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.

Places to explore

iStock/Freeartist

Palawan

Also known as “The wild west of the Philippines“ due to its location and remoteness, the archipelago of Palawan is one of the largest provinces in the country.
iStock-holgs

Mindoro

Visit the world’s second largest connecting coral reef system, Apo Reef, which is also one of the major diving attractions in the Mindoro region.

Courses and Events

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

11 February +71 More
EUR 229.94
PHP 16,000.00

Basic Diver

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

11 February +31 More
EUR 71.86
PHP 5,000.00

Try Scuba

The Try Scuba experience from SSI on Pandan Island is the perfect introduction to the underwater world—no prior experience or certification required. Guided one-on-one by a professional SSI instructor, you’ll start with a clear briefing and basic skills in shallow water before enjoying a relaxed open-water dive on Pandan’s vibrant house reef, known for its healthy corals, tropical fish, and calm conditions. All equipment is included, making it easy and safe for first-time divers. The Try Scuba (Intro dive) is offered at ₱3,500, and combines seamlessly with a stay on Pandan Island, a quiet tropical retreat famous for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back island atmosphere—ideal for both adventure and relaxation.

11 February +92 More
EUR 50.30
PHP 3,500.00

Open Water Diver

The SSI Open Water Diver course on Pandan Island Dive Resort is your gateway to becoming a certified scuba diver, allowing you to dive worldwide to a maximum depth of 18 meters. Conducted by certified instructors from SSI, the course includes digital theory lessons, confined-water skill training, and open-water dives on Pandan’s calm, crystal-clear reefs. All training dives are done in relaxed conditions directly from the island, making learning safe and enjoyable for beginners. The SSI Open Water course is priced at ₱21,500, and is perfectly complemented by Pandan Island’s tranquil atmosphere, white-sand beaches, and vibrant marine life—an ideal setting to learn, dive, and unwind in true tropical island style.

11 February +92 More
EUR 308.98
PHP 21,500.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

The SSI Nitrox Specialty on Pandan Island Dive Resort is designed for certified divers who want longer bottom times and added safety while diving. Taught by professional instructors from SSI, the course covers oxygen exposure management, Nitrox theory, gas analysis, and practical use, followed by one training dive using enriched air. The Nitrox Specialty costs ₱12,000 and is ideal for guests planning multiple dives during their stay. Combined with Pandan Island’s clear waters, healthy reefs, and relaxed island setting, this specialty is a perfect upgrade to enhance your overall diving experience while enjoying one of Mindoro’s most peaceful tropical islands.

11 February +92 More
EUR 172.45
PHP 12,000.00

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Stress & Rescue (Rescue Diver) course on Pandan Island Dive Rescue focuses on building confidence, awareness, and the skills needed to prevent and manage diving emergencies. Led by experienced instructors from SSI, the course combines theory sessions with realistic in-water rescue scenarios, covering stress recognition, self-rescue, assisting panicked or unconscious divers, and effective emergency response. The SSI Rescue Diver course is priced at ₱22,000 and is often described as one of the most rewarding diver trainings. Conducted in Pandan Island’s calm waters and supportive island environment, it offers the perfect balance of serious skill development and relaxed tropical living, surrounded by pristine reefs and a peaceful, off-the-grid atmosphere.

11 February +92 More
EUR 316.16
PHP 22,000.00

Perfect Buoyancy

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty on Pandan Island is ideal for divers who want smoother, more controlled dives and better interaction with the underwater world. Taught by qualified instructors from SSI, the course concentrates on fine-tuning weighting, body position, breathing control, and efficient movement underwater. With two focused training dives, you’ll learn to hover effortlessly, reduce air consumption, and dive with greater precision and confidence. The course price is ₱12,000. Pandan Island’s gently sloping reefs, excellent visibility, and uncrowded dive sites create a natural, distraction-free learning environment—perfect for developing buoyancy skills while enjoying the island’s untouched marine scenery and relaxed island rhythm.

