Your Ultimate Dive Guide: The 21 Islands to Dive in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the planet’s most amazing dive playgrounds. With dozens of different dive destinations, and hundreds of dive sites and dive operators around the region, you will truly be spoilt for choice. From big pelagics and the tiniest critters to stunning corals, mysterious wrecks and exciting caves, the region has it all!
Southeast Asia is one of the planet’s most amazing dive playgrounds. With dozens of different dive destinations, and hundreds of dive sites and dive operators around the region, you will truly be spoilt for choice. From big pelagics and the tiniest critters to stunning corals, mysterious wrecks and exciting caves, the region has it all! Encompassing the famed Coral Triangle, with the world’s most biodiverse waters, Southeast Asia promises dive experiences that will be nothing less than exceptional.
In this Scuba101 SEA Edition, we take you on a journey around the region, exploring the underwater worlds of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia – each well-known in its own way. We uncover some of the most popular sites to visit and reveal the areas hidden away and untouched by tourists.
Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner just starting to learn the ropes, this is the ultimate dive guide for you, as we break down our
“Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner just starting to learn the ropes, this is the ultimate dive guide for you”
favourite destinations and sites that are suited to all skill levels. We guarantee that they are going to leave you impressed and wanting to plan your next diving expedition.
So, turn the page as we discover some of SEA’s greatest underwater treasures, including the famous sardine run of Moalboal and the thresher sharks of Monad Shoal in the Philippines; the underrated wreck sites of Brunei; the impeccable islands of Thailand, and so much more – all in one packed issue!
PHILIPPINES
Undoubtedly, one of the world’s diving paradises, the Philippines is the ultimate place to head to for your next dive adventure. With over 7,000 different islands and countless dive sites, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. In fact, if anything, with so many options to choose from, the real challenge is figuring out where to start.
Known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas”, the Philippine archipelago is located just across the South China Sea from Hong Kong and south of Taiwan. For many years, the country has been known as a tourist hotspot, as well as a prized destination amongst divers. Situated in the heart of the famous Coral Triangle, the Philippines is home to more than 500 species of hard and soft corals – more than three-quarters of all known coral species on the planet – and an endless variety of reef fishes and pelagic animals. With only 30 percent of its 7,000-plus islands being inhabited, the Philippines’ opportunities for adventure, both on land and underwater, are limitless.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced diver on the hunt for a challenge, the Philippines has a never-ending supply of shorelines and waters to explore. Here are just some of the awesome islands and dive sites to visit on your next trip.
PALAWAN GETTING THERE
The main gateway into Palawan is Puerto Princesa International Airport, which, despite the name, serves few international airlines with direct flights. Instead, fly into the country via a bigger airport such as Metro Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, before taking a domestic flight to Palawan.
MARINE LIFE
Barracuda, turtles, schools of groupers, seahorses, nudibranchs, whale sharks, dugong Situated to the southwest of Manila, the province of Palawan is one of the most highly recommended areas for scuba divers. As the largest single province in the entire Philippines, it is known for its impressive geography and has been dubbed the “Last Frontier”. The province consists of the main island of Palawan plus almost 2,000 other
“The province consists of the main island of Palawan plus almost 2,000 other islands and islets, many of which remain uninhabited and undiscovered.”
islands and islets, many of which remain uninhabited and undiscovered. Together, these islands form a long sliver of islands sandwiched between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
Palawan has become a melting pot of cultures, and historically, the islands have been linked to names such as the “Land of the Promise”, which was given by the chronicler of a famous Portuguese explorer who arrived on Palawan in the 15th century. It has also been called the “Cradle of the Philippine Civilisation”, after remains of the early humans were unearthed at southwest Palawan’s Tabon Caves.
One of the most stunning dive locations in the Philippines, Palawan is the quintessential picture-perfect paradise, with its underwater treasure trove of pristine reefs, diverse marine life, and impressive WWII shipwrecks. From dramatic rock formations, secret coves, and stunning stretches of reef, the dive opportunities are endless, and with hundreds of islands to discover, it’s going to take a while for the adventurous diver to explore every inch of this region. If you’re not quite sure where to begin, we’re here to help you out with some of the most popular spots.
CORON, BUSUANGA, NORTHERN PALAWAN
Located 340 kilometres north of the main city of Puerto Princesa, these islands are the ultimate wreck diving heaven in the Philippines.
