Explore Mindanao

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, offers an extraordinary diving experience, characterized by its untouched beauty and diversity. The island's diving sites are uncrowded, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In Misamis Oriental, divers can embark on day trips to explore the volcanic sands of Camiguin and the pristine reefs of Agutayan Island. These stunning underwater environments host a diverse range of marine life, making every dive a new adventure.

The southern region of Davao presents labyrinthine caves and intriguing World War II wrecks, ideal for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula and Surigao in the east are considered the frontiers of scuba diving, with unspoiled waters waiting to be discovered. The towering drop-offs and extensive fringing reefs of General Santos further enhance Mindanao's appeal. For those seeking a convenient and comprehensive exploration, liveaboards offer an excellent way to access these remote and remarkable sites, ensuring that divers of all experience levels can fully appreciate the island's underwater treasures.

Places to Explore

Davao & Samal

All year round you will find perfect diving conditions in Davao, which has most of its dive sites concentrated on a group of islands to the east of Davao City.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Ocean Tribe Siargao

Advanced Open Water Diver

13 Nov 2025

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. 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 experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Top Dive Sites Map

Mares

★★★★☆ Coral Gardens Reef

Located at the south-west side of Talikud Island this site offers a little bit of everything. Drift diving is a favorite here, but there is also a Marine protected area nearby so there is normally a lot to see. Good training area for beginners as well.

380
Logs
172
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Angel's Cove

This is a fantastic area for training, photography, or just a fun dive. Easily accessed through boat and with a fairly confined area. All training can be done there including deep diver as it connects to a wall.

330
Logs
133
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Mansud Wall

Mansud Wall in Talikud Island, Davao, Mindanao, Philippines is a stunning wall dive site that features a sheer vertical drop with a depth ranging from 10 to 40 meters...

94
Logs
45
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Cabuan

Embark on a captivating underwater adventure at Cabuan in Camiguin, where a vibrant coral garden awaits. Descend along a gentle slope adorned with colorful soft corals, creating a kaleidoscopic underwater landscape.

27
Logs
12
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Blue Lagoon

Dive into the enchanting depths of Blue Lagoon, nestled near an abandoned fish port in Camiguin. Explore a hidden world where small canyons adorned with vibrant corals await your discovery.

43
Logs
30
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★★ Mantigue Turtle Point

Dive into the inviting waters of Mantigue Island and discover a dynamic underwater landscape. The reef starts at a depth of approximately 5 meters and drops down to 50meters. The site features a mix of hard and soft coral formations, overhangs and of course the famous green turtles.

219
Logs
181
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Mantigue Sanctuary

Mantigue Sanctuary is a protected area at Mantigue Island and a diver’s paradise, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the rich marine biodiversity of the Philippines. With its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear waters, this dive site promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.

438
Logs
285
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Burias Shoal

The offshore reef Burias Shoal is located about 15min boat ride from Mantigue Island. Due to the strong current which is observed in almost every dive this site is suitable for experienced divers only.

15
Logs
15
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
27.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Sunken Cemetery

The Sunken Cemetery is a dive site unlike any other, blending history, nature, and a touch of the mystical. Beneath the crystal-clear waters of Camiguin Island lies a submerged graveyard that once served as the final resting place for the island’s departed.

68
Logs
48
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ Iring Point

Iring Point is a sandy slope, reaching from the beach down to more than 30m. There are plenty of big coral blocks to be discovered. The site can be reached by shore dive or boat.

53
Logs
26
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Old Volcano Bay

Located near the Old Volcano in Camiguin, lies a mesmerizing dive site renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning topography. As you descend, you’ll encounter a gentle slope that gradually deepens from 2 to 30 meters, offering divers of all levels an exciting exploration.

83
Logs
32
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ House on the Rocks

Embark on an enchanting underwater journey at House on the Rocks, a dive site off the coast of Camiguin. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this underwater oasis, where the harmony of nature’s creations captivates divers of all levels.

39
Logs
27
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Old Volcano

Old Volcano offers a thrilling diving experience against the backdrop of a sharp volcanic cliff. This unique site begins at just 5 meters beneath the surface and then plunges dramatically to depths exceeding 60 meters.

237
Logs
122
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Tangub Hot Springs

Explore the unique underwater wonders of Tangub Hot Springs, nestled in the scenic waters around Camiguin’s old volcano. Descend onto a gentle slope adorned with volcanic rock formations cloaked in vibrant soft corals.

34
Logs
26
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Tangub Bay

Begin your underwater adventure at 5m on a sandy seabed, explore coral blocks, then descend to 25m into a thriving coral reef ecosystem.Perfect for Scuba Courses and divers who wish to have an easy and relaxed dive.

64
Logs
30
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Mindanao Island

From Cagayan De Oro, take trips to Agutayan Island and Camiguin Island, with stunning walls, pristine reefs, and remnants of lava trails from past volcanic eruptions. Davao City offers the chance for divers to enroll in introductory dive courses while island hopping around the tropical paradises of Talikudm, Ligid, and Samal. In eroded rock faces, caverns have formed and Japenese wrecks from WWII await. Surigao and Buluan Island boast flourishing coral reefs while General Santos claims the most outstanding wall dives in the country complimented by swift drifts at sites such as Tinoto Wall.

The best Months to dive in Mindanao Island

The region’s tropical climate ensures that Mindanao Island diving is possible year-round. March through to September are the best months for diving, as the seas are calm and the weather is mostly dry. From December until February, scuba diving in Mindanao Island is still possible but the weather is cooler and less predictable.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Gov. Generoso Diving Shop

Purok 1, Poblacion,, 8210 Davao Oriental, Mindanao - PHL

Ocean Tribe Siargao

Cloud 9, Brgy. Catangnan, 8419 Surigao del Norte, Mindanao - PHL

Santosidad Tour Services and Dive Center

Phase 1, El Rio Subd. F. S., 8000 Davao City, Mindanao - PHL

Coraya Divers Camiguin

Balai sa Baibai Resort, 9100 Camiguin, Mindanao - PHL

Opaw Diving Center

Playa Del Fuego, 9100 Camiguin, Mindanao - PHL