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.
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.
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.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
