Coral Triangle, Southeast Asia

Diving in the Philippines

The Philippines spans the richest marine biodiversity on the planet, with reported counts beyond 500 coral species and around 2,000 fish species. Beyond whale sharks it is known for muck diving around Dumaguete, wall and pelagic diving at Tubbataha Reef, and the world's most reliable daily thresher shark sightings at Malapascua. Diving runs year-round, though conditions and species vary sharply by region and season.

What you can see

Know before you go

Best season

November to May brings the calmest seas and best visibility, and overlaps whale shark season in both Donsol (peaking February–April) and Sogod Bay.

Conditions

Warm year-round, roughly 25–30°C, so a 3mm shorty or full suit is generally enough. Visibility varies widely by site and season, from about 5 to 45 meters, and is usually clearest November to May.

Getting there

Most travellers arrive via Manila (NAIA) or Cebu (Mactan-Cebu), then connect by domestic flight, ferry or van. Donsol is reached via Legazpi airport in Bicol and a road transfer; Southern Leyte via Cebu or Tacloban plus a ferry or land transfer to Sogod Bay.