Diving in the Philippines
Everything you have to know and the best Dive Sites
The Philippines provide 36,000 kilometres of coastline – and they have what it takes: From tiny marine organisms like seahorses and snails to sea snakes to large marine dwellers like turtles and dolphins, there is fascinating biodiversity here. This makes the group of islands one of the most popular hot spots for divers worldwide –you are really spoilt for choice when you start wondering about where exactly you should go diving in the Philippines…
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When is the best time for me to go diving in the Philippines?
In the Philippinesyou can go diving all-year-round. The water temperature varies a little though: In winter, the water is around 23 degrees, whereas in summer it can be a pleasant 28 degrees. This is not a problem though with the right diving suit. If you want to see large marine mammals such as whale sharks, then March to June is the best time for diving in the Philippines.
The best sites for diving in the Philippines
The archipelago offers a lot of great sites for diving. Nature lovers and wreck divers in particular will love the islands! Here are some recommendable locations:
- Tubbataha: The region belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage – and rightly so: Under water you will find a gigantic variety of species from large creatures like turtles and sharks to the tiniest seahorses and schools of fish. But beware: The region is very popular with divers, so you should book in time!
- Coron Bay: The bay is one of the two hot spots for wreck divers. Ten (10) Japanese wrecks from the 2nd World War are found at a shallow depth, which can be easily dived to.
- Subic Bay: This is the second hot spot for wreck diving: Besides Spanish ships from the colonial era, there are also American and Japanese ships from the 2nd World War.
- Bohol: Excellent cave diving, cliffs and steep descents challenge skilled divers here. In addition, black corals, dolphins and sperm whales can be seen.
- Apo Riff: The reef is THE location in the Philippines for friends of larger marine species. With some luck, you can come upon different sharks, rays, manta rays, dolphins and rare manatees among others. This nature reserve has been proposed as UNESCO World Heritage.
- Crocodile Island: The location is only appropriate for experienced divers due to the currents, but it offers fantastic macro photography.
Diving in the Philippines at a glance
- Peak tourist season: All-year-round, the best time is from March to June
- Appropriate for: All diving levels, from beginners to advanced
- Water temperature: 23 – 28 degrees
- Entry requirement: Mostly uncomplicated with a passport, a visa is issued on site
- Particular diving experiences: Biodiversity of nature, macro photography, wrecks, cave diving
- Duration of trip: 1 – 2 weeks
- Diving equipment: Can be rented on site in most cases, enquire beforehand
- Travelling: By plane, then only with transfers organised by the hotels or diving schools on site due to the safety situation.
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