Eastern Visayas
Eastern Visayas is a region that includes the islands of Leyte and Samar.
Explore Visayas
The Visayas are a group of islands located in the central Philippines. They consist of the main island groups of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros, Guimaras, Panay, Romblon, Samar and Leyte - with many small islands to explore in between. The Visayas are a disparate bunch, with each island offering a unique flavour.
Scuba diving in the Visayas has long been one of the most popular activities in the region. It is a well developed diving area too, with many different dive centres, dive resorts and liveaboards to choose from. There is a mix of easy and more challenging diving but there are plenty of easier reef dives for those wishing to undertake beginner dive courses and deeper ones for those wishing to continue their education.
Located in the coral triangle, the waters are rich and the species are diverse - some dive sites offer one of a kind animal encounters, like the near guaranteed sightings of thresher sharks off of Malapascua. Dramatic wall dives, huge bait balls of sardines off Pescador Island, vibrant coral gardens and some of the best muck diving in the world means that you will be sure to find your perfect dive.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in the Visayas
The Visayas region in the Philippines is a diver's paradise, boasting a variety of dive sites that cater to both novice and experienced divers. Malapascua Island is renowned for the unique experience of diving with thresher sharks. These elusive creatures can be seen year-round, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers. Nearby, Gato Island offers intriguing underwater tunnels and vibrant marine life, perfect for shore dives. Wreck enthusiasts will find the Dona Marilyn wreck near Malapascua fascinating. This sunken ferry provides a hauntingly beautiful site teeming with marine life. For those interested in night dives, Apo Island offers spectacular underwater vistas where divers can witness the mesmerizing behavior of nocturnal creatures. The Visayas offers a balance between shore diving and liveaboard adventures, allowing travelers to tailor their experiences to their preferences, making it an unforgettable destination for dive enthusiasts.
Top Wildlife Sightings in the Visayas
The Visayas, a central region in the Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant marine life, a major attraction for divers. The coral reefs are home to an abundance of reef fish, including colorful clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which are commonly seen across various dive sites. These species thrive in the warm, nutrient-rich waters that characterize the region. Seasonal highlights include the majestic whale shark, often spotted around the waters of Cebu, particularly in the town of Oslob, predominantly between November and May. Sea turtles, such as the green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle, are frequently encountered in areas like Apo Island, drawn by the rich feeding grounds. Divers may also have the chance to see manta rays around the waters of Tubbataha Reefs between March and June, when these graceful creatures are most prevalent. These seasonal spectacles, coupled with the diverse reef inhabitants, make the Visayas a compelling destination for marine enthusiasts year-round.
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
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
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
13k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
1.2k
M
1.2k
A
1k
M
934
J
784
J
876
A
936
S
643
O
851
N
1.3k
D
1.5k
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
6.8k Sightings
J
906
F
686
M
634
A
479
M
475
J
327
J
362
A
466
S
357
O
498
N
778
D
799
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
3.3k Sightings
J
347
F
329
M
267
A
259
M
322
J
184
J
153
A
300
S
222
O
265
N
360
D
332
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
2.8k Sightings
J
327
F
358
M
260
A
205
M
241
J
133
J
161
A
201
S
131
O
135
N
263
D
342
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
2.2k Sightings
J
278
F
214
M
185
A
281
M
184
J
143
J
114
A
152
S
63
O
112
N
241
D
251
Alamy/Fiona Ayerst
Tiger Shark
1k Sightings
J
109
F
113
M
143
A
168
M
88
J
71
J
50
A
55
S
39
O
53
N
74
D
73
iStock/Extreme Photographer
Whale Shark
1k Sightings
J
146
F
99
M
96
A
78
M
92
J
50
J
61
A
50
S
42
O
66
N
135
D
118
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
1k Sightings
J
60
F
80
M
42
A
34
M
95
J
81
J
53
A
134
S
111
O
93
N
87
D
151
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
20k Sightings
J
2.3k
F
2k
M
1.8k
A
1.6k
M
1.6k
J
1.2k
J
1.2k
A
1.5k
S
1.1k
O
1.3k
N
2.1k
D
2.1k
The best Months to dive in the Visayas
The Visayas region in the Philippines offers divers a year-round opportunity to explore its vibrant underwater landscapes. Water temperatures typically range between 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, providing comfortable conditions for diving throughout the year. Visibility can be excellent, often extending up to 30 meters/98 feet, though it can vary with seasonal weather changes.
Weather factors such as monsoons affect diving conditions. The northeast monsoon (Amihan) from November to April can bring stronger winds and affect visibility, while the southwest monsoon (Habagat) from May to October generally brings calmer seas and better visibility. While diving is possible all year, the period from June to September is considered less favorable due to increased rain and occasional typhoons, potentially affecting water clarity and safety for divers.