The channels between Busuanga and Culion are home to at least 12 different wrecks, most of which have stayed in excellent condition, and feature well-preserved fixtures, fittings and artefacts. The dive sites range from a depth of three to 45 metres, with the average depth of most sites being 18 to 24 metres, making this the perfect spot for beginner divers to experience wreck diving. Beyond the famous wreck sites, Coron is also known to have the most fascinating underwater topography, with vast limestone caves and caverns that create maze-like reefs and several saltwater and freshwater lagoons.
WRECK DIVES
Okikawa Maru
Once a civilian oil tanker, the Okikawa
Maru is one of the largest and most popular wrecks in Coron. Suitable for divers of all levels, this wreck is 170 metres long and sits upright with its upper and main deck accessible at a depth of 10 metres and dropping to a maximum depth of 26 metres. Divers can find hard and soft corals covering the entire length and width of the vessel, in addition to abundant reef fish such as grouper, lionfish, and sweetlips, as well as nudibranchs of all shapes and sizes. The wreck is a popular spot for those partaking in wreck dive training courses as well as for technical and recreational divers.
Skeleton Wreck
Another popular dive spot, the Skeleton Wreck is a small 25-metre-long vessel that rests at a depth of 5 to 22 metres – ideal for those who are not yet experienced wreck divers. The wreck provides the structure for a sprawling reef teeming with marine life, offering stunning underwater photography opportunities. Expect to encounter marine life such as damselfish, lionfish, parrotfish, stonefish and nudibranchs.
Akitsushima Wreck
A former seaplane tender, the
Akitsushima was sunk on September 24, 1944 during WWII by an American air strike. The vessel lies at a depth of 36 metres on her port side, with the shallowest point of the wreck at 22 metres. Due to the depth and unpredictable conditions at the site, the wreck should only be dived by advanced divers with the appropriate certification and equipment. Marine life encounters include barracuda, dogtooth tuna, batfish, yellowfish and snapper.
Irako Wreck
Dubbed the best wreck dive site in the Philippines, this 146-metrelong, 19-metre-wide former Japanese refrigeration ship was sunk in 1944 by an American air strike and now rests mostly intact at a depth of between 34 and 45 metres. Expect to spot hunting tuna, grouper, barracuda, trevallies, sea turtles and lionfish. The Irako’s main deck is 34 metres deep and there are opportunities to penetrate the vessel via the wheelhouse, cargo bays and engine room, but this should only be attempted by very experienced divers with the necessary equipment. Currents at the site can also be unpredictable.
“The dive sites range from a depth of three to 45 metres, with the average depth of most sites being 18 to 24 metres, making this the perfect spot for beginner divers to experience wreck diving.”
“Coron is also known to have the most fascinating underwater topography, with vast limestone caves and caverns that create maze-like reefs and several saltwater and freshwater lagoons.”
REEF DIVES Siete Pecados
Translating to “Seven Rocks”, this popular site consists of a group of seven rocky islets that are located just a few hundred metres off the coast of Coron town. Great for snorkellers but also a perfect spot for scuba divers of all levels, the islets boast shallow reefs that are amongst the healthiest in the region, as they are the subject of a successful conservation programme. Divers can expect to encounter turtles, Napoleon wrasses, barracudas, and a variety of crustaceans and colourful reef fish. Note that there is an entrance fee of 100 pesos per diver.
Bugor Reef
Just off the coast of Coron Island, this site features a slope that starts at around three metres before dropping to a depth of about 35 metres. Unlike other reefs where the deeper parts are the best, at Bugor Reef, the shallow portions of the site are where you can find the best marine life and corals. Expect to encounter marine life such as anemonefish, batfish, moray eels, pufferfish, barracudas, turtles, giant clams, and if luck permits, the occasional leopard shark and guitar shark.
Kalambuyan Reef
Situated just north of the wreck of Akitsushima, this site is ideal for a drift dive amongst the beautiful corals. The current at the site can run in either direction, with divers given the opportunity to swim with jacks, trevallies, barracuda, tuna and even small reef sharks. The maximum depth of the reef is just 17 metres, which makes it suitable even for beginner divers. Among the marine life encounters are frogfish, pipefish, stonefish, octopuses and crabs.
