Philippines
Country Name: Philippines
Capital City: Manila
Population: Approximately 116.63 million (2024 est.)
Official Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Time Zone: Philippine Time (PHT), UTC +8
Diving Overview
The Philippines is a premier diving destination known for its extensive coral reefs, diverse marine life, and historical shipwrecks. With over 7,000 islands, it offers a multitude of dive sites, from the world-renowned Tubbataha Reefs to the wrecks of Coron Bay and the vibrant reefs of Anilao. The warm, clear waters and rich biodiversity make it an ideal location for both novice and experienced divers.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 200
- Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, muck, wall
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, various species of nudibranchs, and abundant coral species.
- Average Water Temperatures: 26-30°C (79-86°F)
- Visibility Range: 15-45 meters (49-148 feet)
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best diving conditions are typically from December to May when the seas are calm and visibility is high.
Major Airports
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila),Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Cebu),Clark International Airport (Pampanga),Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao),Kalibo International Airport (Kalibo)
The Travel Tip
A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for diving in the Philippines, but consider a 5mm wetsuit for deeper dives or cooler seasons.
Weather Patterns
The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate with a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November, characterized by heavy rainfall and typhoons.
Internal Transportation
Options include domestic flights, ferries, buses, jeepneys, and tricycles, providing comprehensive connectivity across the islands.
Attractions
Notable attractions include the beaches of Boracay, the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
Top Dive Regions
The Philippines is renowned for its exceptional dive sites, boasting an array of marine biodiversity and underwater landscapes across its extensive archipelago. From vibrant coral reefs to historical shipwrecks, the country offers diverse diving experiences suitable for all skill levels. The top four dive regions in the Philippines include Tubbataha Reefs, Apo Island, Coron Bay, and Anilao, each providing unique underwater adventures.
Tubbataha Reefs
Located in the Sulu Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life, including sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish
Apo Island
Known for its vibrant coral gardens and rich marine biodiversity, Apo Island offers excellent diving opportunities with frequent sightings of sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish
Coron Bay
This region is famous for its World War II wrecks, providing divers with the unique experience of exploring sunken Japanese warships amidst rich marine ecosystems
Anilao
Located in Batangas, Anilao is a popular dive spot known for its macro photography opportunities, diverse marine life, and easily accessible dive sites
Marine Life
The Philippines’ rich marine ecosystems are home to an astonishing variety of marine life, making it a paradise for divers and marine enthusiasts. The warm, clear waters are teeming with colorful coral reefs, home to a myriad of species such as vibrant nudibranchs, playful sea turtles, and an array of tropical fish. Larger marine creatures like whale sharks and manta rays are frequently spotted in areas like Donsol and Tubbataha, while the numerous shipwrecks in Coron Bay provide habitats for a unique array of fish and invertebrates. The lush seagrass beds and mangroves also support diverse species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Common Species: Whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, nudibranchs, reef sharks, various tropical fish, and colorful corals.
Seasonal Highlights: Whale shark sightings peak from November to June, while manta rays are most commonly seen from December to May
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Dive sites in Tubbataha Reefs
Venturing into the depths of Tubbataha Reefs is like entering an underwater cathedral, where each dive site promises a symphony of marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Nested within the heart of the Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park…
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Overview of Tubbataha Reefs
Tucked away in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park stands as one of the crown jewels of the diving world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dazzling marine sanctuary that spans over 97,030 hectares. Adorned…
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Best time to dive in Tubbataha Reefs
Diving in Tubbataha Reefs is a dream for many underwater enthusiasts. It is one of the most biodiverse marine sanctuaries in the world, featuring pristine coral reefs, a myriad of marine life, and crystal-clear waters. The importance of choosing the…