El Nido, nestled in the heart of the Philippines' Palawan province, offers a diving experience that is both diverse and breathtaking. The region, part of the protected Bacuit Bay archipelago, is a paradise for divers seeking adventure beneath the waves. With its 45 islands, El Nido's seascape is a vibrant tapestry of coral reefs, towering limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Divers can explore intricate underwater landscapes featuring walls, tunnels, and caves that promise surprises at every turn. The area is renowned for its biodiversity, where encounters with sea turtles, dugongs, whale sharks, and manta rays are common.
For those fascinated by macro life, spotting frogfish, seahorses, and ghost pipefish among the 447 species of coral can be a highlight.
Diving in El Nido is accessible through dive resorts and centers along the mainland of Palawan, especially from the charming Corong Corong Beach. Traditional boats transport divers to spectacular sites around Bacuit Bay, where they can immerse themselves in vibrant coral gardens and dramatic underwater walls. Notable spots include Helicopter Island with its 131-foot-long/40-meter-long underwater cave and Miniloc Island's mesmerizing coral gardens and impressive walls. For divers seeking more extensive exploration, liveaboards offer a chance to discover the wider Palawan region. El Nido's dive sites are not only stunning but also offer a unique glimpse into the rich marine life and pristine environments that make this destination truly special.
As well as the incredible coral reefs with unparalleled levels of small fish, El Nido diving also offers fascinating marine life that can be found in sandy patches. At Helicopter Island, in a shallow muck dive, divers can spot a vast array of weird and wonderful critters while sea turtle feast on seagrass. Due to Bacuit Bay’s sheltered position behind the small limestone islands, rough winds and strong currents are rare. This creates the perfect conditions for novice divers to take part in dive courses at sites with a mix of reef and sandy bottom.
Gaze in awe at the labyrinth of rock formations at Paglugaban and Popolcan or journey through underwater tunnels and caves. There are walls that drop down as far as 40-metres at Entalula Wall as well as gently descending slopes adorned with a vast array of soft and hard coral. Whether experienced or a beginner, there is a site for everyone.
While scuba diving in El Nido, you are sure to see both small macro life and pelagic fish. As a marine protected area, 447 species of coral, 888 species of fish and 1700 species of crustacean and nudibranch have been counted, along with 5 species of sea turtle.
Macro highlights of the area are seahorse, nudibranch, and scorpionfish while star-gazers, ghost pipefish, and sea moths can all be seen on muck dives. There’s also a plethora of crustaceans, from hermit crabs to lobsters while jawfish and blennies occasionally poke their heads out from their refuges. With a flashlight in hand, look for the night critters of El Nido’s reefs. Flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, moray eel, and spider crabs can all be found going about their nighttime activities in the calm sites.
All the usual suspects of reef fish can be seen, from clown-fish, angelfish, trumpet fish, and parrotfish, you name it and you’ll find it in the waters of El Nido. Big fish sightings include reef sharks, eagle rays, marble rays, barracuda and grouper. Dugongs, whale sharks and manta rays all visit the beautiful sites and occasionally even whales and dolphins will make a guest appearance.
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: 27
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 40
Diving in El Nido is available all year, but conditions vary seasonally. Water temperatures range between 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F throughout the year, providing comfortable dives. Visibility is typically best from March to October, with clearer waters ideal for observing marine life. The high season, from December to May, is the most popular time for divers, with sightings of whale sharks and manta rays during the plankton season from December to February. From June to September, El Nido experiences a rainy season, which can reduce underwater visibility due to increased runoff. Additionally, this period is prone to typhoons that may cause strong winds and currents, potentially affecting dive plans. While diving is possible throughout the year, planning trips during calmer months ensures better conditions and a richer diving experience.
