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Philippines

Divesites
360
Centers
112
Courses & Events
117
Wildlife
36
© iStock/danilovi

Explore Philippines

The Philippines, with its more than 7,000 islands, offers an unparalleled diving experience that captures the adventurous spirit of divers worldwide. Known for its vibrant marine biodiversity, the country is home to some of the world's most stunning coral reefs and diverse marine habitats. Dive enthusiasts can explore colorful coral gardens teeming with life, from playful clownfish to majestic sea turtles. With dive sites spread across the vast archipelago, the Philippines boasts an array of underwater landscapes, including steep drop-offs and fascinating wrecks that tell stories of their own. For those seeking variety in their diving adventures, the Philippines does not disappoint. Whether you prefer the convenience of shore diving along pristine beaches or the thrill of boat and liveaboard trips to remote sites, options abound. Regions like Palawan and Cebu offer unique experiences year-round, though the best conditions are typically from July to March. The country also features seasonal highlights, such as the spectacular sardine run in Moalboal. These natural wonders, combined with the rich cultural tapestry and the welcoming hospitality of the locals, make diving in the Philippines a truly unforgettable journey.

Power Plug Type
A, B, C
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DIS, JCB, Cir, Plus
Tipping
5–10% / Service Staff / Tipping is discretionary; service charges are often included, and additional tips are appreciated for good service.
Currency
PHP
Dial Code
+63
Electricity
220 V / 60 Hz
Time
UTC+8 (PST)

Places to explore

iStock-Sasithorn Phuapankasemsuk

Visayas

Explore VisayasThe Visayas are a group of islands located in the central Philippines. They consist o
Courses & Events
101
Divesites
230
Centers
77
iStock-R.M.-Nunes

Mimaropa

Explore MimaropaThe Mimaropa (also known as the Southwestern Tagalog Region) is an administrative re
Courses & Events
12
Divesites
68
Centers
20
Shutterstock/Shutterhooks

Mindanao

In the south of the Philippines lies Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island region.
Divesites
32
Centers
5

Batangas

Explore BatangasBatangas province lies on the island of Luzon. It is one of the most established are
Courses & Events
4
Divesites
17
Centers
7
Shutterstock/ARTYOORAN

Central Luzon

The region of Luzon is home to many world-famous diving destinations like Anilao, Puerto Galera and Subic Bay.
Divesites
7
iStock/onfilm

Bicol Region

Bicol is a region in the Philippines in the island group of Luzon. The main diving regions in Bicol are Donsol, Masbate and Ticao Island.
Divesites
5

Metro Manila

Explore ManilaThe city of Manila lies on the largest Filipino island of Luzon. As the Philippines ca
Centers
3

Courses and Events

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.
On request

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

11 February +42 More
EUR 287.42
PHP 20,000.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. 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 try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

11 February +42 More
EUR 287.42
PHP 20,000.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

11 February +42 More
EUR 172.45
PHP 12,000.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to start a lifetime of adventure as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience you need to be truly comfortable underwater. Get certified as an SSI Open Water Diver.

11 February +58 More
EUR 210.15
USD 250.00

Deep Diving

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty teaches everything you need to dive to depths between 18 meters and 40 meters through a mix of classroom sessions and open-water dives. You'll learn how to plan and safely complete deep diving adventures and get the most out of deep diving through computer and gas consumption calculations. Upon completion, you'll receive your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you want. This SSI Specialty is a prerequisite for some advanced training and is a step toward continuing your dive education.

11 February +36 More
EUR 252.18
USD 300.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. 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 try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

11 February +35 More
EUR 284.55
PHP 19,800.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to start a lifetime of adventure as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience you need to be truly comfortable underwater. Get certified as an SSI Open Water Diver.

11 February +61 More
EUR 168.12
USD 200.00

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You'll learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and practical techniques for performing rescues and providing first aid. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you'll be well prepared and confident in emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion of the course, you'll earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty rating.

11 February +71 More
EUR 420.30
USD 500.00

Dive Centers

BIGBOSS DIVE - CEBU, 빅보스다이브 세부점

DATAG MARIBAGO, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu - PHL

Atlas Divers Philippines, Inc.

