Explore Mimaropa

The Mimaropa (also known as the Southwestern Tagalog Region) is an administrative region of the Philippines, made up of Mindoro, Marindique, Romblon and Palawan. The name stems from the first letters of these places. Within these locations lies some of the best diving in the Philippines.

Coron in Palawan has the best wreck diving, arguably anywhere in the world - the seabed is littered with WWII wrecks. As many lie all or partly above 18m, it offers a rare chance for open water divers to explore these relics. It also has halocline lakes, with the weird mix of hot salt water and cooler fresh water. Puerto Princesa on Palawan has the opportunity to dive in a subterranean river - the largest in the world. This region also encompasses Apo Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world and Tubbataha Reef which has massive diversity and pelagics.

Mindoro is most famous for the diving resort town of Puerto Galera which attract thousands of divers year round to its stunning reefs, buzzing atmosphere and white beaches. Verde Island also offers some beautiful wall and drift dives in deep water.

Marinduque has some very unspoilt diving. It has myriad delights including a Japanese torpedo boat wreckage. There are also several cave dives here to explore.

Romblon is a macro haven. The area is pretty undiscovered by tourists and only has a couple of dive resort, but underwater photographers will adore the tiny critters than can be found on the rocks, reefs and sand here.

Top Regions to Explore

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    Diving in Mimaropa

    Mimaropa, an enchanting region in the Philippines, offers a plethora of top-notch dive sites perfect for enthusiasts. The Coron Bay is famed for its hauntingly beautiful World War II wreck dives, where submerged warships like the Irako and Akitsushima reveal fascinating histories to divers. These sites are teeming with marine life, presenting unique opportunities for underwater photography and exploration. For those preferring shore dives, Puerto Galera offers vibrant coral gardens and an impressive array of marine biodiversity. Known for its night dives, this area allows divers to witness nocturnal creatures and mesmerizing bioluminescent displays. Mimaropa provides a balanced mix of shore and liveaboard diving, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Mimaropa

    Mimaropa, located in the Philippines, is a marine paradise teeming with diverse marine life. Its waters are home to vibrant coral reefs that host a variety of reef fish such as clownfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. These species are commonly seen year-round, providing an exciting experience for divers exploring the region. Seasonal highlights include the sighting of majestic sea turtles, particularly around Apo Reef, which is known for its rich biodiversity. Sharks, including the elusive thresher sharks, are occasionally spotted, especially during the cooler months from December to February. Additionally, rays, including manta rays, can frequently be encountered in certain areas like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, making Mimaropa a must-visit destination for marine enthusiasts.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle

    2.2k Sightings
    J
    221
    F
    174
    M
    311
    A
    404
    M
    235
    J
    148
    J
    96
    A
    71
    S
    64
    O
    78
    N
    132
    D
    233

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel

    1.6k Sightings
    J
    99
    F
    90
    M
    182
    A
    322
    M
    193
    J
    137
    J
    72
    A
    73
    S
    69
    O
    91
    N
    126
    D
    115

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    Barracuda

    Barracuda

    1.3k Sightings
    J
    77
    F
    101
    M
    219
    A
    290
    M
    162
    J
    69
    J
    59
    A
    36
    S
    30
    O
    70
    N
    97
    D
    134
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle

    834 Sightings
    J
    86
    F
    43
    M
    135
    A
    119
    M
    72
    J
    73
    J
    39
    A
    15
    S
    19
    O
    32
    N
    95
    D
    106

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    Wrasse

    Wrasse

    608 Sightings
    J
    40
    F
    7
    M
    112
    A
    193
    M
    117
    J
    48
    J
    25
    A
    12
    S
    19
    O
    8
    N
    8
    D
    19
    Dugong

    Dugong

    306 Sightings
    J
    23
    F
    41
    M
    50
    A
    36
    M
    32
    J
    17
    J
    7
    A
    9
    S
    1
    O
    29
    N
    34
    D
    27

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Clownfish

    Clownfish

    4.6k Sightings
    J
    444
    F
    453
    M
    558
    A
    752
    M
    446
    J
    252
    J
    220
    A
    220
    S
    171
    O
    269
    N
    353
    D
    450

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    Lionfish

    Lionfish

    3.3k Sightings
    J
    321
    F
    375
    M
    460
    A
    536
    M
    244
    J
    176
    J
    123
    A
    171
    S
    143
    O
    215
    N
    266
    D
    317

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish

    2.6k Sightings
    J
    207
    F
    217
    M
    373
    A
    508
    M
    336
    J
    148
    J
    108
    A
    104
    S
    110
    O
    118
    N
    168
    D
    246

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish

    2.6k Sightings
    J
    229
    F
    153
    M
    332
    A
    521
    M
    278
    J
    153
    J
    131
    A
    122
    S
    112
    O
    175
    N
    166
    D
    243

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Angelfish

    Angelfish

    2.5k Sightings
    J
    179
    F
    169
    M
    342
    A
    464
    M
    288
    J
    156
    J
    108
    A
    127
    S
    117
    O
    155
    N
    167
    D
    208

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish

    2.4k Sightings
    J
    214
    F
    224
    M
    354
    A
    433
    M
    240
    J
    148
    J
    99
    A
    112
    S
    92
    O
    97
    N
    186
    D
    238

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish

    2.1k Sightings
    J
    165
    F
    127
    M
    298
    A
    452
    M
    246
    J
    147
    J
    96
    A
    117
    S
    99
    O
    88
    N
    124
    D
    158

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish

    1.8k Sightings
    J
    143
    F
    125
    M
    250
    A
    365
    M
    187
    J
    94
    J
    87
    A
    98
    S
    93
    O
    93
    N
    104
    D
    163

