Explore Panay Island
Diving in Panay offers an extraordinary underwater adventure that caters to all levels of divers, from beginners to the most advanced. This sixth-largest island in the Philippines is renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning hard corals, attracting photographers from around the globe eager to capture its underwater beauty. The island's unique volcanic activity has crafted spectacular dive sites, easily accessible just minutes from the shore, adding an element of adventure and discovery to every dive.
Explorers can immerse themselves in the island's diverse dive environments, which include colorful reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing wrecks. The dive walls, plunging from 3 to 30 meters (10 to 33 feet), offer thrilling experiences for those seeking depth and spectacle. Whether diving from the shore, embarking on a boat dive, or joining a liveaboard, divers can enjoy encounters with a variety of marine life that make every dive memorable. Seasonal changes bring different species and conditions, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh experience, making Panay a perennial favorite among diving enthusiasts.
Dive Activity
Diving in Panay Island
Panay Island, part of the Philippines’ Visayas region, offers diverse diving experiences for enthusiasts. Notable dive sites include "Yapak" in Boracay, renowned for its challenging drift dives and rich marine life, including barracudas and tuna. Wreck divers will find the "Iloilo Wreck" particularly captivating, providing a glimpse into history beneath the waves.
Shore dives are popular around Anini-y, where clear waters reveal vibrant coral gardens. For a unique experience, night dives in the area showcase the mesmerizing nocturnal behaviors of marine life, such as bioluminescent plankton. Both shore and liveaboard options are available, allowing divers to enjoy a balanced mix of easy access and remote dive exploration.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Panay Island
Panay, part of the Philippines, offers a rich marine life experience for divers. The region is adorned with vibrant coral reefs that host an array of common reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. These species are frequently encountered in the shallow waters, enhancing the colorful underwater scenery. Seasonal highlights for divers include sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, particularly around the months of March to May. Turtles, including the green sea turtle, are also a regular sighting, especially in protected marine sanctuaries. These marine creatures are more likely to be encountered in specific locations like the coastal areas of Antique and Aklan province, offering thrilling experiences for both novice and experienced divers.
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: 27
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Hawksbill Turtle
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Total number of species: 90
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Angelfish
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Total number of species: 130
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Butterfly Fish
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Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
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Total number of species: 250
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Grouper/Basslets
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Total number of species: 100
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Parrotfish
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Total number of species: 130
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Pufferfish
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Total number of species: 3400
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Shrimp
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Total number of species: 7000
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Crab
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The best Months to dive in Panay Island
Panay offers favorable diving conditions throughout the year, with a tropical climate that supports diverse marine life. Water temperatures generally range from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility is typically excellent, varying from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, depending on the season and specific dive site. Diving is possible year-round; however, the monsoon season from June to November can bring stronger winds and currents, which may affect dive conditions and visibility. The best time for diving is during the dry season, from December to May, when the seas are calmer, ensuring clearer waters and more predictable diving experiences.