11 February +92 More
EUR 172.45
PHP 12,000.00

Divemaster

The SSI Divemaster course on Pandan Island Dive Resort is the first professional level in recreational diving and is designed for experienced divers who want to turn their passion into a leadership role. Delivered by senior instructors from SSI, the program focuses on dive theory, stress management, dive planning, guiding certified divers, and assisting instructors during training courses. Candidates gain extensive practical experience through real dive operations in a relaxed but professional environment. The SSI Divemaster course costs ₱38,000 excluding equipment or ₱45,000 including equipment. Training takes place around Pandan Island’s diverse reefs and calm coastal waters, offering ideal conditions for developing confidence, professionalism, and strong in-water skills—while living the laid-back island lifestyle surrounded by pristine nature and clear tropical seas. Whenever it is possible you are encouraged to join divetrips to Apo Reef to give you real-live experience during your training.

11 February +72 More
EUR 646.70
PHP 45,000.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

11 February +1 More
EUR 378.27
USD 450.00

Dive Activity

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

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
1.8k Sightings
J
218
F
125
M
217
A
235
M
178
J
143
J
92
A
71
S
60
O
66
N
129
D
217

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

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
1.3k Sightings
J
99
F
69
M
121
A
230
M
158
J
137
J
70
A
71
S
67
O
91
N
117
D
114

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

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
1.2k Sightings
J
73
F
67
M
156
A
234
M
152
J
69
J
59
A
34
S
30
O
64
N
97
D
121
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
712 Sightings
J
88
F
29
M
93
A
86
M
71
J
69
J
37
A
15
S
19
O
29
N
88
D
88

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

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
470 Sightings
J
38
F
7
M
80
A
113
M
94
J
45
J
25
A
12
S
22
O
8
N
7
D
19
AdobeStock-b neeser

Dugong
246 Sightings
J
22
F
28
M
26
A
23
M
26
J
17
J
7
A
9
S
1
O
29
N
32
D
26

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

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
3.9k Sightings
J
429
F
321
M
358
A
503
M
412
J
245
J
209
A
215
S
163
O
254
N
331
D
427

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

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
2.8k Sightings
J
302
F
256
M
307
A
347
M
218
J
168
J
119
A
169
S
136
O
209
N
252
D
296

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

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
2.2k Sightings
J
218
F
126
M
230
A
332
M
250
J
152
J
121
A
121
S
107
O
168
N
155
D
226

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

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
2.2k Sightings
J
204
F
165
M
252
A
323
M
300
J
142
J
102
A
99
S
106
O
110
N
158
D
226
Show More

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
2k Sightings
J
177
F
109
M
220
A
270
M
261
J
151
J
96
A
123
S
111
O
150
N
156
D
190

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

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
2k Sightings
J
196
F
155
M
228
A
273
M
225
J
142
J
96
A
110
S
88
O
89
N
184
D
219

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
1.7k Sightings
J
165
F
100
M
167
A
264
M
231
J
146
J
92
A
113
S
100
O
81
N
116
D
157

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

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
1.4k Sightings
J
143
F
94
M
159
A
185
M
163
J
93
J
79
A
93
S
87
O
90
N
97
D
152

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

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
1.4k Sightings
J
173
F
117
M
93
A
199
M
92
J
76
J
91
A
89
S
52
O
95
N
112
D
188

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

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
1.2k Sightings
J
98
F
42
M
130
A
191
M
156
J
120
J
81
A
66
S
87
O
77
N
69
D
107

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

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
1.1k Sightings
J
74
F
57
M
137
A
164
M
142
J
103
J
40
A
77
S
72
O
73
N
81
D
90

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

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
984 Sightings
J
88
F
72
M
114
A
114
M
79
J
125
J
69
A
72
S
66
O
56
N
60
D
69