Malapascua Island, Barrio Proper, 6013 Daanbantayan, Cebu - PHL

French Touch Diving Panglao

Bolod Purok 6, 6340 Panglao Island, Bohol - PHL

Divergems Diving Center

Malapascua Island, 6013 Daanbantayan, Cebu - PHL

DIVE NATION, DIVE NATION MALAPASCUA

Malapascua Island, Brgy Logon, 6013 Daan Bantayan, Cebu - PHL

50BAR SSI DIVING CENTER CEBU, 50BAR SSI DIVING CENTER

Kasinto Mactan, 6015 Lapu-Lapu, Cebu - PHL

LA TORTUE DIVE CENTER

Masaplod Norte, dauin, 6217 Dauin, Negros - PHL

NB Blue Dive Center, 노블레스 다이브 리조트 세부

Inside The Beach Park-Hadsan Agus Gamay,, 6015 Lapu-lapu, Cebu - PHL

Brother’s dive center, WHALE SHARK WATERSPORTS & SCUBA DIVING CORP.

Central Visayas, 6340 Panglao, Bohol - PHL

Valm Divers, Valm Divers Alona Beach

Pyramid Beach Resort, 6340 Panglao Island, Bohol - PHL

E&Z Diving Center

Marigondon Beach,, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu - PHL

Scuba Academy Manila, (+63) 9178926573

7805 Vistamar Building,, 1203 Makati City, Luzon - PHL

French Kiss Diver Coron, FKD Coron

lower bancuang Busuanga road, 5316 Palawan, Palawan - PHL

Dive Sites

Peter S. (#417559)

Kimud Shoal (★4.8)

After the tresher sharks disappeared from Monad Shoal for unknown reasons and moved to the Kimud Shoal, this is now one of the best dive sites in the world to see the rare and elusive tresher sharks. These sharks normally live in the deep but regularly come here for the cleaning stations at shallower depths.
Stephane C. (#3858207)

Coconut Point (★4.5)

A virtual washing machine experience awaits you at Coconut Point, an exciting dive site on the northern tip of Apo Island. The current can come at you literally from any side left, right, up, down & center. A sloping reef edging towards a rock wall. This site is best for experienced divers.
Aqualung

Black Forest (★4.5)

A steep slope that is considered one of the must see dive sites in the area. The huge forest of black coral is practically unseen in other places around the world.
Mares

AKITSUSHIMA (★4.6)

A seaplane tender built by the Japanese that could maintain, repair, and supply huge aircrafts in remote forward bases. This plane was part of the convoy the survived the attack in Manila Bay and then went on to Coron Bay for safety.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Delsan Wreck (★4.5)

Delsan is considered a top 50 dive destination on the planet. The reef top starts at 5 meters and gently slopes toward the edges of a wall to 23 meters where a crevasse plunging to 40 meters becomes a refuge from the raging current.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Philippines

The Philippines is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a paradise for divers. The country's coral reefs are teeming with vibrant fish species such as clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish, commonly seen in areas like Tubbataha Reefs and Apo Reef. These reefs offer year-round opportunities to observe these colorful marine creatures.

Seasonal highlights include sightings of whale sharks, particularly in Donsol and Oslob, from November to June. Sea turtles are also frequent visitors, with the Green and Hawksbill turtles often spotted around the beaches of Palawan and Moalboal. Additionally, manta rays are most commonly seen between December and May in places like Manta Bowl in Ticao Island, offering divers an exhilarating experience.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
15k Sightings
J
2k
F
1.4k
M
1.5k
A
1.3k
M
1.2k
J
973
J
1k
A
1.1k
S
758
O
965
N
1.5k
D
1.7k

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

Total number of species: 3

Alamy/imageBROKER

Thresher Shark
15k Sightings
J
2k
F
1.7k
M
1.9k
A
1.7k
M
1.3k
J
807
J
547
A
820
S
549
O
751
N
1.5k
D
1.6k

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

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
8.7k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
804
M
783
A
759
M
687
J
519
J
483
A
597
S
456
O
638
N
919
D
959

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

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
4.7k Sightings
J
428
F
411
M
431
A
502
M
501
J
270
J
237
A
347
S
257
O
347
N
461
D
460
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
3.8k Sightings
J
451
F
420
M
370
A
318
M
322
J
221
J
217
A
244
S
165
O
183
N
393
D
479

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

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
2.5k Sightings
J
304
F
234
M
203
A
327
M
210
J
176
J
146
A
182
S
76
O
132
N
271
D
262

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

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
1.6k Sightings
J
102
F
100
M
126
A
161
M
201
J
138
J
99
A
161
S
150
O
120
N
108
D
176

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

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
25k Sightings
J
2.9k
F
2.4k
M
2.2k
A
2.2k
M
2.1k
J
1.6k
J
1.5k
A
1.8k
S
1.4k
O
1.6k
N
2.5k
D
2.6k

