5 Must-Dive Locations in the Philippines

The Philippines is often hailed as one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, and for good reason. With over 7,000 islands scattered across clear tropical waters, the archipelago offers unparalleled biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes, and wrecks steeped in history. Whether you’re a novice diver or a seasoned explorer, the Philippines delivers breathtaking underwater experiences that are hard to match elsewhere in the world.

Here are five must-dive locations in the Philippines that should be on every diver’s bucket list.

1. Bohol: Coral Gardens and Diverse Marine Life

Bohol is more than just the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. Its underwater world is equally captivating. The island is part of the Visayas region, where coral reefs flourish in crystal-clear waters, offering divers a kaleidoscope of colors and life. Bohol is home to several world-class dive sites, each with its own unique character.

One highlight is diving Balicasag Island, known for its steep walls covered in soft and hard corals. Schools of snappers, fusiliers, and batfish sweep across the walls, while more elusive creatures like frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs can be found among the coral branches. Sea turtles are a frequent sight, gliding gracefully through the water, making Bohol a perfect mix of macro and large animal diving.

Another favorite is Panglao Island, which offers a variety of dive experiences from gentle reef dives to more challenging drift dives. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 20 to 40 meters depending on the season, providing photographers and underwater videographers with exceptional conditions.

Bohol is ideal for divers of all skill levels, whether you’re taking your first steps into the underwater world or adding more exotic species to your life list.

2. Apo Reef: The Spectacular Underwater Kingdom

Located off the coast of Mindoro, Apo Reef Natural Park is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Its remote location means the reefs are largely untouched and teeming with marine life. Divers can expect enormous schools of jacks, barracuda, and fusiliers sweeping across massive coral walls.

Apo Reef is especially famous for encounters with large pelagic species. Reef sharks patrol the walls while occasional sightings of manta rays and even whale sharks make each dive unpredictable and exciting. The reef’s sheer vertical walls and intricate coral structures offer both macro opportunities for critter hunters and vast landscapes for wide-angle photography.

Because it is a protected area, divers should plan their visit carefully, often via liveaboard trips, to maximize both safety and the experience of exploring this pristine environment.

3. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Few dive locations in the world can rival Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Accessible only by liveaboard between March and June, this remote location is a mecca for divers seeking unspoiled reefs and abundant marine life.

Tubbataha is famous for its vertical walls, massive coral gardens, and sheer abundance of fish species. Expect to see barracudas, giant trevally, manta rays, and reef sharks almost every dive. Its isolation has made it a haven for apex predators, and sightings of hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, and even whale sharks are common.

For photographers, Tubbataha offers endless opportunities for dramatic wide-angle shots, particularly during currents that push fish schools past the walls. Every dive here feels like stepping into a pristine underwater cathedral, where biodiversity reigns supreme.

4. Coron, Palawan: Wreck Diving Like No Other

For those drawn to history as well as marine life, Coron in northern Palawan is a must. Famous for its World War II Japanese shipwrecks, Coron has become a bucket-list destination for wreck divers around the globe.

The wrecks, lying at depths ranging from 12 to 40 meters, are remarkably well-preserved, allowing divers to explore sunken cargo holds, engines, and even entire ship structures. Over time, these wrecks have become artificial reefs, attracting schools of fish, lionfish, scorpionfish, and other reef dwellers.

Coron also offers stunning natural beauty above water, with limestone cliffs, freshwater lakes, and hot springs nearby, making it an ideal destination for those combining adventure diving with surface exploration.

5. Anilao, Batangas: Macro Paradise Close to Manila

While many divers flock to the Visayas and Palawan for big animals, Anilao in Batangas has earned fame for macro photography enthusiasts. Located just a few hours from Manila, Anilao is renowned for its tiny, rare, and colorful critters.

Divers can spot nudibranchs, frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish, and mimic octopus. Coral gardens are teeming with life, and the area’s clear waters allow for excellent visibility and photography conditions. With dive sites suitable for all levels, Anilao has become a training ground for both beginners and professionals seeking to hone their macro skills.

Additionally, Anilao’s proximity to Manila makes it a convenient weekend getaway for local and international divers alike, allowing for multiple dives without the need for extensive travel.

Choosing the Right Dive Destination in the Philippines

Each of these five locations offers a unique experience. Bohol provides vibrant reefs and encounters with large marine animals. Apo Reef delivers pristine walls and pelagic species. Tubbataha offers world-class biodiversity in a remote setting. Coron caters to wreck divers and history enthusiasts, while Anilao is a macro photographer’s dream.

When planning a trip, consider your skill level, interests, and the type of marine life you hope to encounter. The Philippines is versatile enough to satisfy all diver preferences, whether you’re chasing colorful reef critters, dramatic pelagic encounters, or historic wrecks.

Tips for Diving in the Philippines

1. Season Matters – Most destinations have peak visibility between November and May. Tubbataha is accessible only from March to June.

2. Dive Certification – Some sites, like Apo Reef and Tubbataha, require advanced certification or proof of experience.

3. Equipment – Check local dive shop rental quality if you’re traveling light; some remote locations may have limited gear options.

4. Photography – Wide-angle lenses work well for big reefs and pelagic encounters; macro lenses excel in Anilao and Bohol for critter photography.

5. Respect Marine Life – Avoid touching corals, chasing fish, or disturbing habitats; sustainable diving practices help protect these ecosystems.

The scuba diving in the Philippines is a diver’s dream come true, offering diverse ecosystems, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable underwater experiences across its islands. From Bohol’s colorful reefs to the historic wrecks of Coron, the macro wonders of Anilao, and the pelagic-rich Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reefs, every dive tells a new story.

Whether your goal is photographing exotic species, exploring dramatic underwater landscapes, or simply enjoying the thrill of being surrounded by vibrant marine life, these five must-dive locations in the Philippines are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. For divers seeking adventure, beauty, and biodiversity, the Philippines stands unmatched as a top scuba destination in the world.