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

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
960 Sightings
J
90
F
26
M
104
A
143
M
72
J
89
J
66
A
68
S
55
O
47
N
81
D
119
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
914 Sightings
J
25
F
20
M
173
A
248
M
218
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: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
904 Sightings
J
60
F
61
M
108
A
193
M
167
J
91
J
34
A
17
S
45
O
55
N
14
D
59

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

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
761 Sightings
J
71
F
11
M
93
A
106
M
119
J
81
J
39
A
37
S
48
O
58
N
38
D
60

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
718 Sightings
J
48
F
18
M
65
A
135
M
86
J
64
J
48
A
40
S
63
O
40
N
52
D
59

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

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
666 Sightings
J
51
F
7
M
77
A
156
M
124
J
63
J
22
A
25
S
37
O
29
N
24
D
51

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
530 Sightings
J
57
F
7
M
69
A
100
M
64
J
56
J
34
A
30
S
38
O
34
N
14
D
27

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
509 Sightings
J
31
F
27
M
63
A
52
M
65
J
79
J
21
A
33
S
34
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: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
500 Sightings
J
38
F
30
M
61
A
65
M
23
J
34
J
28
A
36
S
9
O
17
N
67
D
92

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

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
437 Sightings
J
9
F
6
M
90
A
121
M
75
J
69
J
16
A
4
S
7
O
9
N
11
D
20
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer

Grey Reef Shark
436 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
80
A
145
M
115
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: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
391 Sightings
J
29
F
19
M
56
A
79
M
55
J
32
J
16
A
17
S
6
O
51
N
9
D
22
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
357 Sightings
J
8
F
7
M
62
A
101
M
109
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: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
310 Sightings
J
27
F
14
M
34
A
61
M
26
J
49
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: 50

istock-atese

Frogfish
284 Sightings
J
44
F
14
M
20
A
14
M
28
J
11
J
24
A
31
S
34
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: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
252 Sightings
J
19
F
20
M
41
A
28
M
17
J
18
J
10
A
23
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: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
251 Sightings
J
5
F
4
M
30
A
38
M
40
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: 80

iStock-bearacreative

Emperor
205 Sightings
J
5
F
2
M
48
A
41
M
33
J
50
J
2
A
4
S
0
O
0
N
4
D
16

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.

Dive Centers

French Kiss Diver Coron, FKD Coron

lower bancuang Busuanga road, 5316 Palawan, Palawan - PHL

PIRATES DIVING RESORT, PIRATES DIVING CENTER

National Highway,, 5316 Coron, Palawan - PHL

Deep Blue Dive Seafari Inc.

Serena Street Barangay Buena Suerte, 5300 El Nido, Palawan - PHL

MACO CORON DIVING CENTER

National Highway, 5316 Coron, Palawan - PHL

Coron Divers Dive Center

Restolane Building, Bgy 3, Coron, Palawan 5316, 5316 Coron, Palawan - PHL

Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc.

Sabang Beach, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - PHL

Mariposa Diving@Pandan Island

Pandan Island Dive Resort, 5104 Sablayan, Mindoro - PHL

BUBBLE DIVERS

PUROK MAUNLAD, SAN VICENTE PALAWAN, 5309 PORT BARTON SAN VICENTE PALAWA, Palawan - PHL

WDIVERS CORON INC.

Barangay Poblacion 5, 5316 Coron, Palawan - PHL

REDSUN, REDSUN DIVERESORT

Small Lalaguna, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - PHL

DIVERS DIVING CENTER

Madrid Street, San Miguel, 5300 Puerto Princesa City, Palawan - PHL

Coron Sarang Dive Club

Barangay 5, 5316 Coron, Palawan - PHL

Atlantis Azores Inc., PY Atlantis Azores Liveaboard

On-Shore Facility, 5300 Puerta Princesa, Palawan - PHL

Dive Sites

Piotr G. (#3473191)

Okikawa Maru (★4.7)

One of at least 19 Wartime Standard Merchant Tanker 1TL’s, this wreck was considered one of the most important ships in the Japanese service. During the air raid, its stern sank but the forecastle was still at the surface. It was two weeks later when a follow-up strike was conducted that it finally sank to the bottom.
Piotr G. (#3473191)