EL NIDO AND PUERTO PRINCESA GETTING THERE
Fly into Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport before catching a domestic flight to El Nido’s Lio Airport, which is located around four kilometres from midtown, or Puerto Princesa International Airport, which is just two kilometres from the city centre. Taxis ply the route from El Nido to Puero Princesa, which takes under five hours.
MARINE LIFE
Lionfish, cardinals, snapper, sweetlips, barracuda, jacks and tuna, manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, dugongs, scorpionfish, lionfish, frogfish, octopuses, crabs, shrimps, butterflyfish, nudibranchs
EL NIDO
A municipality of 45 islands in
Palawan province, El Nido is part of a protected area that boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Lifestyle programme CNN Go has even declared El Nido the best beach destination in the entire country. And as much as there is to explore on land, El Nido also doesn’t disappoint underwater.
South of Coron, on the northwestern coast of Palawan, El Nido is the gateway to the 45 islands and inlets that comprise the Bacuit Archipelago. Conservation efforts have been ongoing in the area since 1983 to protect the islands and divers are sure to be treated to some of the world’s most amazing coral reefs beneath the staggering limestone cliffs.
Nat-Nat
Located in the southeast of Cadlao Island, this dive site is just 10 minutes away from El Nido town. A reef that becomes a sandy patch at a maximum depth of 20 metres, Nat-Nat is a great spot for macro diving as its mainly home to marine life such as seahorses and nudibranchs. It’s suitable for divers of all levels, from beginner upwards, and is a popular spot for night diving. Additional marine life you can expect to encounter includes turtles, yellowtail barracuda, triggerfish, rabbitfish, trumpetfish, and anemonefish. Dilumacad Tunnel
Found on the north face of Dilumacad Island (otherwise known as Helicopter Island due to its chopper-like shape), Dilumacad Tunnel was discovered in the early 1990s by a Japanese diver and is located just two kilometres outside of El Nido.
The tunnel starts at a depth of 12 metres and is around 35 to 40 metres long, and with a few ceiling holes, this is quite the diving experience.
The entrance of the tunnel is wide enough for two divers to penetrate together and a 15-metre-long stretch leads you to a cavern in the centre. Due to the inherent dangers of cave diving, this site is only recommended for advanced divers with the appropriate training. Marine life encounters include electric oysters, ringed pipefish, sea sponges, black sweepers, banded coral shrimp, scorpionfish, lionfish, moray eels and map pufferfish.
South Miniloc
Probably the most popular dive site in El Nido, South Miniloc is a reef that is located near the famous Small and Big Lagoons, right between two islands, Miniloc Island and Shimizu Island. The triangular-shaped site can be found at a depth of 12 metres, facing Shimizu Island and separated by a channel. The current flowing between the two islands carries fresh nutrients to the area, in turn attracting abundant marine life.
The main attractions at the site are the cabbage coral garden
(yellow scroll corals) and a large school of bigeye snappers. The site is only suited to advanced divers due to the frequent strong currents. Expect to meet tuna, mackerel, big barracuda, frogfish, and ribbon eels.
“El Nido is the gateway to the 45 islands and inlets that comprise the
Bacuit Archipelago.”
PUERTO PRINCESA
Home to the popular UNESCO-listed Subterranean River National Park, Puerto Princesa is a coastal city located roughly in the middle of Palawan Island. Known for its rich biodiversity both above and below the water’s surface, pristine beaches and amazing diving spots, Palawan’s provincial capital has long been a magnet for Nature lovers, divers and underwater photographers.
Comprising 66 barangays (Filipino term for village, district or ward), Puerto Princesa is the least densely populated city in the country and has been acclaimed repeatedly as the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest city. Puerto Princesa is a common jumping-off point for surrounding areas such as El Nido, Coron, and the famed Tubbataha Reef, but there are also plenty of local dive sites to keep divers and snorkellers busy.
Puerto Princesa offers the opportunity to dive walls and pinnacles, rocky reef areas interspersed with sand, grass, and coral heads, as well as encounters with unusual and intriguing macro critters. Additionally, the grassy areas around Puerto Princesa promise the chance to get up close and personal with dugongs.
“Puerto Princesa is the least densely populated city in the country and has been acclaimed repeatedly as the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest city.”
