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Philippines

Divesites
398
Centers
123
Courses & Events
523
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 Visayas The Visayas are a group of islands located in the central Philippines. They consist

Courses & Events
389
Divesites
257
Centers
87
iStock-R.M.-Nunes

Mimaropa

Explore Mimaropa The Mimaropa (also known as the Southwestern Tagalog Region) is an administrative r
Courses & Events
64
Divesites
71
Centers
20
Shutterstock/Shutterhooks

Mindanao

In the south of the Philippines lies Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island region.
Courses & Events
53
Divesites
33
Centers
5

Batangas

Explore Batangas Batangas province lies on the island of Luzon. It is one of the most established ar
Courses & Events
16
Divesites
24
Centers
8
Shutterstock/ARTYOORAN

Central Luzon

The region of Luzon is home to many world-famous diving destinations like Anilao, Puerto Galera and Subic Bay.
Courses & Events
1
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 Manila The city of Manila lies on the largest Filipino island of Luzon. As the Philippines c
Centers
3

Courses and Events

Start Diving with SSI Basic Diver

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

31 March +326 More
€71.78
₱4,999.00

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.

31 March +23 More
€229.74
₱16,000.00

Try Scuba

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

31 March +305 More
€50.26
₱3,500.00

Scuba Skills Update

It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

31 March +305 More
€57.44
₱4,000.00

Basic Diver

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

31 March +306 More
€50.26
₱3,500.00

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.

31 March +275 More
€244.10
₱17,000.00

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.

31 March +275 More
€244.10
₱17,000.00

Dive Guide

The Dive Guide program is the first step on an exciting journey. Learn to safely lead certified divers in various environments and conditions. By giving dive briefings, doing site evaluations, and leading dives, you will become a confident Dive Guide in no time. Begin your diving career working as a Professional Dive Guide or continue the qualifications for Divemaster.

31 March +11 More
€574.36
₱40,000.00

Open Water Diver Course at Shark Island!

We are the #1 SSI Training Center in the Philippines for 2 years in a row! Malapascua has been rated the #2 dive location in the Philippines. 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. The training consists over 2 to 3 days and the cost is 17,999php and includes 2 free nights at our Guesthouse Villa Atlas in the dorm room with fan. Please contact us via WhatsApp +63 919 822 6330 or email atlasdiversinfo@gmail.com

31 March +326 More
€258.45
₱17,999.00

Dive Centers

Atlas Divers Philippines, Inc.

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

BIGBOSS DIVE - CEBU, 빅보스다이브 세부점

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

French Touch Diving Panglao

Bolod Purok 6, 6340 Panglao Island, Bohol - Philippines

DiverGems Diving Center

Malapascua Island, 6013 Daanbantayan, Cebu - Philippines

DiveGurus Boracay

Beachfront Boat Station 3, Brgy Manoc-Manoc,, 5608 Malay, Boracay - Philippines

DIVE NATION, DIVE NATION MALAPASCUA

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

French Kiss Divers Malapascua, French Kiss Divers Philippines

Malapascua Island, Legend, Bounty Beach,, 6013 Daanbantayan, Cebu - Philippines

LA TORTUE DIVE CENTER

Masaplod Norte, dauin, 6217 Dauin, Negros - Philippines

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

Kasinto Mactan, 6015 Lapu-Lapu, Cebu - Philippines

Malapascua Kairos Diver

Sitio Barrio, 6013 Daanbantayan, Cebu, Cebu - Philippines

NB Blue Dive Center, 노블레스 다이브 리조트 세부

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

Little Mermaid Dive Resort

Malapascua Island, 6013 Cebu, Cebu - Philippines

MTD Dive Shop

Malapascua Island, Logon, 6013 Daanbantayan, Cebu - Philippines

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

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
17k Sightings
J
2k
F
2.5k
M
2.7k
A
1.7k
M
1.3k
J
812
J
552
A
822
S
556
O
766
N
1.6k
D
1.7k
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
17k Sightings
J
2k
F
1.9k
M
2k
A
1.3k
M
1.2k
J
999
J
1.1k
A
1.1k
S
784
O
1k
N
1.6k
D
1.8k

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
9.8k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.2k
M
1.2k
A
779
M
715
J
561
J
513
A
651
S
496
O
684
N
962
D
1k

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
5k Sightings
J
438
F
545
M
575
A
513
M
513
J
282
J
245
A
354
S
261
O
359
N
462
D
476
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov

Hawksbill Turtle
4.2k Sightings
J
477
F
544
M
480
A
326
M
327
J
239
J
231
A
257
S
175
O
204
N
402
D
505

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
2.9k Sightings
J
312
F
298
M
380
A
334
M
229
J
200
J
150
A
196
S
91
O
150
N
275
D
273