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

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
14k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
1.4k
M
1.2k
A
1.1k
M
1.1k
J
799
J
765
A
942
S
824
O
925
N
1.4k
D
1.5k

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
11k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1k
M
870
A
886
M
1.1k
J
825
J
660
A
949
S
724
O
797
N
1.1k
D
1.2k
Show More

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

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
11k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1k
M
908
A
932
M
1k
J
821
J
702
A
875
S
712
O
842
N
1.1k
D
1.1k

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

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
10k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1k
M
928
A
958
M
906
J
674
J
537
A
755
S
622
O
592
N
1.1k
D
1.1k

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

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
8.3k Sightings
J
901
F
748
M
737
A
736
M
831
J
576
J
460
A
647
S
515
O
500
N
808
D
843

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

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
8.3k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
836
M
746
A
847
M
769
J
398
J
348
A
520
S
337
O
454
N
798
D
1.1k

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

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
7.9k Sightings
J
862
F
645
M
636
A
594
M
750
J
557
J
430
A
668
S
511
O
566
N
869
D
822

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
6.4k Sightings
J
625
F
495
M
494
A
596
M
706
J
533
J
360
A
591
S
435
O
409
N
609
D
551
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
6.4k Sightings
J
719
F
681
M
906
A
862
M
638
J
367
J
204
A
270
S
243
O
268
N
548
D
650

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

Total number of species: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach

Pipefish
5k Sightings
J
616
F
499
M
510
A
433
M
517
J
336
J
307
A
315
S
274
O
232
N
487
D
504

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

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
4.6k Sightings
J
502
F
300
M
376
A
381
M
399
J
356
J
293
A
436
S
292
O
318
N
534
D
459

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

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
4.4k Sightings
J
478
F
356
M
342
A
372
M
505
J
335
J
274
A
389
S
294
O
296
N
350
D
401

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

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
3.9k Sightings
J
500
F
341
M
380
A
324
M
241
J
273
J
204
A
338
S
238
O
247
N
457
D
338

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

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
3.8k Sightings
J
350
F
249
M
287
A
366
M
371
J
318
J
251
A
351
S
330
O
237
N
345
D
334

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

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
3.7k Sightings
J
462
F
396
M
361
A
315
M
265
J
199
J
126
A
276
S
159
O
207
N
455
D
471

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
3.5k Sightings
J
282
F
327
M
291
A
300
M
266
J
303
J
121
A
322
S
221
O
311
N
341
D
457
Alamy-WaterFrame

Common Seahorse
3.5k Sightings
J
351
F
389
M
398
A
450
M
380
J
169
J
136
A
208
S
176
O
165
N
334
D
378

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

Total number of species: 50

istock-atese

Frogfish
3.5k Sightings
J
449
F
395
M
340
A
283
M
335
J
207
J
234
A
212
S
146
O
229
N
403
D
293

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
3.5k Sightings
J
262
F
272
M
304
A
364
M
464
J
308
J
179
A
262
S
229
O
261
N
226
D
356

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

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
3.5k Sightings
J
274
F
231
M
246
A
260
M
437
J
288
J
219
A
356
S
275
O
295
N
287
D
301

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
2.2k Sightings
J
123
F
83
M
141
A
231
M
217
J
166
J
124
A
240
S
215
O
243
N
170
D
230

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

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
2.2k Sightings
J
125
F
127
M
215
A
214
M
292
J
180
J
86
A
195
S
172
O
181
N
171
D
213

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

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
2.1k Sightings
J
242
F
173
M
231
A
182
M
164
J
128
J
96
A
117
S
91
O
149
N
242
D
274

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

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
2.1k Sightings
J
183
F
120
M
144
A
166
M
163
J
202
J
95
A
277
S
172
O
224
N
161
D
177
AdobeStock-Richard Carey

Banded Sea Krait
2k Sightings
J
277
F
250
M
259
A
188
M
180
J
86
J
102
A
98
S
68
O
57
N
188
D
259

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
1.9k Sightings
J
126
F
121
M
117
A
185
M
244
J
213
J
62
A
236
S
193
O
183
N
99
D
170

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

Total number of species: 7

iStock-atese

Pygmy Seahorse
1.9k Sightings
J
217
F
191
M
239
A
279
M
240
J
129
J
118
A
117
S
53
O
77
N
123
D
126

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

Total number of species: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Cuttlefish
1.3k Sightings
J
147
F
159
M
73
A
116
M
100
J
73
J
54
A
85
S
53
O
53
N
147
D
208