Red Cliff
Located just 10 minutes from the Puerto Princesa Bay, Red Cliff is typically where open water dive training sessions are conducted.
The site features slopes and drop-offs that start at a depth of seven metres with the reef harbouring everything from reef fishes to turtles, rays and even hammerhead sharks. Red Cliff also has a muddy area that’s great for muck diving.
Cuttlefish Shawl
For those looking for a truly challenging dive in terms of depth, Cuttlefish Shawl is the perfect destination. Starting at around 20 metres, divers will have the opportunity to encounter marine life such as angelfish, barracuda, turtles, reef sharks, cuttlefish and the occasional dugong. Engage the help of a local guide, as diving here can be challenging and unpredictable.
Mares Rock
Located right at the mouth of Puerto Princesa Bay, Mares Rock is a sloping reef with a maximum depth of 34 metres. The site is home to one of the most popular wrecks in the area at a depth of 25 metres. Built in 1907, the vessel used to be a passenger-cargo ship before being commandeered by the British for WWI; it was then later captured by the Japanese and used during WWII. The wreck sits on her starboard side and holds a large engine room and steel boilers that are still largely intact. Expect to encounter marine life such as schooling jacks and barracuda, tuna, turtles, and macro critters like crabs, shrimps, octopuses and nudibranchs. The site is recommended only for experienced divers.
CEBU GETTING THERE
Travelling by air is the most convenient and hassle-free way to reach Cebu. Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the main gateway to Cebu and services both international and domestic flights. The airport is just an hour away from the main city centre.
MARINE LIFE
Schools of sardines, frogfish, mandarinfish, pygmy seahorses, flame file shells, lionfish, clownfish, sea turtles, tuna, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, garden eels Home to some of the world’s best scuba diving sites, Cebu is a province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines and consists of the main island of Cebu and 167 surrounding islands and islets.
Its capital, Cebu City, dubbed the “Queen City of the South”, is the county’s oldest city and the most highly urbanised, next to Manila.
With vibrant and thriving underwater ecosystems, boasting impressive marine biodiversity, Cebu is a diver’s heaven, with stunning dive sites at places such as Mactan, Moalboal and Malapascua. Moreover, with its central location in the country, links to international airports, and topclass facilities, it is no surprise that the province is one of the Philippines’ must-visit dive destinations.
MACTAN ISLAND
Located a few kilometres from Cebu Island, Mactan is the gateway for those who are looking to explore areas such as Moalboal, Oslob, and Malapascua. While the island may just be a pit stop for many, there is actually plenty to explore in the area, from underwater caves and wrecks to healthy reefs teeming with marine life. Additionally, because Mactan is often just a stopover, its dive sites are relatively crowd-free and you could quite possibly have an entire dive site to yourself! All of Mactan’s sites are located along the eastern coast of the island and some can be reached from the shore.
Marigondon Cave
A favourite among local cave divers, this site is an underwater cavern covered in beautiful gorgonians. It has a roof at around 29 metres, a floor at 40 metres, a length of around 40 metres, and a diameter of around 10 metres. At the end of the cave, there are a few crevices containing fluorescent fishes shoaling inside, and keep an eye out for critters along the wall after exiting the cave. You will need to be a certified advanced diver or deep diver to tackle the cave.
Kontiki House Reef
Suitable for divers of all levels, this reef has a nice shallow, flat area carpeted in corals and seagrass that’s ideal for beginners. The slope starts at five metres and continues all the way down to 100 metres, but most of the action is in the shallow part, where underwater photographers will have plenty of opportunity to capture a wide range of critters. The reef is also great for night dives, when shrimps and crabs come out, along with black and white sea snakes. San Juan Ferry Wreck
Located to the north of Mactan
Island in Liloan Bay, the San Juan Ferry Wreck lies at a depth of 35 to 50 metres on a flat bottom, in almost perfect condition. In 2000, an explosion in the engine room caused the 60-metre-long vessel to sink. Diving this wreck, you can still clearly see traces of fire when you penetrate the engine room. Due to the depth of the wreck, this site should only be visited by experienced divers.
“Cebu is a province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines and consists of the main island of Cebu and
167 surrounding islands and islets.”
