Explore Pandan Island

Pandan Island, nestled off the west coast of Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines, offers an idyllic diving experience for enthusiasts eager to explore vibrant marine life and dynamic underwater landscapes. The island, mostly untouched save for a quaint resort and dive center founded by a daring French adventurer in 1986, serves as a gateway to an underwater paradise. Divers can explore shallow coral gardens that brim with colorful fish, providing a gentle introduction to the region's aquatic wonders for beginners. However, the real thrill lies in the more challenging sites surrounding the island, tailored for seasoned divers seeking adventure. The northern side of Pandan Island features exhilarating deep drop-offs, where the ocean floor seemingly vanishes into the abyss, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Here, encounters with diverse marine species, from majestic manta rays to elusive reef sharks, make every dive memorable. Pandan Island's unique blend of serene beauty and thrilling dive environments makes it a standout destination for divers worldwide.

Upcoming Events

    • Try Scuba

    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.

    Mariposa Diving@Pandan Island, Pandan Island Dive Resort, 5104, Sablayan, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026
    $56.89
    ₱3,500.00
    Open Water Diver

    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.

    Mariposa Diving@Pandan Island, Pandan Island Dive Resort, 5104, Sablayan, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026
    $349.48
    ₱21,500.00
    Find Courses & Events

    Dive Activity

    Diving in Pandan Island

    Pandan Island offers an array of exceptional dive sites that cater to both novice and experienced divers. One of the highlights is "Japanese Wreck," a fascinating wreck dive where divers can explore a sunken Japanese vessel adorned with vibrant coral and teeming with diverse marine life. For those interested in unique underwater experiences, night dives reveal nocturnal marine creatures and bioluminescent plankton, offering a magical underwater spectacle. Shore dives around Pandan Island are equally captivating, with easy access to colorful coral gardens and an abundance of fish species. Popular spots like "Neptune’s Wall" provide thrilling encounters with moray eels and turtles. The island offers a balanced diving experience, with options for both shore and liveaboard diving, allowing divers to explore nearby remote sites and enjoy the island's beauty at their own pace.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Pandan Island

    Pandan Island, located in the Philippines, offers divers a vibrant marine ecosystem. Common reef fish such as parrotfish, clownfish, and angelfish are abundant year-round, providing a colorful backdrop for underwater exploration. The island's reefs are teeming with life, making it an ideal spot for observing the dynamics of a healthy coral environment.

    Seasonal highlights include sightings of blacktip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles, typically more frequent during the dry season from November to May. Manta rays may also be encountered, although they are less common and usually spotted in deeper areas. Divers are advised to explore various dive sites around the island to increase their chances of encountering these majestic creatures, particularly during known migratory periods.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    122 Sightings
    J
    30
    F
    21
    M
    12
    A
    12
    M
    5
    J
    6
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    9
    D
    23

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

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    47 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    6
    M
    3
    A
    6
    M
    3
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    12

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

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    45 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    9
    M
    7
    A
    5
    M
    5
    J
    3
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    21 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    3
    M
    3
    A
    3
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    5

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

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    11 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    1
    M
    2
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    95 Sightings
    J
    20
    F
    10
    M
    15
    A
    9
    M
    3
    J
    6
    J
    1
    A
    5
    S
    1
    O
    1
    N
    5
    D
    19

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    68 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    10
    M
    11
    A
    8
    M
    3
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    4
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    5
    D
    8

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

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    61 Sightings
    J
    13
    F
    8
    M
    6
    A
    10
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    2
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    13

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

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    58 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    5
    M
    11
    A
    11
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    4
    S
    0
    O
    0
    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.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    56 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    7
    M
    11
    A
    10
    M
    1
    J
    4
    J
    2
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    4
    Show More

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

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    54 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    9
    M
    11
    A
    6
    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    3
    D
    7

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

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    52 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    11
    M
    6
    A
    6
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    3

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

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    48 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    5
    M
    2
    A
    8
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    3
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    15

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    45 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    0
    M
    8
    A
    8
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    1
    A
    5
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    6
    D
    5

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

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    40 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    8
    M
    4
    A
    8
    M
    3
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    5
    S
    0
    O
    0
    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.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    34 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    3
    M
    5
    A
    4
    M
    0
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    5
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    7

