With over 7,100 Islands in the Philippines and over 36,000Km of coastline, the Philippines is an amazing environment not only on land but also in the water. The Philippines make up part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ which in itself contains over 2200 species of fish. This area has more marine life than anywhere else in the world.
Not only can you scuba dive all year round in this fabulous destination, but the water temperatures only fluctuate between 27 Degrees Celsius to 31 Degrees Celsius. The best time to dive the warm waters of the Philippines is between December and April. December to April are classed as the drier months which are perfect for divers out there as there are places that become available to you, which otherwise would not be safe to dive during their monsoon seasons of June, July, August and September.
The most well-known and best dive sites in the Philippines include a World Heritage site called ‘Tubbataha’. Discovered in the late 1970s this dive site has been recognised by CNN as being one of the top 8 dive sites in the world. Unfortunately, due to its remote location, this dive site can only be reached by a liveaboard. However, Tubbataha is home to the most magnificent reefs and hugely diverse marine life. In visiting this incredible dive site, you are helping to ensure Tubbataha’s future, as the conservation fees help to provide the necessary funds to protect this Heritage site from illegal exploitation.
Another incredible dive site is ‘Malapascua Island’. Diving at Malapascua Island has something to offer for every kind of diver out there. Located in the centre of the ‘Coral Triangle’ Malapascua Island is one of the best kept secrets in the whole of South East Asia. The sheer amount of marine animals that you can find in this magnificent area can include; a huge variety of fish, sharks, manta rays and turtles. In addition, there are various dives that you can enjoy in this location such as reef dives, wrecks, muck dives, cave dives, wall dives as well as fantastic night dives. The most sensational view at this diver’s haven is the Thresher Sharks with their formidable sweeping tails.
If you are looking for Mantas, Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, Whale Sharks and Huge Pelagic fish then ‘Panagatan’ dive location is the place for you. With no markings, this dive site is literally in the middle of nowhere. This is a ‘blue dive’ and has no point of reference however, if you want to see the wonders that the ocean has to offer, then this is the place to go. There are no reefs, only rock however after the initial drop to 30 metres, you reach a drop off point where the ocean plummets into oblivion. This is not a dive for beginners, however if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a magnificent view of marine wildlife at its best, then this dive is not to be missed.
The Wrecks of ‘Subic Bay’ also have to be listed in the top dive sites to visit in the Philippines. This dive site holds the highest concentration of shipwrecks within sports diving. With over 19 wrecks dating back from the Spanish/American war to the Second World War, this dive site holds a treasure trove of history.
The Philippines has an awful lot to offer scuba divers and if you have a diving holiday on the horizon, then the Philippines should definitely be next on your list. If you’re not convinced yet, I recently made a list of 36 compelling reason to go diving in the Philippines that will make you want to go pack your bag and leave straight away, you can check it out here.
