If you’re an avid scuba diver but are clueless where to travel, the country of Philippines belongs to one of the best places to go. Diving in the Philippines has become more popular over the years because more people have discovered the diverse marine life in its seas. In fact, the diving spots in the Philippines were cited as some of the best in the world, together with Maldives and Palau.
With over 7, 107 islands, this destination provides plenty of choices for both amateur and professional scuba divers. World class diving facilities and instructors are available all over these diving spots, ready to offer their services. The country also prides itself for its warm hospitality, making any tourist feel at home.
If you’re planning on visiting the Philippines anytime soon, make sure to visit some of these popular diving spots.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, Sulu Sea
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is one ofreasons why diving in the Philippines has caught the attention of divers around the world. This marine sanctuary covers 33, 200 hectares which includes the North and South Seas. It is located in the Sulu Sea, about 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City in the Palawan Province. The Tubbataha Reef has become popular for sports divers because of its coral walls, which serve as habitat for many colonies of fish. It is also home to hawksbill sea turtles, an endangered species.
It is advised that divers book their trip towards the middle or end of April, when water visibility is at its best.
Malapascua Island, Cebu
One of the best places where to travel is Malapascua Island. Malapascua Island is the least spoiled tourist spot in the Philippines. Its raw beauty, however, has led the Lonely Planet to label it as the next Boracay, a popular beach destination in country. Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, Malapascua Island is also one of the most famous diving spots in the Philippines. This is the only place in the world where thresher sharks are seen on a daily basis. Other marine life includes white tip sharks, mantas, hammerheads (seasonal) and beautiful unspoiled coral gardens.
Apo Reef, Negros Oriental
Apo Reef is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a series of coral reefs encompassing 34 square kilometers, with a narrow channel running east to west. One of the best diving sites in Asia, Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world. Aside from coral reefs, seagrass meadows and beds of macroalgae can be found around the reef proper. If you plan on experiencing world-class diving in the Philippines, the Apo reef is highly recommended.
Sabang Bay, Puerto Galera, Mindoro
For sports divers and marine photographers, Sabang Bay, Puerto Galera is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. In the shallows of Sabang, an amazing collection of microscopic critters to rare turtle species can be seen. Divers can also explore the Sabang wreck area late in the afternoon and allow the current to drift them back at the shallows. Aside from diving, Puerto Galera also offers other activities you can enjoy when out of the water. If in doubt where to travel, go to Puerto Galera to enjoy the diversity of life.
