Top 12 Best Places For Diving in the Philippines

Last updated on August 3rd, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Philippines is a paradise of beaches and underwater world. Today we will write the best places for diving in the Philippines. Starting from the most popular ones like Malapascua and Coron to other places where you can see whale sharks like Donsol in South Luzon.

For diving in the Philippines you need the Open Water. In case you don’t have it. You can do the course for around $300-400 USD depending the place and the company. If you are interested the best way is checking prices and comparing them.

Read here solo female travel in the Philippines and traveling with kids in the Philippines!

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

The best time to visit the Philippines is during dry season which is from the months of November to April. This time of the month in the country is when most of its tourist attractions are accessible. However, this time of the month, the temperature is very hot. It’s better to bring the essentials. Also, the air in the country is humid so be ready to sweat a lot.

During the months of December to February is the most recommended time to travel the country. During this time of the year, the temperature is cooler. For the best time for diving in the Philippines will be from March to May at the end of the dry season. In the months of May to October, rain will be your biggest problem. You can even experience rain for a few days straight especially from July to September.

Click here to check the weather in the Philippines!

Travel Tips: You can always check Agoda for the best room deals before your trip to the Philippines! AirBnB is also very popular in the Philippines.

Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in the Philippines with Klook!

Click here to know the exact exchange rate in the Philippines!

Best Places for Diving in the Philippines

1. Malapascua, Cebu

The most popular place for diving in the Philippines is Malapascua. You can see thresher sharks and the island can be the perfect place for your diving activity. It’s quite and calm. Prices are affordable. If you are going to Malapascua you will have to get to Cebu and get a bus or a van 4 hours heading to the North. Apart from diving the beaches are amazing and you can visit Kalanggaman Island.

Read here things to do in Malapascua!

2. Skeleton Wreck, Coron

Skeleton Wreck in Coron could be the most popular spot for diving in the Philippines. There are daily tours and you can usually dive in Barracuda Lake too. You will see the Japanese Wreck from II World War. Apart from diving you can also enjoy the beaches and Island hopping in Coron.

Read here Coron tourist spots!

3. Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

Tubbataha Reef can be the best place for diving in the Philippines and one of the best in the world. It’s a UNESCO Site in the middle of Sulu Sea. If you are heading to this area make sure you read this blog post all the things to know about Balabac. It’s located in South Palawan and you can reach from Puerto Princesa.

4. Anilao, Batangas

If you are staying in Manila it can be the easiest access point diving in Anilao. Clear waters are waiting for you just 3 hours far away South Manila. There are a few islands to visit like Sombrero and Sepoc Island to make a perfect day apart from diving.

Read here things to do in Anilao!

5. Puerto Galera, Mindoro

Puerto Galera beaches is one of the most popular getaways from Manila. There are many places where you can get your Open Water and hire tours for diving. It’s located in Mindoro and you can reach here by boat from Batangas only 2 hours far from Manila. You can spot eagle rays and amazing coral reef life.

Read here things to do in Puerto Galera!

6. Balicasag in Panglao

Balicasag Island is one of the most beautiful places for diving in the Philippines. It’s located in Panglao Island. There are organized tours that you have to book in advance to make sure you get your spot since there are limited spots to dive. It’s a paradise where you will see turtles and corals. Panglao Island

Read here places to visit in Bohol!

More on the Best Places for Diving in the Philippines

7. Apo Island, Negros Oriental

Apo Island located South Dumaguete and very close to Siquijor one of our favorite islands in the Philippines. It’s a perfect palce for diving where you can spot turtles. As a Natural Park if you are diving in Apo Island it will have an extra cost.

Read here our Apo Island travel guide!

8. Donsol, Sorsogon

And the last but not the least on our places for diving in the Philippines. Donsol is famous because it is known as the home of Butanding or the Whale Sharks. When you visit Donsol, you shouldn’t miss diving and swimming with the whale sharks. Don’t worry because they are friendly creatures. Just don’t do anything that will stress or scare them.

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9. Moalboal, Cebu

Moalboal is one of our favorite destinations in the Philippines. Clear waters and quiet place to stay. If you go diving in Moalboal you will spot turtles and the popular Sardine Run. Moalboal is located just 3 hours drive South Cebu City.

Read here things to do in Moalboal!

10. Subic, Zambales

You will spot wreck diving in Subic and also is one of the closest places to dive from Manila. Just 3 hours driving North and close to Pampanga where we are based. Subic is a popular are for getaways from Manila and there are many resorts in the area that you can enjoy after diving.

Read here things to do in Subic!

11. Panagatan Island

Panagatan is a small island located 3 hours far from Boracay. You can spot manta rays, whale sharks and dolphins. If you are staying in Boracay Island one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines you can organized your day trip.

Read here things to do in Boracay Island!

12. Camiguin Island, Mindanao

Well for us Camiguin Island is a paradise to enjoy since beautiful island and beaches, hot spring. And of course great place for diving in Mantigue Island where you can spot turtles and Sunken Cemetery in the North part of the island.

Read here Camiguin tourist spots!

Travel Tips: You can always check Agoda for the best room deals before your trip to the Philippines! AirBnB is also very popular in the Philippines. Click here to get $30 USD off your first booking with AirBnB!

Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in the Philippines with Klook!

Travel Tip: Click here to know prices and schedule to book your bus/boat tickets online with 12Go Asia.

Are you ready to visit Philippines soon? Which one is your best place for diving in the Philippines? Share with us your questions or previous experiences! We’d love to hear from you!

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