Cebu
Cebu is a large island located in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is an up and coming isla
Explore Central Visayas
Central Visayas, a gem in the heart of the Philippines, offers an unparalleled diving experience marked by its rich marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. This region, part of the Visayas island group, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing wrecks that cater to divers of all levels. The islands of Bohol, Cebu, and Negros, among others, serve as gateways to crystal-clear waters teeming with life. Here, divers can encounter everything from graceful whale sharks and playful dolphins to a kaleidoscope of tropical fish darting through technicolor corals. Diving in Central Visayas is a treat for both shore and boat divers, with many sites easily accessible from the coast. However, the true essence of diving here is best captured aboard traditional Philippine Banka boats or through liveaboard adventures that offer a unique perspective on the region's aquatic wonders. The Visayas' strategic location, with convenient airport and ferry connections, makes it a seamless dive destination. Seasonal highlights include the stunning sardine run off Cebu and the migratory patterns of thresher sharks near Malapascua Island, providing divers with exciting opportunities to witness extraordinary marine phenomena. Whether you're exploring vibrant reefs or delving into historical wrecks, Central Visayas promises a dive journey rich in discovery and awe.
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Dive Activity
Diving in Central Visayas
Central Visayas is a diver's paradise, offering a mix of thrilling wreck dives and serene shore dives. Among its highlights is the "MV San Juan" wreck off Liloan, Cebu, inviting divers to explore its fascinating submerged history. For those preferring shore dives, Dauin on Negros Oriental provides easy access to vibrant coral gardens and unique critters like the flamboyant cuttlefish, perfect for macro photography enthusiasts.
Night diving in Moalboal, Cebu, reveals a different world where the famous sardine run takes a nocturnal twist, attracting larger predators for riveting underwater spectacles. The region caters to all preferences with options for both shore and liveaboard diving, ensuring easy access to its underwater treasures, whether you prefer the flexibility of shore entries or the extended range of liveaboard excursions.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Central Visayas
Central Visayas, a region in the Philippines, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a prime destination for divers. Among the vibrant coral reefs, one can typically encounter a variety of reef fish such as clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These species are common year-round, providing a colorful spectacle for underwater enthusiasts. Seasonal highlights include sightings of whale sharks, especially around the waters of Oslob during the months of November to May. Green sea turtles are also frequently spotted in areas like Balicasag Island, where they come to feed and nest. Mobula rays, another attraction during certain months, can be seen gliding through the waters of Moalboal, adding to the diverse marine life encounters in the region.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
14k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
1.6k
M
1.6k
A
1.4k
M
930
J
776
J
867
A
931
S
619
O
842
N
1.4k
D
1.4k
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
6.9k Sightings
J
781
F
847
M
866
A
614
M
442
J
314
J
346
A
397
S
337
O
471
N
704
D
737
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
2.8k Sightings
J
322
F
425
M
324
A
216
M
222
J
124
J
146
A
194
S
119
O
126
N
251
D
341
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3
Alamy/imageBROKER
Thresher Shark
2.8k Sightings
J
274
F
366
M
449
A
371
M
223
J
132
J
93
A
186
S
91
O
97
N
250
D
245
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
2.7k Sightings
J
263
F
329
M
262
A
203
M
268
J
139
J
128
A
196
S
172
O
189
N
270
D
257
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
1.3k Sightings
J
141
F
77
M
153
A
185
M
96
J
86
J
60
A
112
S
46
O
56
N
138
D
140
iStock/Extreme Photographer
Whale Shark
1.1k Sightings
J
146
F
131
M
134
A
101
M
92
J
50
J
62
A
50
S
42
O
70
N
133
D
120
Alamy/Fiona Ayerst
Tiger Shark
1.1k Sightings
J
97
F
144
M
191
A
180
M
72
J
72
J
50
A
55
S
39
O
53
N
74
D
73
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
20k Sightings
J
2.1k
F
2.4k
M
2.3k
A
2k
M
1.5k
J
1.1k
J
1.1k
A
1.3k
S
1.1k
O
1.2k
N
1.9k
D
1.9k
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
10k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.2k
M
1.1k
A
856
M
778
J
548
J
574
A
634
S
619
O
597
N
1k
D
1.1k
The best Months to dive in Central Visayas
Central Visayas offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures typically ranging from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F. Visibility is generally good, often reaching up to 30 meters/98 feet, making it a diver's paradise. The region experiences two main seasons: the dry season from November to May and the wet season from June to October. The dry season generally provides the best diving conditions with calm seas and minimal wind.
While diving is possible throughout the year, the wet season may bring occasional heavy rains and stronger currents, particularly in July and August, potentially affecting visibility and safety. Divers are advised to check local weather conditions and forecasts before planning their underwater adventures. Overall, Central Visayas remains a top diving destination, offering diverse marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes regardless of the season.