MALAPASCUA ISLAND
A standout destination in the Philippines, and arguably one of the best in the world, Malapascua is a 45-minute boat ride from Maya Port on Cebu. This scenic island off the northern tip of Cebu is a favourite spot for divers who want to see thresher sharks in crystal-clear waters. There are also reefs, wrecks, walls, and muck sites to explore.
Monad Shoal
This is the prime spot for coming up close and personal with the amazing thresher shark. Essentially a seamount or rock stump with a flat top that is roughly 20 metres deep, Monad Shoal hosts various “cleaning stations” where the sharks come to have parasites removed from their skin, mouth and gills by blue-streaked cleaner wrasse and moon wrasse. The best time to see threshers is just before sunrise, so be prepared to wake up early! As currents can be quite strong and unpredictable, the site is generally recommended for advanced divers. Other species you may encounter include devil, eagle and manta rays; octopuses; mantis shrimp; and nudibranchs.
Doña Marilyn Wreck
The Doña Marilyn is a 98-metrelong former ferry that sank near Malapascua in October 1988 during a typhoon whilst sailing from Manila to Cebu. The wreck lies at a depth of 33 metres on her starboard side, with the shallowest point at around 17 metres. A thriving artificial reef, the vessel is home to whitetip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, tiny glassfish, sweetlips, scorpionfish, batfish and nudibranchs. Eagle rays are not uncommon as well.
MOALBOAL
The jewel of Cebu, the town of Moalboal along Cebu’s southwest coast is the gateway to some of the best diving spots in the area and is known for its varied and exciting dive sites. Here, divers can explore walls, slopes, caves and canyons as well as several reef formations. Moalboal is also where you can find the much talked about sardine run. With its incredible marine life and unique underwater landscape, Moalboal promises exciting and unique diving experiences.
Pescador Island
An islet located at the Tañon Strait, this protected marine park is home to hammerhead sharks and the worldfamous sardine run. Reaching depths of over 600 metres, this marine sanctuary has been known for its abundance of sardines, surrounding divers in schools of thousands of fish. Pescador Island is also home to a variety of corals, lionfish, eels and a kaleidoscopic collection of anemones.
Tongo
This site offers divers caves and crevices to explore, where you can encounter marine life such as nudibranchs and sea snakes hiding amongst the anemones, sponges, sea fans and black coral. You may also occasionally come across sea turtles, sharks and schools of squid in the open water. This dive site has a depth of two to 40 metres and is suitable for any level of diver.
Airplane Wreck
Located just off the shores of Moalboal, the Airplane Wreck is of an old post transporter that was purposely sunk in 1993. Located at a depth of 20 metres, the site is now a lively artificial reef that is home to sea turtles, pufferfish, anemonefish, triggerfish, sweetlips, and devil scorpionfish, among others.
“Here, divers can explore walls, slopes, caves and canyons as well as several reef formations.”
OSLOB
A small coastal town on the southern tip of Cebu, Oslob has become a major tourist attraction due to the whale shark population that congregates in its waters. As local fishermen started hand feeding the sharks, beginning around 2011, more of these gentle giants have been making regular visits to the area, creating a huge tourist draw that has helped to lift the local community out of poverty. While snorkellers and scuba divers aren’t allowed to come closer than three metres, and no flash photography is permitted, the experience is rather chaotic and anything but natural, and there’s concern that the activity is negatively impacting the animals. Others maintain that Oslob’s shark tourism generates much-needed funds that help protect the sharks and the surrounding reefs. You decide.
BOHOL
GETTING THERE
Bohol-Panglao International Airport only caters to domestic flights, so if you are flying internationally, you will have to travel to Manila first before catching a connecting flight to Bohol.
MARINE LIFE Ghost pipefish, Napoleon wrasses, triggerfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, banded sea snakes, frogfish, blue-ring octopuses, anemonefish, nudibranchs, various species of sharks, lionfish, scorpionfish
An island province in the central Philippines’ Visayas region, Bohol can be found east of Cebu and southwest of Leyte. With over 75 islands and islets surrounding its coastline, Bohol is not just a popular scuba diving destination, but also a top tourist destination, attracting sun-seekers and adventurers from all over the world.
The island is known for its dedication towards ensuring that the environment on the island is protected and has been dubbed one of the best ecotourism destinations in the Philippines. Notably, it is home to the famed Chocolate Hills as well as a dedicated sanctuary to the cute and quirky Philippine tarsier.