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    32 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    3
    M
    2
    A
    6
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    4
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    28 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    5
    M
    2
    A
    7
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    3

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    27 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    5
    A
    5
    M
    3
    J
    3
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    4

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

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    24 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    2
    M
    4
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    5

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

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Cuttlefish

    Cuttlefish
    20 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    8
    AdobeStock-Richard Carey
    Banded Sea Krait

    Banded Sea Krait
    18 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    4
    M
    1
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    5

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

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    17 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    5
    M
    2
    A
    7
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    13 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    3
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    3

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

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    12 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    3
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

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

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    11 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    11 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    2
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Shutterstock-s_a_j
    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel
    10 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    4

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

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    10 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
    Tuna

    Tuna
    9 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    3
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    8 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    4
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The best Months to dive in Pandan Island

    Pandan Island offers divers year-round opportunities to explore its vibrant marine life. Water temperatures typically range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, providing comfortable conditions throughout the year. Visibility is generally good, often reaching 20 meters/66 feet, although it can decrease slightly during the rainy season.

    Diving is possible all year, but the best conditions are from December to May when the weather is drier and the seas are calmer. June to November sees more rain and occasional strong winds, which can affect visibility and water currents, making these months slightly less favorable for diving.

    Dive Centers

    Mariposa Diving@Pandan Island

    Mariposa Diving@Pandan Island

    Pandan Island Dive Resort, 5104 Sablayan, Mindoro - Philippines

    Dive Sites

    Aqualung
    Corner <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Corner (★4.6)

    This dive site on the SW-side of Pandan Island consists of a steep slope with occasional big rocks and canyons that offer shelter to a wide array of reef fishes and attract predators such as mackerels and trevallys. There is a variation of different corals and big sea fans up to 2 meters diameter to be found.
    Mares
    House Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    House Reef (★4.4)

    Depths 2 – 18m. Ideal for beginners, courses or a warm-up dive. No current ever. Still, a wide variety of coral fish can be seen. Nearby ‘Lion fish den’ consists of a group of corals & rocks.
    Mares
    Anchor <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Anchor (★4.5)

    On an underwater hill at a depth of 32 m, completely overgrown by corals, a huge anchor has come to rest here at least 50 years ago. During the right time of the month, currents can be quite strong.
    Aqualung
    Neptunes Land <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Neptunes Land (★4.6)

    This dive site is a flat plateau connecting Napoleon Wall and the Coral Garden east. As the name indicates, Neptune cups to a considerable size can be found. Also turtles seem to favor this site.
    Mares
    Coral Garden East <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Coral Garden East (★4.6)

    This is an easy but beautiful dive. In a lively garden of mainly hard corals with patches of sand in between, all kinds of marine life can be observed at this beautiful spot.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Coral Garden West <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Coral Garden West (★4.6)

    Easy but beautiful dive. In a lively garden of mainly hard corals with patches of sand in between all kinds of marine life can be observed at this spot.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Napoleon Corner <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Napoleon Corner (★4.5)

    At the end of the Napoleon Wall a rocky outcrop forms the Napoleon corner. Exposed to the current this divesite ranges from 30 to 45 meter and is exposed to the currents.
    Scubapro
    Trevally Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★5.0)</span>

    Trevally Rock (★5.0)

    A group of outlying rocks at around 40 meters depth that is home to big schools of trevally. The big gorgonian fans are another attraction of this spot.
    Scubapro
    Barracuda Deep <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.9)</span>

    Barracuda Deep (★4.9)

    Probably the most advanced dive around the island. The whole wall is overgrown with hard and soft corals and the gorgonians reach a considerable size.
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    North Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    North Wall (★4.5)

    A sheer drop from about 7 - 35 m makes this an interesting dive site. Although not as many fish are seen as in other parts of the island, the overhanging corals create a very special atmosphere.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Napoleon Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Napoleon Wall (★4.6)

    At the deeper end of Neptune’s Land, there is a small wall with a depth ranging from 28 to 38 meters that is a popular gathering place for schools of snappers, rainbowrunners, and occasionally, napoleon wrasse.