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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.

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Dive Sites

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.

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

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

4.2k Sightings
J
351
F
255
M
456
A
605
M
524
J
392
J
214
A
233
S
191
O
301
N
378
D
271
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

3.7k Sightings
J
420
F
284
M
494
A
572
M
484
J
274
J
156
A
160
S
111
O
173
N
241
D
348

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

1.7k Sightings
J
95
F
108
M
261
A
325
M
248
J
161
J
69
A
62
S
33
O
75
N
118
D
167
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

1.2k Sightings
J
113
F
69
M
173
A
141
M
127
J
102
J
43
A
26
S
32
O
59
N
121
D
161

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

965 Sightings
J
67
F
23
M
146
A
228
M
208
J
116
J
39
A
28
S
33
O
13
N
13
D
51

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

487 Sightings
J
21
F
31
M
44
A
72
M
96
J
24
J
49
A
44
S
30
O
40
N
18
D
18
Dugong

Dugong

348 Sightings
J
24
F
42
M
52
A
38
M
47
J
26
J
7
A
14
S
1
O
33
N
37
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

8.4k Sightings
J
822
F
703
M
961
A
1.1k
M
953
J
577
J
441
A
480
S
409
O
567
N
691
D
685

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

6.1k Sightings
J
575
F
542
M
754
A
821
M
627
J
434
J
252
A
351
S
297
O
433
N
522
D
452

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

5.4k Sightings
J
474
F
305
M
664
A
796
M
643
J
406
J
280
A
316
S
283
O
420
N
388
D
404

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

5.1k Sightings
J
418
F
294
M
609
A
713
M
650
J
393
J
266
A
303
S
293
O
381
N
379
D
371

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

4.9k Sightings
J
418
F
344
M
659
A
759
M
683
J
388
J
220
A
256
S
253
O
290
N
275
D
388

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

4.6k Sightings
J
415
F
409
M
549
A
613
M
467
J
340
J
247
A
264
S
232
O
334
N
328
D
403

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

4.5k Sightings
J
408
F
329
M
589
A
679
M
552
J
371
J
182
A
256
S
201
O
256
N
328
D
356

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

3.7k Sightings
J
338
F
209
M
470
A
609
M
477
J
296
J
155
A
264
S
210
O
206
N
225
D
232

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

3.1k Sightings
J
304
F
197
M
396
A
484
M
387
J
245
J
134
A
185
S
168
O
196
N
200
D
247

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

2.5k Sightings
J
216
F
96
M
282
A
352
M
282
J
176
J
129
A
169
S
137
O
159
N
207
D
253

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

2.4k Sightings
J
225
F
181
M
304
A
320
M
249
J
217
J
125
A
166
S
132
O
158
N
151
D
143

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

2.3k Sightings
J
221
F
101
M
304
A
413
M
288
J
224
J
125
A
108
S
125
O
141
N
99
D
172

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

1.9k Sightings
J
159
F
43
M
225
A
273
M
288
J
179
J
96
A
114
S
127
O
132
N
122
D
124

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

1.8k Sightings
J
122
F
55
M
207
A
320
M
234
J
162
J
101
A
124
S
134
O
122
N
121
D
117

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

1.8k Sightings
J
111
F
101
M
240
A
295
M
273
J
164
J
70
A
135
S
88
O
103
N
87
D
117

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

1.7k Sightings
J
165
F
51
M
184
A
331
M
251
J
151
J
66
A
102
S
92
O
112
N
94
D
122
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

1.6k Sightings
J
55
F
56
M
279
A
447
M
378
J
258
J
19
A
8
S
9
O
10
N
28
D
84

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

1.6k Sightings
J
127
F
70
M
216
A
241
M
241
J
137
J
60
A
108
S
84
O
113
N
89
D
111

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

1.5k Sightings
J
83
F
88
M
228
A
355
M
271
J
146
J
50
A
39
S
58
O
82
N
30
D
85

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

1.5k Sightings
J
139
F
37
M
183
A
253
M
194
J
120
J
85
A
121
S
113
O
121
N
62
D
57

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

1.1k Sightings
J
107
F
79
M
134
A
154
M
126
J
73
J
48
A
68
S
29
O
63
N
90
D
79

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

996 Sightings
J
135
F
74
M
99
A
64
M
117
J
66
J
75
A
70
S
76
O
81
N
85
D
54

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

835 Sightings
J
31
F
46
M
111
A
217
M
140
J
101
J
25
A
37
S
16
O
58
N
21
D
32

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

832 Sightings
J
55
F
68
M
128
A
108
M
56
J
59
J
47
A
57
S
17
O
28
N
84
D
125

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

825 Sightings
J
27
F
14
M
148
A
237
M
144
J
129
J
23
A
12
S
7
O
9
N
29
D
46
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark

817 Sightings
J
2
F
6
M
153
A
285
M
220
J
124
J
11
A
1
S
3
O
3
N
3
D
6

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

782 Sightings
J
78
F
32
M
100
A
158
M
105
J
72
J
39
A
45
S
30
O
49
N
29
D
45

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

704 Sightings
J
31
F
13
M
70
A
159
M
110
J
74
J
20
A
75
S
65
O
33
N
24
D
30

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

666 Sightings
J
66
F
42
M
73
A
91
M
75
J
50
J
43
A
45
S
20
O
54
N
44
D
63
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark

593 Sightings
J
21
F
15
M
104
A
165
M
148
J
83
J
13
A
1
S
0
O
1
N
19
D
23

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

417 Sightings
J
11
F
0
M
70
A
130
M
85
J
56
J
10
A
10
S
7
O
1
N
4
D
33

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

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish

416 Sightings
J
64
F
46
M
19
A
43
M
31
J
20
J
19
A
20
S
33
O
22
N
38
D
61

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

Total number of species approx.: 7

Pygmy Seahorse

Pygmy Seahorse

407 Sightings
J
91
F
24
M
33
A
46
M
35
J
36
J
22
A
29
S
21
O
25
N
19
D
26

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

348 Sightings
J
60
F
53
M
23
A
56
M
42
J
4
J
14
A
47
S
2
O
16
N
0
D
31

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Sand Eel

Sand Eel

266 Sightings
J
9
F
1
M
25
A
26
M
23
J
31
J
25
A
42
S
20
O
26
N
29
D
9
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

262 Sightings
J
15
F
12
M
68
A
37
M
19
J
17
J
14
A
19
S
16
O
14
N
20
D
11
Banded Sea Krait

Banded Sea Krait

231 Sightings
J
26
F
43
M
37
A
15
M
23
J
1
J
14
A
15
S
1
O
4
N
11
D
41

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pipefish

Pipefish

215 Sightings
J
43
F
6
M
13
A
39
M
19
J
12
J
24
A
14
S
3
O
10
N
19
D
13

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