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Philippines
Seven thousand six hundred and forty-one islands. The Philippines is the world's second-largest archipelago by count, and the dive operators here have been doing this for a long time — prices are reasonable, infrastructure is solid, and the marine life is exceptional.
Malapascua is one of the only reliable places in the world to see thresher sharks. They come up to a shallow cleaning station at Monad Shoal at dawn. Grey, ghostly, with tails as long as their bodies, hovering motionless while cleaner wrasse pick parasites. No other experience in diving feels quite like it.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, in the middle of the Sulu Sea, is only reachable by liveaboard and only open March through June. It is the largest atoll in the Coral Triangle and the diving is genuinely pelagic — reef sharks in numbers, eagle rays in formations, schools of jack so thick they block out the light.
Anilao (south of Manila) is a muck-diving mecca rivalling Lembeh — every critter photographer eventually ends up here.
Apo Reef is one of the largest contiguous coral reef systems in Asia, far less known than Tubbataha, and well worth the effort to reach.
The selection.
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Frequently asked questions
Q01
When is the best time to dive in Philippines?
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When is the best time to dive in Philippines?
The best months for diving in Philippines are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. During this period water conditions, visibility, and marine life activity are typically at their peak.
Q02
What is the water temperature in Philippines?
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What is the water temperature in Philippines?
Water temperatures in Philippines range from 26°C to 30°C throughout the year. A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient during warmer months; consider a 5mm for cooler periods.
Q03
What visibility can I expect diving in Philippines?
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What visibility can I expect diving in Philippines?
Underwater visibility in Philippines typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, depending on season and dive site. Optimal visibility is generally achieved during the dry season.
Q04
What are the most famous dive sites in Philippines?
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What are the most famous dive sites in Philippines?
Some of the most iconic dive sites in Philippines include Monad Shoal (Malapascua), Tubbataha North Atoll, Apo Reef. Each offers a distinctive experience — from dramatic walls and wrecks to pelagic encounters and macro photography hotspots.
Q05
Where should I stay when diving in Philippines?
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Where should I stay when diving in Philippines?
We list curated dive resorts and accommodations near the best dive sites in Philippines. See the Resorts section above for our selected properties, or search Booking.com for a broader range of hotels.
Q06
Do I need a certification to dive in Philippines?
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Do I need a certification to dive in Philippines?
Most dive operators in Philippines require at least an Open Water certification (PADI, SSI, or equivalent). Advanced sites may require Advanced Open Water or specific experience levels. Discover Scuba Diving experiences are often available for beginners.
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