Siquijor, in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, is an enchanting dive destination with a mystical allure. Known locally as the "Island of Fire" due to its enchanting fireflies, this small collection of islands offers an underwater experience that is both mesmerizing and diverse. Divers will find 23 dive sites that boast a variety of environments, including healthy coral reefs, deep walls, and fascinating swim-throughs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Siquijor accommodates all skill levels with its calm waters and select sites featuring strong currents for advanced exploration.
One of the highlights of diving in Siquijor is its excellent macro marine life, making it a paradise for underwater photographers and critter enthusiasts. Night diving here is particularly famed, offering an opportunity to spot unique nocturnal creatures that add an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Beyond the marine life, the island’s rich history and legends, including tales of witchcraft and sea-rising origins supported by fossil evidence, provide a captivating backdrop to your diving adventures. This combination of mystical charm and underwater beauty makes Siquijor a truly special dive destination.
Siquijor offers some exceptional diving, and it is mostly suitable for even beginner divers. The warm, clear waters make the islands perfect for dive courses and there are many dive shops to choose from. There are plenty of dive resorts as well, but dive and stay packages do tend to be more expensive. There is some variation in the dive shop prices and there are lots of differently priced accommodation available so a diving holiday on Siquijor can be catered to all budgets. There are not many liveaboards operating as all the dive sites are close to the islands.
There are reef dives which offer lots of healthy corals and reef life, including excellent macro - these are also brilliant night dives for those who like searching with the light of a torch-beam. There are deep, stunning walls that drop down as deep as 60m in the crystal waters. There are also plenty of swim throughs and caves to explore for the adventurous. Some of the dive sites such as Sunken Island are best suited to advanced divers due to the depth and the strength of the currents.
As much of Siquijor is a marine protected area, the diversity of corals and marine life is superb. The coral gardens feature both hard and soft corals - fans, sponges, whips, hydroids and leather corals cover the rocks. Colourful reef fish like butterflyfish and damselfish dance over the reef while the eagle eyed can spot the well camouflaged giant frogfish, nudibranch, ornate ghost pipefish and playful cuttlefish. Big schools of fish are commonplace - mackerel, fusiliers, jacks and glassfish. In deeper water, giant barracuda and blue spotted rays can be found along with turtles, eagle rays and reef sharks.
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: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Diving in Siquijor is possible all year round, but the best conditions are during the dry season between December and April. As a country, the Philippines experiences rain year-round, though Siquijor has less than some other islands. The rain is consistent between June and November, and the seas can sometimes be rough. As all the dive sites are close to the islands, this does not affect diving, but can make ferry crossings a little hairy. The water temperature is steady, between 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F all year round.
During the dry season, prices can be a little higher for resorts as this is the busiest time. Public holidays such as New Year and Chinese New Year are even busier, so bear these dates in mind when booking.