With dozens of islands scattered throughout the province’s waters, each with its own worthy dive sites, Bohol promises something for every diver, no matter what your level.
CABILAO ISLAND
Located off the north coast of Bohol Province, this small island lies 30 kilometres from the provincial capital, Tagbilaran. Featuring a spectacular fringing reef with a steep wall that drops to a depth of 50 metres, Cabilao Island is a great dive spot for divers of all levels. Alongside the amazing wall diving, the area is known for sightings of hammerhead sharks, which can be spotted swimming in the deeper water off the northwest point.
South Point
This site features a beautiful wall, with an overhang and caves completely covered in corals, dropping to a depth of over 60 metres. Divers will discover incredible hard coral formations at shallow depths of five to 12 metres – ideal for novice divers to explore – which have been growing undisturbed in the area for centuries. More-experienced divers can check out the caves starting at around 20 metres, which promise encounters with whitetip reef sharks. The site is located at a “corner” where slight currents may occur.
Shark Point
Situated at the northwestern corner of Cabilao Island, this aptly named site is the best spot on the island to encounter various species of sharks. Presenting a plateau covered with fan corals and bristling with marine life, the site is found at between 20 and 30 metres, and the current is moderate but can be unpredictable,
hence is recommended for experienced divers only. Marine life found here includes rare pygmy seahorses, Napoleon and ballan wrasses, shoals of barracudas and jackfish, as well as hammerheads and whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. The floor of this site is covered with soft corals and gorgonians, and garden eels and colourful nudibranchs are commonly seen residents.
Gorgonian Wall
This popular dive site runs for
100 metres parallel to the shore. Beginning at a depth of five metres and dropping to 60 metres, the wall is festooned with both hard and soft corals, and features sponges and giant gorgonians – hence the name. Encounters include rare nudibranchs, frogfish and pygmy seahorses. Check out the small caves and overhangs, and look out for the occasional large Napoleon wrasse swimming by. Mostly recommended for afternoon dives, this site is suitable for divers of all levels.
“Featuring a spectacular fringing reef with a steep wall that drops to a depth of 50 metres, Cabilao Island is a great dive spot for divers of all levels.”
BALICASAG ISLAND
Located nine kilometres southwest of Panglao Island (a 30-minute boat ride from Alona Beach), Balicasag Island is ringed by a reef that has been declared a marine sanctuary.
The narrow reef shelf measures nine to 55 metres wide and begins at a depth of three metres before dropping to over 80 metres deep. Divers of all levels will marvel at the 400 metres of healthy corals teeming with reef life, and with a resort located right on the island, this is also an extremely popular spot for snorkelling. Diving in December or January offers the opportunity to come face to face with hammerheads and even whale sharks. There’s also a good chance you’ll bump into one of the sea turtles that frequent Balicasag Island’s waters.
Black Forest
Located on the eastern side of the island, this site has a depth of between eight and 40 metres and is one of the more well-known sites around Balicasag Island. This site gets its name from the abundance of black corals (Antipathes) that can be found at around 35 to 45 metres. Diving here begins at a sandy area featuring stunning coral formations full of reef fish and macro life, before sloping down to where the black corals can be found. When currents are present, this site makes an excellent drift dive, promising encounters with turtles,
parrotfish, damselfish, anemonefish, barracuda, large groupers, and more.
Diver’s Heaven
This site, just north of Balicasag Island, features a steep slope decorated with big gorgonians and other corals. With a maximum depth of 25 metres, the site usually makes for a comfortable dive suitable for beginners, but be aware of occasional strong currents. Expect to encounter turtles, schools of mackerel, ribbon eels, frogfish, mantis shrimp, and other macro life. Marine Sanctuary
Located in the protected area of Balicasag Island, this dive site has a depth range of 3 to 35 metres, and features a wall that has many small caverns, ledges and overhangs. The site is known for its big school of bigeye trevally that form an incredible tornado of fish, which has to be seen to be believed!
“Divers of all levels will marvel at the 400 metres of healthy corals teeming with reef life, and with a resort located right on the island, this is also an extremely popular spot for snorkelling.”
