The Philippines is a sprawling archipelago in the Coral Triangle that is a haven for scuba divers. Its diverse marine biodiversity and unmatched seascapes are the draw that draws scuba divers from around the world. The Philippines has more than 7100 islands and a seemingly endless supply of sea waters and shorelines. No matter what level of experience you have, you’re sure to find the perfect dive site in the Philippines.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to rent gear and a tank. Most dive shops have scuba equipment rentals available for hire. Fun dives cost between Php1,000 and Php1,800. Some shops include equipment rental as part of their fees, while others charge extra for it. If you plan to rent full gear, expect to pay around Php1,000 to Php1,800 for a day dive. Full gear rental typically includes a BCD, regulator, Wet Suit, weight belt and tanks. You’ll probably want to rent a dive computer or DSMB separately.
The Philippines’ tropical climate means that diving can take place all year round. However, the monsoon season can affect diving conditions in the country. The northeast monsoon affects the Pacific seaboard while the southwest monsoon hits the West Philippine Sea coast. The Philippines’ peak diving season is between November and June, when water temperatures are warm and visibility is at its highest. For a warm water dive, the Philippines has a year-round temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and clear water depths of 20-30 meters.
Tubbataha Reef is considered one of the world’s premier dive destinations. The UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to pristine coral reefs and swarms of reef fish, including the endangered hawksbill turtle. There’s also pelagic action on the reefs. A liveaboard will take you to this world-famous site.
For a beginner, the Philippines is the perfect place to start learning the basics of scuba diving. Manila is a great destination to practice your scuba skills while enjoying a relaxed vacation above water. If you have any experience or are just looking to expand your horizons, the Philippines offers the perfect setting for a scuba diving trip. This trip is provided by the renowned Ultimate Dive Travel.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, Apo Island is an excellent choice for scuba diving – Philippines. Apo Island’s marine reserve was established by a community that sought to protect its waters from pollution and destructive fishing methods. Until recently, the island was home to indiscriminate netting and cyanide poisoning techniques, which resulted in the degrading of coral and fish populations. After the marine reserve was established, the island recovered from its degradation and was eventually recognized as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Philippines.
For the ultimate in scuba diving, consider a liveaboard diving trip. These trips will allow you to visit multiple areas in one trip, and some liveaboards have even been known to reach remote dive sites. Liveaboards are popular in the Philippines and can accommodate a wide range of budgets. Visiting Tubbataha is an unforgettable experience. From March to June, you can dive year-round in this marine protected area.
Coron is another popular destination in the Philippines for scuba divers. While the islands are primarily known for their beaches, Coron is a prime spot for scuba diving. Coron’s sunken ships attract many scuba divers. The area has beautiful coral reefs and a vibrant nightlife. In addition to the stunning coral and fish life, the area is a great place to explore the wrecks of sunken ships.
While you can dive the Philippines year-round, the water temperature is still warm enough to make a trip. Water temperatures are around 79°F year-round. You’ll want to wear a 3 to 5mm full wetsuit, although you’ll still need to bring extra clothing during the colder months. While you can dive the Philippines in the summer, the Philippines’ weather can change quickly and you should consider a travel insurance policy before you make a decision on diving during the summer months. For more advanced divers, you might want to try a tubbutaha dive. These are sharks that reside in the waters near Cabilao Island. The waters surrounding Cabilao Island are some of the clearest in the Philippines, so you’ll have no problem spotting hammerhead sharks in the depths. If you’re more adventurous, you can go to Bohol and experience the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsiers sanctuary