Dive Destinations in Philippines
3 destinations, sorted by community rating
Tubbataha Reefs
4.8The crown jewel of the Philippines - only accessible by liveaboard, and worth every mile
Malapascua
4.5The only place in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks every morning
Anilao
4.4The nudibranch capital - over 800 species and a macro photographer's paradise
Top Destinations in Philippines: In Detail
What makes each dive destination in Philippines special, based on community ratings and our editorial research.
Tubbataha Reefs - 4.8/5
The crown jewel of the Philippines - only accessible by liveaboard, and worth every mile.
Rated 4.8/5 by the dive community, Tubbataha Reefs offers 35m visibility in 28°C water, with the best diving from Mar, Apr, May, Jun. Daily costs average $220. Signature dive sites include Amos Rock and Wall Street. Its intermediate difficulty profile and premium pricing tier make it a reliable pick for your Philippines itinerary.
Malapascua - 4.5/5
The only place in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks every morning.
Rated 4.5/5 by the dive community, Malapascua offers 20m visibility in 27°C water, with the best diving from Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec. Daily costs average $70. Signature dive sites include Monad Shoal and Gato Island. Its intermediate difficulty profile and budget pricing tier make it a reliable pick for your Philippines itinerary.
Anilao - 4.4/5
The nudibranch capital - over 800 species and a macro photographer's paradise.
Rated 4.4/5 by the dive community, Anilao offers 15m visibility in 28°C water, with the best diving from Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec. Daily costs average $60. Signature dive sites include Secret Bay and Twin Rocks. Its beginner difficulty profile and budget pricing tier make it a reliable pick for your Philippines itinerary.
Philippines Dive Destinations at a Glance
Quick comparison of visibility, temperature, cost, and best season across all 3 destinations.
| Destination | Rating | Visibility | Temp | Cost/day | Best months | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubbataha Reefs | 4.8/5 | 35m | 28°C | $220 | Mar, Apr, May, Jun | intermediate |
| Malapascua | 4.5/5 | 20m | 27°C | $70 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec | intermediate |
| Anilao | 4.4/5 | 15m | 28°C | $60 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec | beginner |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to dive in Philippines?
Most destinations in Philippines dive best between November and April, when seas are calmest and visibility peaks at around 23m. Exact windows vary by region - see the best-month column in the table below for each destination. Water temperatures average 28°C, so pack a 3mm wetsuit for the tropics or 5mm for temperate sites.
What certification do I need to dive in Philippines?
Diving in Philippines spans intermediate and beginner difficulty levels, so most divers with Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification will find suitable sites. Check the difficulty column on each destination card and confirm with operators before booking.
How much does diving cost in Philippines?
Daily costs range from $60 to $220, averaging $117 across 3 destinations. Budget travelers can dive Philippines for $70-120 per day with shore diving and guesthouses; mid-range trips run $120-200; premium liveaboards and resorts start at $250. Liveaboard safaris are available and offer the best cost-per-dive value.
What marine life will I see in Philippines?
Philippines is known for sharks, manta rays, turtles, coral reefs. Across 6+ named dive sites, divers can expect healthy reef systems, abundant pelagics, and year-round resident species. Night dives add a different dimension - many operators run them on request for photographers and adventure-seekers.
Plan Your Philippines Dive Trip
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