Subic Bay
One of the highest number of historic ship, aircraft, and vehicle wrecks in the world can be found in Subic Bay, which is located about 120 km north of Manila.
© Shutterstock/ARTYOORAN
Explore Luzon
Diving in Central Luzon offers an enthralling experience that caters to both novice and seasoned divers, making it a standout destination in the Philippines. The region is renowned for its diverse dive environments, including vibrant coral reefs, historical wrecks, and unique muck diving spots. Areas like Anilao, known for its exceptional macro photography opportunities, present an underwater paradise where colorful marine life thrives. Divers can explore the diverse ecosystems of Apo Reef, one of the world's most extensive coral reef systems, which boasts an abundance of fish species and stunning underwater landscapes. For those fascinated by history, Coron Bay offers an unparalleled wreck diving experience. The remnants of World War II naval ships create an underwater museum, teeming with marine life. Subic Bay, another wreck-diving haven, is easily accessible from Manila and promises encounters with diverse aquatic species. Dive styles in Central Luzon range from shore and boat dives to liveaboards, allowing divers to tailor their adventures. With year-round diving possibilities, the region's seasonal features, like increased visibility and marine life activity, enhance the experience and ensure each dive is memorable. Central Luzon's dive sites offer unparalleled accessibility and variety, with reliable transport connecting major destinations. Whether opting for the luxurious dive resorts of Anilao or the adventurous liveaboards of Batangas, divers have a multitude of options to choose from. The Verde Island Passage, a biodiversity hotspot, is perfect for those seeking colorful marine life and ecological wonders. From beginner courses in shallow, easy dive sites to advanced explorations of walls and caves, the region promises an unforgettable diving journey amidst its rich, aquatic heritage.
Top Regions to Explore
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Diving in Luzon
Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, offers a diverse range of diving experiences. Subic Bay is renowned for its historic wreck dives, where divers can explore sunken ships from World War II, such as the USS New York. These wrecks are teeming with marine life, providing a haunting yet beautiful underwater landscape. For shore diving enthusiasts, Anilao is a prime destination. Known for its rich biodiversity and macro photography opportunities, it boasts vibrant coral reefs and rare critters. Anilao also offers exceptional night dives, where divers can witness unique marine behaviors. Luzon caters to all preferences with both shore dives and liveaboard options, ensuring divers have the flexibility to explore its underwater treasures.
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The best Months to dive in Luzon
Luzon, a prime diving destination in the Philippines, offers year-round diving opportunities. The water temperatures range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet, though it can vary based on location and season. The dry season, from November to May, is considered the best time for diving due to calmer seas and minimal rainfall. However, the wet season from June to October brings stronger currents and potential typhoons, which can affect visibility and safety. Despite these challenges, diving remains possible throughout the year, with some sites more protected from adverse weather conditions.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Luzon
Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, offers a diverse array of marine life, making it a popular destination for divers. The coral reefs around Luzon are teeming with vibrant reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish, which are commonly seen year-round. These colorful species thrive in the coral gardens and provide a captivating underwater experience. During certain times of the year, divers can witness seasonal highlights like the migration of whale sharks, particularly in places like Donsol from November to June. Sea turtles, including the green and hawksbill varieties, are frequently sighted around Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Rays, including the majestic manta rays, can often be seen gliding gracefully in areas like Anilao. Encountering these larger marine species depends on the location and the season, but Luzon's rich marine biodiversity ensures that divers have a high likelihood of memorable wildlife sightings.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
42 Sightings
J
6
F
3
M
3
A
6
M
1
J
2
J
5
A
3
S
2
O
3
N
1
D
7
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
32 Sightings
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0
F
2
M
2
A
0
M
2
J
4
J
4
A
2
S
8
O
1
N
5
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
20 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
1
J
2
J
1
A
0
S
2
O
4
N
2
D
6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
11 Sightings
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0
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0
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1
A
3
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2
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0
J
3
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0
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0
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0
N
2
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
8 Sightings
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1
F
1
M
2
A
1
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0
J
0
J
0
A
1
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0
O
0
N
1
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
7 Sightings
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0
F
1
M
1
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
2
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0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Alamy-National Geographic Creative
Leatherback Turtle
3 Sightings
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0
F
2
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
3 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
M
0
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0
J
1
A
0
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0
O
0
N
2
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
73 Sightings
J
4
F
5
M
3
A
21
M
10
J
0
J
6
A
1
S
7
O
1
N
6
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
67 Sightings
J
3
F
5
M
1
A
15
M
8
J
5
J
6
A
6
S
4
O
1
N
5
D
8
