Delightful diving spots
Exciting discoveries for the uninitiated are the latest diving spots, while nostalgic reunions are for the tried-and-tested ones, always at the forefront of conservation efforts.
The Philippines is blessed with a multitude of idyllic tropical islands, tranquil beachfronts — some even sprinkled with hideaway seaside resorts.
What most are not aware of are the entire extensive underwater cities — make that metropolises, just lying in wait, only an outrigger banca or dive boat ride away.
Exciting discoveries for the uninitiated are the latest diving spots, while nostalgic reunions are for the tried-and-tested ones, always at the forefront of conservation efforts.
Whatever the case may be, these shrouded-in-mystery marine paradises play host to historical shipwrecks that folk legends are made of, intriguing caves which may be dangerous, expansive and thriving coral reefs and an entire empire of nautical creatures such as bales of sea turtles, squadrons of manta rays, herds of sea horses, beds of giant clams and schools of fishes. And the list goes on.
Read on as these Cebuanos share their favorite dive spots.
Shalimar Tamano
Being with the Department of Tourism gave me several opportunities to discover a totally different experience — the world of diving!
In Cebu and Central Visayas, we work closely with officials from the national agencies and various barangays to protect the 160 marine sanctuaries. We have likewise embarked on programs and projects such as coral planting in Panglao, installation of marker buoys in Daanbantayan and construction of a hyperbaric chamber in Moalboal, among many other activities. Equally important is our collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving Commissioner Bo Mancao for accreditation.
In Cebu, my favorite diving spots are the three big Ms — Mactan, Malapascua and Moalboal. Each site is unique: big fish in Mactan sanctuaries, thresher sharks in Malapascua, sardine run, turtles and more in Moalboal. In Bohol we have Panglao with Balicasag Island, Anda and Cabilao. In Negros Oriental we have Dauin, Zamboanguita with Apo Island as main dive spot.
JC and Al Cergneux
We loved Cebu instantaneously the day we moved here. We love the proximity of the city to the sea, which is now JC’s ‘office.’ We try to go diving every weekend, weather permitting. In Mactan, among our favorite dive sites are Talima and West Punta. Before Covid-19, we would take a quick trip to Malapascua for a long weekend — our other favorite and JC’s ‘second office’ — to see the majestic Thresher Sharks. We can never get tired of them. Gato Island is also a very interesting destination with a good mix of macro and pelagic underwater life.
Brando Ray Raya
As a lawyer and in government handling difficult issues daily, the quarantine made me realize how I never got the chance to fully appreciate the little things in life. So I recently decided to take up a diving course.
Being a rookie, I’ve only been to a few diving spots. Talima Marine Sanctuary is one I’ll never forget. Not only is it safe for divers of different experience levels, but it also offers rich marine life whether you’re 10 or 30 meters below — beautiful corals, bales of turtles, schools of fish and the list goes on.
Overall, diving is a perfect experience for a professional whenever they need a reset or a time out. What better way to appreciate life than to learn the importance of just breathing calmly?
Jefren Pages
My favorite dive spots are the surroundings of Sumilon Island, with majestic clear waters, rich coral formations and an abundance of colorful tropical fish. Diving truly is a different world. I continue to dive because of those peak moments when you see something you haven’t seen before or you discover things that you didn’t even know existed.
Christian Buhisan
I am an avid traveler, sports enthusiast and adrenaline junkie rolled into one. The jetski is my weapon of choice. Having been into extreme water sports for many years, I thought I knew the ocean — until I learned of the wonderful world of scuba diving.
There are many beautiful dive spots in Cebu, and Nalusuan Island is my top choice. It is accessible and has a well-protected sanctuary where you can spot giant groupers in front of the reef, vast marine life and breathtaking corals right before your very eyes. Dive, support local and allow us to show you the Cebuano hospitality underwater.