Lusong Gunboat (★4.4)

Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck is one of the twelve World War II Japanese Supply Ships that were hit by an airstrike while anchored in Coron Bay. The ship sunk to a depth of 10 meters where it now lays on an angle on its side.
Piotr G. (#3473191)

Olympia Maru (★4.5)

This ship was a timber hauler that was converted to a a mobile aircraft repair facility and supply depot for the Army. It witnessed and survived the US Navy attacks in Manila Bay and, after which, proceeded to Coron Bay for safety. Unfortunately, the air raid in Coron Bay set the Olympia on fire.
French Kiss Divers Coron, 5316 Palawan

Coral Garden (★4.2)

Coral Garden is a sea area far from Coron Town, and it is also a better and more beautiful underwater world protected by Coron. The underwater coral reefs here See Coral Garden which is the most famous snorkeling point in Coron; Enjoy the beautiful corals.
SSI Service Center Philippines, 6014 Mandaue City

Dugong Watch (★4.5)

It takes about two hours by car from Coron to the village of Quezon, north of Buanga Island, where it takes about an hour to get to the northwest beach of Karawite Island. Around Calauit, north of Buanga Island, a thin 10m deep coral reef is covered with coral sand, and many water plants are growing in this coral.
Virginia Scuba, 20109 Manassas

West Escarceo (★4.5)

This beautiful site is covered in brightly colored coral and is full of life. Weather and time of year can change this dive from a drift dive to a slow paced tour. Expect tons of fish and sea critters on this dive.
French Kiss Divers Coron, 5316 Palawan

Alcatraz (★4.1)

ALCATRAZ ROCK. Depth: Max. 20m / 82’. Skill Level: All Levels. Description: Reef. Alcatraz Rock. Alcatraz Reef in the Philippines is a beautiful dive site ...
Hans E. (#3545391)

Alma Jane Wreck (★4.4)

A 30m long cargo ship that used to carry goods around the Philippines but, upon retirement, was stripped and scuttled for divers to enjoy as an artificial reef off Puerto Galera in 2003. Its wide beam and deep draft make it ideal for swim throughs.
SSI Service Center Philippines, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City

Drop Off (★4.8)

Pinnacles reach the surface on the East side of Verde Island and drop away to great depths. A vertical reef with some nice gorgonian fans, sea snakes and frogfish and some large pelagic schools
French Kiss Divers Coron, 5316 Palawan

Barracuda Lake (★4.4)

40m deep - the Barracuda Lake is made up of a crater of clear blue waters enclosed by dark and sharp limestone cliffs. It is known for its layers of warm and hot water, a.k.a. thermoclines.
Abigail S. (#3744502)

TERU KAZE MARU (★4.3)

Teru Kaze Maru was a 35 m-long Japanese submarine hunter and sunk on September, 24th 1944 during a US air raid east of Sangat Island. The bow starts at 4 meters and she continues down on a slant to a maximum depth of 20 meters. Relatively intact, there are a few small holds that you can penetrate.
Piotr G. (#3473191)

Morazan Maru (★4.6)

The Morazan was an English passenger cargo vessel that was captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy and used for her war efforts. She sits on her starboard side in 25 meters of seawater. The Morazan’s four cargo holds are empty, but the real treat is the pair of massive boilers in the engine room.
SSI Service Center Philippines, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City

Canyons (★4.3)

A favorite dive site that is composed of three canyons running side by side. A must-dive in the area, it is for experienced divers looking for a taste of fast and furious.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Staghorn Point (★4.7)

Starting at 7 meters, undulating fields of staghorn coral extending to about 500 meters creep to the edges of a wall that plunges deep at Tubbataha.
Mares

Southwest Wall (★4.2)

A steep wall that plunges deep where mild currents give you a gentle ride to watch schooling juvenile grey reef sharks numbering anywhere between 20 to 50 swim about.