BORACAY
GETTING THERE
Domestic flights to Boracay arrive via either Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) or Kalibo International Airport, the latter also serving a few foreign airlines, including Air Seoul and China Eastern Airlines. If you are arriving at Caticlan, you can take either a private hire car, tricycle or boat to Boracay, a journey of only
10 to 15 minutes. From Kalibo, you will have to travel around two hours either by van, bus, or taxi to Caticlan Jetty Port.
MARINE LIFE
Dogtooth tuna, barracuda, various species of sharks, rays, whales, turtles, dolphins, damselfish, parrotfish, seahorses, pipefish, and nudibranchs Think of Boracay and you immediately conjure up images of beautiful beaches, water sports and party life. However, few would consider this idyllic island as a place to visit for dive enthusiasts, especially when you have locations such as Cebu, Bohol and Palawan to choose from. Yet, unbeknown to many, Boracay is actually a great place to go if you’re still learning the ropes of scuba diving – and don’t worry, experienced divers, there is plenty to keep you busy as well.
This small island in the Western Visayas region does indeed promise amazing reef dives, and along the famous White Beach stretch, you can find dozens of dive centres, many of which are affordably priced. In fact, many divers actually choose to come to Boracay to get their next dive certification, as it tends to be cheaper than at other dive spots around the Philippines. The island also has around 25 different dive sites, ranging from beginner friendly to challenging, and all are easily accessible by boat.
BEGINNER DIVERS
Angol Point
One of the easiest dives in Boracay, this site is perfect for those who are taking their first dips into the ocean as a scuba diver. With a depth of 10 to 15 metres and almost no current, Angol Point is a popular spot for divers who are looking for a relaxing dive as well as those wanting to do a night dive. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as starfish, bannerfish, clownfish, damselfish, groupers, scorpionfish, sea snakes and sweetlips.
Laguna de Boracay (LDB)
This dive site is a great place to practise or improve your scuba diving skills. Starting on a shallow reef flat that is less than five metres deep, the area surrounding this dive site comprises sandy patches interspersed with healthy corals, perfect conditions for newbies. There is also a reef slope down to a depth of 10 to 14 metres with a large variety of hard and soft corals that is home to myriad reef fish. For more-experienced divers, LDB has a wall that goes to a maximum depth of 22 metres, where you’ll find bigger fish such emperor fish, groupers, and sometimes barracudas. There’s a small cave in the wall that is full of bullseye fish, cardinalfish and pipefish.
“This small island in the Western Visayas region does indeed promise amazing reef dives, and along the famous White Beach stretch, you can find dozens of dive centres, many of which are affordably priced. ”
“Boracay is actually a great place to go if you’re still learning the ropes of scuba diving – and don’t worry, experienced divers, there is plenty to keep you busy as well.”
EXPERIENCED DIVERS
Yapak
This popular dive site is actually made up of four different unique spots and is known for its excellent visibility. Yapak 2 is the most well known, as it features sheer walls of coral and a wide array of sea life, including friendly and curious sharks. You can also expect to encounter barracudas, dogtooth tuna, giant trevallies, grey reef and whitetip reef sharks.
The beginning of the coral walls is at a depth of 32 metres while the maximum depth is around 60 metres, so the site is suitable for more experienced divers.
Camia Shipwreck
The Camia is a retired Japanese fishing vessel that was purposefully sunk in Boracay in 2001 to create a new dive site in the area. Sitting upright on the sandy bottom, the wreck can be found at depths of between 28 and more than 40 metres. The site is surrounded by a reef to the east and a wall to the west. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as black banded pipefish, stonefish and eels.
Crocodile Island
Located at the southern end of Boracay, this small, uninhabited island is shaped like a crocodile and features a large wall with several canyons and caves, averaging depths of between 15 and 24 metres. The site is well known for its vibrant mix of colourful hard and soft corals, and you’ll encounter marine life such as snapper, sweetlips, groupers, wrasses and other reef fish. The site may be explored by beginners but as the currents and conditions are sometimes unpredictable, caution should be exercised.
Bat Cave
The most well-known dive spot on the entire island, but also the most challenging, Bat Cave is an interconnected cave system that has both above ground and underground access. Though the maximum depth is only six metres, the site is suitable for advanced divers only, as the currents and waves are extremely strong, with visibility ranging between five and 15 metres only. Advanced divers that take on the challenge will be rewarded with encounters with banded sea kraits, lobsters, lionfish and butterflyfish.