Philippines Diving Guide 2026
The Philippines sits at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle — the most biodiverse marine region on the planet. With over 500 species of coral (more than the entire Caribbean), 2,500+ species of fish, and dive sites ranging from pristine UNESCO reefs to WWII shipwrecks, the Philippines is a world-class diving destination that rivals Indonesia, the Maldives and the Great Barrier Reef. Better yet, it is one of the cheapest places in the world to dive, with fun dives from ₱1,800 ($32) and full Open Water certification from ₱15,000 ($268).
Top Dive Sites
| Site | Location | Famous For | Level | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubbataha Reef | Sulu Sea | UNESCO pristine reef, sharks, manta rays | Advanced | Mar-Jun only |
| Apo Island | Negros Oriental | Sea turtles, coral garden sanctuary | All levels | Year-round |
| Moalboal | Cebu | Sardine run (millions), sea turtles | All levels | Year-round |
| Malapascua | Cebu (north) | Thresher sharks at dawn (only reliable site globally) | Advanced | Year-round |
| Anilao | Batangas | World-class macro: nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, frogfish | All levels | Nov-May |
| Coron | Palawan | 12 WWII Japanese shipwrecks | Intermediate+ | Nov-May |
| Puerto Galera | Mindoro | Easy access from Manila, diverse sites | All levels | Year-round |
| Apo Reef | Mindoro | Second largest reef in the world, sharks | Advanced | Mar-Jun |
| Balicasag Island | Bohol | Dramatic coral wall drop-off, turtles | All levels | Year-round |
Tubbataha Reef – The Ultimate
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Philippines' most prestigious dive destination and one of the best in the world. Located 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea, it is accessible only by liveaboard during the March-June window when seas are calm enough. The reef system supports 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 11 species of shark, manta rays, sea turtles and whale sharks. Expect wall dives with pristine coral, pelagic encounters and water visibility of 30-40 metres. Liveaboard trips depart from Puerto Princesa (6-7 days, $1,500-3,000 per person). Book 6-12 months ahead as spaces are limited and it sells out.
Diving Costs
| Service | Cost (PHP) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fun dive (with gear) | ₱1,800-3,000 | $32-54 |
| Discover Scuba Diving | ₱3,000-5,000 | $54-89 |
| PADI Open Water course | ₱15,000-20,000 | $268-357 |
| PADI Advanced Open Water | ₱12,000-18,000 | $214-321 |
| Tubbataha liveaboard (6 days) | ₱84,000-168,000 | $1,500-3,000 |
The Philippines is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive and get certified. Equipment rental is typically included.
Tips for Divers
- Certification: Get certified in the Philippines to save money. Moalboal, Anilao and Puerto Galera are popular for courses.
- Equipment: Most dive shops provide full rental gear. Bring your own mask and computer if you are serious. Check gear condition before diving.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Mandatory. The Philippines' reefs are in the Coral Triangle — protect them.
- Dive insurance: DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance is recommended. Nearest hyperbaric chambers are in Cebu and Manila.
- Current: Some sites have strong currents (Tubbataha, Apo Reef). Advanced certification and drift diving experience required.
- Water temperature: 26-30°C year-round. A 3mm shorty or rash guard is usually sufficient.
FAQ
Diving Snapshot
- Water temp: 26-30°C
- Visibility: 10-40m
- Best season: Nov-May
- Fun dive from: ₱1,800
- UNESCO site: Tubbataha Reef