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
1.8k Sightings
J
107
F
146
M
201
A
161
M
202
J
143
J
106
A
166
S
157
O
126
N
110
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
28k Sightings
J
3k
F
3.3k
M
3.2k
A
2.3k
M
2.2k
J
1.7k
J
1.6k
A
1.9k
S
1.5k
O
1.8k
N
2.6k
D
2.8k

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
16k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
1.9k
M
1.8k
A
1.1k
M
1.2k
J
858
J
828
A
1k
S
889
O
1k
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: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
13k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1.5k
M
1.4k
A
911
M
1.1k
J
886
J
726
A
1k
S
785
O
870
N
1.2k
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
13k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1.5k
M
1.4k
A
965
M
1k
J
875
J
754
A
915
S
768
O
911
N
1.2k
D
1.2k

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
12k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.5k
M
1.5k
A
1k
M
929
J
730
J
590
A
813
S
677
O
645
N
1.2k
D
1.2k

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
10k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.3k
M
1.3k
A
918
M
831
J
445
J
373
A
581
S
393
O
543
N
849
D
1.2k

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
9.3k Sightings
J
930
F
1k
M
1.1k
A
774
M
847
J
618
J
494
A
686
S
537
O
532
N
822
D
869

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
8.8k Sightings
J
890
F
895
M
997
A
620
M
770
J
594
J
472
A
713
S
539
O
602
N
888
D
854

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
7.2k Sightings
J
657
F
680
M
795
A
624
M
729
J
578
J
394
A
640
S
458
O
440
N
628
D
564
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
6.9k Sightings
J
733
F
902
M
1.2k
A
864
M
646
J
367
J
205
A
279
S
244
O
270
N
552
D
659

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
5.6k Sightings
J
632
F
702
M
708
A
440
M
528
J
351
J
334
A
317
S
292
O
234
N
497
D
520

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
5.2k Sightings
J
523
F
441
M
552
A
400
M
411
J
389
J
320
A
471
S
308
O
333
N
554
D
494

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
4.9k Sightings
J
494
F
504
M
524
A
388
M
518
J
365
J
294
A
424
S
309
O
322
N
357
D
416

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
4.4k Sightings
J
486
F
578
M
578
A
339
M
303
J
229
J
144
A
325
S
205
O
262
N
483
D
513

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
4.3k Sightings
J
520
F
493
M
530
A
333
M
251
J
283
J
213
A
349
S
262
O
264
N
464
D
344

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
4.2k Sightings
J
371
F
357
M
439
A
380
M
382
J
353
J
272
A
370
S
346
O
256
N
356
D
360
Alamy-WaterFrame

Common Seahorse
4.2k Sightings
J
377
F
550
M
627
A
485
M
409
J
190
J
147
A
223
S
206
O
194
N
371
D
410

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
4.1k Sightings
J
286
F
486
M
492
A
309
M
278
J
321
J
140
A
347
S
246
O
336
N
347
D
486

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
4.1k Sightings
J
478
F
507
M
530
A
297
M
359
J
236
J
253
A
234
S
166
O
259
N
420
D
334

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
3.9k Sightings
J
283
F
324
M
394
A
265
M
453
J
302
J
240
A
374
S
292
O
313
N
295
D
322

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
3.8k Sightings
J
275
F
351
M
467
A
367
M
472
J
313
J
182
A
269
S
233
O
274
N
229
D
381

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
2.6k Sightings
J
252
F
300
M
354
A
202
M
193
J
152
J
116
A
139
S
126
O
178
N
274
D
311

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
2.4k Sightings
J
134
F
146
M
211
A
238
M
219
J
179
J
141
A
259
S
222
O
255
N
178
D
237

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
2.4k Sightings
J
134
F
157
M
330
A
218
M
297
J
195
J
112
A
206
S
181
O
189
N
175
D
225

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
2.3k Sightings
J
191
F
206
M
235
A
170
M
168
J
205
J
106
A
285
S
177
O
228
N
159
D
180
AdobeStock-Richard Carey

Banded Sea Krait
2.2k Sightings
J
288
F
317
M
326
A
187
M
183
J
88
J
112
A
101
S
72
O
60
N
193
D
261

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
2.2k Sightings
J
124
F
176
M
189
A
188
M
257
J
223
J
68
A
252
S
203
O
201
N
99
D
177

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
2.1k Sightings
J
231
F
206
M
260
A
295
M
270
J
141
J
134
A
137
S
54
O
88
N
123
D
139

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
1.5k Sightings
J
154
F
211
M
143
A
138
M
100
J
84
J
59
A
98
S
78
O
65
N
153
D
254