Mactan Island, nestled in the Visayas region of the Philippines, offers an exhilarating underwater adventure that captivates divers of all levels. The island's strategic position, separated from Cebu by the Mactan Channel and connected by two bridges, makes it an accessible dive spot bustling with aquatic life. The vibrant marine ecosystems feature captivating drop-offs, walls, and slopes, inviting exploration of coral gardens, seagrass meadows, and intriguing caves. Divers can immerse themselves in the stunning biodiversity, encountering species such as Blue Spotted Rays, crabs, shrimps, and the occasional barracuda gliding through the crystal-clear waters.
Adventurers seeking a unique experience can explore the San Juan Ferry wreck and the Marigondon Cavern, which promise a sense of discovery. Whether opting for shore dives or short boat journeys to more remote sites, Mactan presents a variety of diving environments. The island’s dive scene is well-equipped with numerous resorts and dive centers, ensuring every diver finds the perfect base. With coral reefs starting at shallow depths and extending beyond 100 meters, Mactan's east side is a treasure trove for both novices and seasoned divers, offering a captivating glimpse into the Philippines' vibrant underwater world.
There is lots of both shore and boat diving in Mactan. Most of the drop offs start around 50-80m away from the shore entry point. There are shallow reefs to enjoy until the drop off, perfect for beginner divers. The walls sometimes plunge into very deep water which is a favourite of technical divers. There are sometimes currents here, which can be used for drift dives. There are two wrecks, including an aircraft, to enjoy too.
The densely populated island means there is a wide variety of dive centers and dive courses to choose from - some of which include technical diving. There are several dive resorts too, which cater for different budgets ranging from backpacker to luxury. Several liveaboards include diving at Mactan Island, within a tour of the wider area.
Mactan diving is available all year round but there are seasonal changes in the weather. The best conditions for diving tend to come during the warm and dry season between February and May. there is less rainfall in this season and the waters are at their warmest in May/June. From June - November, there is slightly more rain but as they tend to be short, refreshing showers; it is nothing that will ruin a holiday! December and January are the coolest months of the year and water temperatures can reach as low as 25°C.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
