Scuba Diving in The Philippines: Ultimate Guide for 2026

Dive into crystal-clear waters with this ultimate scuba diving in the Philippines guide; we cover the best islands, dive sites, marine life, & expert tips.

The enchanting islands here offer divers the sheer beauty of blooming coral reefs, and an incredibly vast array of marine life, and in addition to this, World War II wrecks can be discovered across the ocean floor when scuba diving in The Philippines.

With over 7,000 islands scattered across the Coral Triangle, this Southeast Asian paradise is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. From beginner-friendly reef dives in calm, shallow bays to adrenaline-pumping drift dives and legendary wreck sites, there’s something here for every level of diver.

Scuba Diving in The Philippines

Why should you Scuba Dive in the Philippines

There’s a good reason why scuba diving in The Philippines seems to be a magnet for tourists, the underwater attractions and breath-taking scenery of the region are truly like no other; there are so many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines.

Over 500 different species of coral, more than 2000 types of fish, along with various other types of marine life such as shrimps and orangutan crabs can be found here. While the Philippines may be a relatively small nation, tourists will undoubtedly have an unforgettable adventure while vacationing here. 

While there are several great diving resorts located here for tourists to take advantage of and experience all that the region has to offer its visitors; we love exploring the best resorts in the Philippines.

Liquid Dumaguete is a diving resort that is located on the peacefully secluded beach in Dauin. The location of the resort is ideal for travelers that are after a most personal scuba diving experience in the Philippines. While several tourists gather in the region, you can avoid the crowding and take full advantage of your trip to Dauin.

When to travel to the Philippines

You can rest assured that the tropical climate in the Philippines is perfect for scuba diving and various other water activities virtually all year round. However, when planning your well-deserved island retreat, it is best to avoid the monsoon season of December through to March as the strong winds will influence the currents of the ocean. 

April through to June is pleasingly warm and the weather provides dry days and absolutely no winds. The southern monsoon season, which is July through to November is the best time to enjoy a vacation as the air and water temperatures are ideally warm, and the weather is credited to offer scuba divers an amazing experience.

These months of the year are also great for the ultimate diving experience as Mantra rays, whale sharks, and thresher sharks can be spotted.

The importance of Scuba Diving Certification

When scuba diving in The Philippines, you need to get paperwork in order.

Before settling on a diving resort, ensure that the available diving guides have significant certification. PADI, or Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is a suitable certification to look out for. Certified diving guides and instructors of trained to provide you with the safest and most incredible scuba diving experience.

Opting for a diving resort is always a perfect solution to ensure that you really will be able to have a fantastic island retreat as resorts usually offer visitors all-inclusive options and they tend to be equipt with activity schedules that will expose all that the region has to offer.

Best places to scuba dive in the Philippines

1. Tubbataha Feels, Palawan

If you are looking to experience one of the best outdoor adventures in the Philippines, then head to Tubbataha Feels. This natural park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the Sulu Sea and one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. This is the best diving spot in the Philippines and one of the most biodiverse diving spots on earth.

You can see over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coal here along with 11 species of sharks and 13 species of dolphins. 

2. Puerto Galera, Mindoro

One of the most popular diving sites in the Philippines is Pure Galera. It has an extensive range of diving spots for all divers; from beginners to advanced and for those looking for wide-angle photography or macro photography.

These sites can be found within a 10-minute boat ride from stunning beaches, making this a fantastic holiday destination in the Philippines. 

3. Moalboal, Cebu

Best known for its Sardine Run, Moalboal is a fantastic dive spot near Panagsamsa Beach; around 7 million sardines are estimated to be found here. You can scuba dive, free dive, or snorkel in these waters to witness the sardine bait ball movement.

You will also find canyons, caves, and big schools of fish as you scuba diving this area, especially if you head to Pescador Island or Magic Point. 

4. Dauin, Dumaguete

20 minutes from the city of Dumaguete is Negros Island, another fantastic dive site alongside luxurious beachfront dive resorts. You can take a day trip to OSLOB from here too, to swim and snorkel up close with whale sharks. 

5. Anilao, Batangas

Just 2 hours away from Manilla, the Anilao diving site is a fantastic spot to dive, especially for those looking for macro photography opportunities. Secret Bay is the best must-dive site in this area, full of mimic output, wonderpus, and frogfish. 

6. Anda, Bohol

A lesser-known dive spot is Anda. You can expect white beaches and a laid-back atmosphere here but dive into the waters to find pygmy seahorses, skeleton shrimps, and dragon sea moths as well as mantis shrimps, snake eels, and nudibranchs. Plus, you can find turtles all along the coast too. 

7. Balicasag Island, Bohol

Just off the coast of Bohol, Balicasag Island is one of the Philippines’ most celebrated dive destinations. Its steep coral walls, clear waters, and abundant marine life make it ideal for both macro and wide-angle photographers. Divers commonly spot turtles, barracuda, and vibrant reef fish among thriving coral gardens

8. Apo Reef Natural Park, Mindoro

A little off the beaten path but absolutely worth the trip, Apo Reef is the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef system. Known for epic drift dives, dramatic drop-offs, and frequent pelagic sightings—including sharks and rays—Apo Reef offers a truly wild and biodiverse dive experience.

9. Siargao Island

Beyond being a surfer’s paradise, Siargao also boasts excellent scuba diving with pristine reefs and relatively uncrowded conditions. While dive infrastructure is smaller than in Visayas hotspots, what it lacks in size it makes up for in authentic marine encounters and dramatic reef landscapes. 

10. Ticao Island, Masbate

For big-animal enthusiasts, Ticao Island is a hidden gem. Its famous Manta Bowl and nutrient-rich waters attract manta rays, whale sharks, and other large pelagics, making it one of the Philippines’ best spots for memorable encounters with giants of the sea.

Things to Know Before you go to The Philippines

Scuba Diving in the Philippines – FAQ