Exceptional seabed
The Philippines' archipelagic configuration of over 7,000 islands, in the heart of the Southeast Asian seas, makes it a country rich in aquatic fauna and flora. The Mindanao Trench follows the west coast of the Philippines, reaching a depth of almost 10,500 m. The crystal-clear waters are home to 40,000 km2 of coral reefs, shelters of intense marine life. No fewer than 800 species of coral can be found here. However, this rich marine ecosystem is under threat from dynamite fishing and typhoons, among others. Increasingly, marine reserves are being created to protect and safeguard these riches. In addition to sponges, soft and hard corals, luminous plants and shellfish, there are some 3,000 species of fish. The country is known to be home to one of the world's greatest varieties of fish: groupers, scorpionfish, moray eels, seahorses, surgeonfish, giant napoleons, parrotfish, stonefish, manta rays, octopus, giant turtles and more. And among the large marine mammals, endangered dolphins, sharks, whale sharks and dugongs.
Hundreds of dream spots
Coron Bay is world-famous for its wreck diving. Many Japanese ships were sunk here during the Second World War. Barracuda Lake is another interesting site, with its amazing rock formations - and barracudas, of course!
The Bacuit archipelago, off the coast of El Nido, offers great options for divers. The drop-offs are numerous and adorned with colorful corals sheltering a dense fauna.
Tubbataha Reef, 160 km from Puerto Princesa, is recognized as the most beautiful diving site in the Philippines and has been classified by UNESCO. The waters are crystal-clear and the drop-offs impressive. Climatic conditions only allow us to visit for a short period (March-June), which means that the ecosystem is naturally preserved. Whale sharks and manta rays are not uncommon.
Apo Reef. Unesco-listed, Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest in the country. Nearly 400 species of fish, including sharks, manta rays and giant napoleons - one of the largest fish, which can reach 2 m in length and live for more than 30 years - and which, for the record, is one of those fish that change sex during its life, being born female before becoming, in some cases, male.
Puerto Galera, with its bays, islands and islets, has become a popular tourist destination for diving (Sabang beach). You'll come across many pelagic fish and turtles. The Verde Island pass is one of the most famous sites.
Mactan Island (or Lapu-Lapu, the island at Cebu airport) comprises a dozen resorts, each with its own diving center. Daily expeditions and safaris to Olango, Hilatagan, Balicasag, Cabilao, Apo, etc.
Malapascua, a small island to the far north of Cebu, has built its reputation on sightings of an endemic species of shark, the tresher shark . It's not uncommon to see the tresher shark on a morning dive while it's being cleaned.
Moalboal, on the island of Cebu, is increasingly recognized as a must-see spot, particularly for the experience of diving in the middle of a huge shoal of sardines.
Alona Beach, on Panglao Island (Bohol), is the departure point for the islands of Balicasag and Cabilao. Cabilao is renowned for its deep dives, with occasional sightings of the famous hammerhead sharks, barracudas and rays. As for Balicasag, it offers divers one of the most beautiful reefs in the Visayas.
Apo Island (between Dumaguete and Siquijor), as well as being a marvel of an authentic small island, is a marine sanctuary home to various species of shark, splendid coral and, above all, giant tortoises.
Formulas for all desires
Novices as well as experienced divers will find what they are looking for and will be taken care of by one of the many structures present on the spot. Diving is one of the most popular activities for tourists and is very well organized in the whole country. Moreover, the Philippines offer very attractive prices. A dive without equipment usually costs between 20 and 40 € (1,200 - 2,500 PHP), about 50 € (3,000 PHP) for a half-day dive with equipment, and between 300 and 600 € minimum for a full package over several days (18,000 - 35,000 PHP). On islands surrounded by diving sites, it is common to find hotels associated with diving centers that offer attractive packages. You can thus combine the discovery of an island, relaxation and diving. For those who want their stay to be totally oriented towards diving, safari cruises are organized over several days. Finally, international training structures such as PADI, SSI or NAUI are of course established in the Philippines, so if you wish to take your Open Water or obtain a certificate, go to their website to get the list of certified centers.
Safety and protection instructions
It's important to observe a few safety rules to avoid turning your dream vacation into an accident. First of all, there's always a time limit to be respected before and after an airplane flight, depending on the time spent underwater and the depth. To avoid decompression sickness, it's advisable to allow 12 hours before and after a flight for a no-decompression dive, and twice that for a decompression dive. This is due to the fact that, with pressure differences, dives increase the level of nitrogen in the blood, which is gradually eliminated from the body, but the pressurization of the aircraft cabin can increase this volume of gas, leading to accidents. Other tips include avoiding alcohol after diving, staying well hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun and getting plenty of rest.
Coral reefs and marine fauna are fragile and threatened, and must be preserved more than ever. As a diver, you need to adopt a responsible attitude: don't touch corals or animals (and certainly don't take any), and use a mineral filter sunscreen that is less harmful to the oceans. Now, all that's left to do is to enjoy yourself without risk to yourself or to nature!
