Busuanga Airport, Palawan or take a ferry to Coron Port, then take a roundtrip island transfer from the terminal to the resort

Website: World War II Wreck diving

7. Verde Island at El Galleon Beach Resort

For those looking for more variety in activities - particularly activities on land - aside from diving, you can check out Verde Island at El Galleon Beach Resort. Accessible from Puerto Galera, Verde Island is filled with beautiful beaches and coves, and a historical museum too, that showcases artifacts collected from Spanish and Chinese shipwrecks. Aside from diving, you can go kayaking, snorkeling, or cruising by the sunset. If you prefer to be on land, you can play paintball, go beach-hopping, play volleyball or golf, or go trekking.

Verde Island Diving

Address: Small Lalaguna, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines

Price: from 30 USD

Access: Go to Batangas, then by banca boat or ferry from the Batangas port, head over to the island

Website: Verde Island

8. Hinatuan, Enchanted River

Located in Surigao del Sur, Hinatuan, Enchanted River is a very deep spring river with crystal clear waters, where beyond lie areas still unexplored. For a minimal entrance fee of 0.60 USD, you can go diving or swimming - though it’s not advised to stay overnight, as the only places for rest available are picnic huts and tables for a day trip.

Hinatuan, Enchanted River

Address: Hinatuan, Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines

Price: from 0.60 USD

Access: From Manila, take a flight to Butuan or Davao City. Then, take a bus from Butuan Bus Terminal bound for Mangagoy (Bislig City) and get off at Hinatuan Bus Terminal.

Website: Hinatuan

Explore underwater beauty in the Philippines

The Philippines is bursting with natural gems - from breathtaking mountains to rich marine life, the Philippines doesn’t run out of natural wonders that can easily amaze anyone who pays a visit. So if you’re a diver looking for new adventures, the Philippines is definitely one of the best places to go.