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch

    1.8k Sightings
    J
    178
    F
    213
    M
    224
    A
    307
    M
    98
    J
    80
    J
    97
    A
    92
    S
    56
    O
    109
    N
    112
    D
    204

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    1.5k Sightings
    J
    100
    F
    60
    M
    194
    A
    326
    M
    184
    J
    120
    J
    84
    A
    69
    S
    90
    O
    78
    N
    69
    D
    120

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    Snapper

    Snapper

    1.3k Sightings
    J
    77
    F
    65
    M
    163
    A
    243
    M
    163
    J
    106
    J
    40
    A
    80
    S
    72
    O
    75
    N
    82
    D
    91

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish

    1.2k Sightings
    J
    92
    F
    45
    M
    146
    A
    240
    M
    119
    J
    94
    J
    73
    A
    68
    S
    60
    O
    50
    N
    89
    D
    138

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Jackfish

    Jackfish

    1.2k Sightings
    J
    58
    F
    72
    M
    196
    A
    308
    M
    195
    J
    91
    J
    34
    A
    20
    S
    45
    O
    55
    N
    14
    D
    70

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish

    1.1k Sightings
    J
    91
    F
    94
    M
    157
    A
    193
    M
    85
    J
    126
    J
    70
    A
    72
    S
    66
    O
    56
    N
    60
    D
    70
    Whitetip Reef Shark

    Whitetip Reef Shark

    1.1k Sightings
    J
    25
    F
    23
    M
    227
    A
    372
    M
    247
    J
    144
    J
    17
    A
    4
    S
    7
    O
    9
    N
    9
    D
    40

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Damselfish

    Damselfish

    929 Sightings
    J
    72
    F
    10
    M
    134
    A
    190
    M
    138
    J
    82
    J
    41
    A
    37
    S
    48
    O
    58
    N
    48
    D
    71

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Goatfish

    Goatfish

    853 Sightings
    J
    48
    F
    23
    M
    89
    A
    204
    M
    107
    J
    65
    J
    50
    A
    40
    S
    66
    O
    42
    N
    60
    D
    59

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish

    823 Sightings
    J
    54
    F
    7
    M
    92
    A
    256
    M
    141
    J
    64
    J
    25
    A
    29
    S
    40
    O
    29
    N
    35
    D
    51

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish

    646 Sightings
    J
    57
    F
    9
    M
    84
    A
    171
    M
    84
    J
    57
    J
    36
    A
    33
    S
    38
    O
    34
    N
    16
    D
    27

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    Boxfish

    Boxfish

    639 Sightings
    J
    31
    F
    30
    M
    80
    A
    134
    M
    88
    J
    80
    J
    21
    A
    33
    S
    38
    O
    31
    N
    20
    D
    53

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Stingrays

    Stingrays

    628 Sightings
    J
    38
    F
    49
    M
    114
    A
    86
    M
    24
    J
    40
    J
    32
    A
    41
    S
    9
    O
    18
    N
    68
    D
    109
    Grey Reef Shark

    Grey Reef Shark

    613 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    2
    M
    130
    A
    255
    M
    132
    J
    70
    J
    11
    A
    1
    S
    2
    O
    2
    N
    2
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets

    589 Sightings
    J
    29
    F
    35
    M
    97
    A
    195
    M
    80
    J
    32
    J
    16
    A
    17
    S
    6
    O
    51
    N
    9
    D
    22

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Tuna

    Tuna

    576 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    10
    M
    124
    A
    204
    M
    83
    J
    69
    J
    16
    A
    4
    S
    7
    O
    9
    N
    11
    D
    30
    Blacktip Reef Shark

    Blacktip Reef Shark

    413 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    8
    M
    77
    A
    131
    M
    119
    J
    32
    J
    12
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    10
    D
    15

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish

    345 Sightings
    J
    27
    F
    16
    M
    29
    A
    98
    M
    26
    J
    50
    J
    21
    A
    14
    S
    15
    O
    10
    N
    17
    D
    22

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Emperor

    Emperor

    329 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    0
    M
    58
    A
    116
    M
    60
    J
    50
    J
    2
    A
    6
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    28

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish

    328 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    4
    M
    26
    A
    100
    M
    59
    J
    59
    J
    4
    A
    19
    S
    27
    O
    12
    N
    4
    D
    9

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 50

    Frogfish

    Frogfish

    299 Sightings
    J
    44
    F
    22
    M
    20
    A
    23
    M
    28
    J
    11
    J
    24
    A
    31
    S
    32
    O
    28
    N
    19
    D
    17

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shrimp

    Shrimp

    247 Sightings
    J
    19
    F
    19
    M
    35
    A
    28
    M
    17
    J
    18
    J
    10
    A
    25
    S
    5
    O
    4
    N
    33
    D
    34

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Stonefish

    Stonefish

    246 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    45
    M
    19
    A
    49
    M
    12
    J
    16
    J
    17
    A
    42
    S
    0
    O
    5
    N
    0
    D
    24

    The best Months to dive in Mimaropa

    Mimaropa offers year-round diving opportunities due to its tropical climate. The water temperatures generally range from 27°C to 30°C, providing comfortable conditions for divers throughout the year. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters, although it may fluctuate slightly with weather changes.

    The region experiences a dry season from November to May, which is considered the optimal time for diving due to calmer seas and more predictable weather. The wet season, from June to October, can bring stronger winds and currents, potentially reducing visibility and making some dive sites less accessible. Despite these challenges, diving is still feasible during this period, albeit with careful planning and consideration of local weather conditions.

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