Learn to dive in the Philippines
Philippines’ Highlights
The Philippines’ archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands located in Southeast Asia. There are over 500 types of hard and soft coral to spot during your dives. With colourful reefs, exquisite wrecks and an abundance of marine life, the Philippines is a truly memorable diving destination.
The Philippines is famous for some of the best diving on the planet. Due to its vastness, there is a huge diversity in the dives offered. No matter what level you are, the Philippines has something for everyone and to suit each of your interests. It has exquisite wrecks and macro life.
Throughout the Philippines, there are over 1,200 marine animals to spot and 400 types of coral. A single dive will have you seeing so many new and interesting creatures. The coral is healthy and vibrant.
When is the best time to go diving in the Philippines?
You can dive in the Philippines all year round. March to June is when the weather is warmest and visibility is at its best. Diving from March to May offers the greatest chance of spotting whale sharks.
Water Temperature: The water temperatures run from 23°C to 30°C all year round.
Currents: Mild to strong
Visibility: Between 5 and 45 meters depending on location.
Philippines’ best dive sites
Amos Rock, Tubbataha Reef National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 600 species of fish, and 360 species of coral, and the opportunity to dive with whales, dolphins and sharks. It’s the home of many reef sharks. This dive spot is famous for its beautiful and vibrant coral. This remote location is only accessible by liveaboard between March and June.
Manta Bowl, Ticao Pass, Donsol
Due to its plankton rich waters and ever-flowing current, manta rays use this area as a feeding area and cleaning station. The best chance to dive with manta rays is between December and May. During the dive, you may also spot whale sharks, hammerheads or other species of shark.
Moalboal, Cebu
Most people head to South Africa for the Sardine Run without realizing that this occurs in the Philippines too. Home to over 7 million sardines, the sardines create shoals swimming around for a mesmerizing dive. Feel what it’s like to be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of sardines, with you swimming through the middle.
About the country
The Philippines are a tropical paradise. Famous for its white sandy beaches, welcoming hospitality and for some of the tastiest fruit on the planet. Stunning diverse landscapes span the country from rice terraces amongst the green hills to busy city life. It’s a destination you can visit at any time of year. Even during the rainy season, the sun still shines during the day.
Around the cities, Filipinos use colorful Jeepneys with historical ties back to WWII as their main form of public transport. While in recent years, these have started to be replaced with more climate friendly models. The Philippines are located close to the equator which means sunrises and sunsets are truly magical.
Recreational Courses in the Philippines
Dive Centers in the Philippines
Getting to the Philippines
To enter the Philippines, the two main airports are Manila and Cebu. For those coming from afar, it is easy to transfer through Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Other important information
- Capital: Manila
- Official Language: Filipino and English
- Other recognised languages: Spanish, Arabic and 19 regional languages
- Demonym: Filipino (Male) and Filipina (Female)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Calling code: +63
- Driving Side: Right
- Population: Over 109,000,000
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: INT/ Yoke
