Have you heard about scuba diving in the Philippines but wondering what all the hype is about? With so many other options around the world- why should you choose to scuba dive in the Philippines for your next vacation?

Well as a couple of divers who have travelled to some of the best diving spots, we can certainly tell you that there are many reasons why the Philippines has become one of the top diving destinations in the world!

Let’s take a closer look at why the Philippines is so special…

Where Is the Philippines?

The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and is made up of thousands of islands, with a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometres (115,831 square miles).

The Philippines is located to the east of mainland Southeast Asia, with its closest neighbours being Taiwan to the north and various countries in Southeast Asia to the west, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is also relatively close to the eastern coast of China. The capital city of the Philippines is Manila, which is situated on the island of Luzon, one of the country’s largest islands.

The Philippines is nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle – a region in the western Pacific Ocean known for its exceptional marine biodiversity.

What Is the Coral Triangle?

The Coral Triangle is often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas.” It is a geographical area that encompasses parts of six countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste (East Timor).

The Coral Triangle is particularly famous for its diverse and rich coral reef ecosystems, which support an extraordinary variety of marine life, including many species of fish, coral, molluscs, and other invertebrates. This region is considered the global epicentre of marine biodiversity and is home to over 75% of all known coral species and about 40% of the world’s reef fish species.

Several factors contribute to the exceptional biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, including its warm waters, unique oceanographic conditions, and the presence of multiple coral reef systems. The region’s reefs are critical for the global marine ecosystem and play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of local communities through fishing and tourism.

Conservation efforts in the Coral Triangle are essential due to the ecological importance of the region. The high biodiversity and productivity of the Coral Triangle’s marine ecosystems make it a priority for marine conservation and management to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of these ecosystems in the face of various environmental challenges, such as climate change and overfishing.

The Top 10 Reasons to Scuba Dive in the Philippines

The Philippines is a fantastic destination for scuba diving, offering a wealth of underwater beauty and experiences. Here are the top 10 reasons to scuba dive in the Philippines:

1. Breathtaking Marine Biodiversity

The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, which is known as the world’s epicentre of marine biodiversity. You can encounter an incredible variety of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, hundreds of fish species, turtles, nudibranchs, cephalopods, sharks, dugongs and even the elusive whale shark.

2. World-Class Dive Sites

The Philippines boasts some of the world’s best dive sites, like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Apo Reef, and the Visayas region offering pristine conditions, stunning visibility of 30m+, and an array of dive environments, from walls to wrecks. Divers travel from all over the world just to visit certain dive sites to spot unique and rare critters.

3. Warm Tropical Waters

The Philippines offers warm water temperatures of 26 – 31°C year round, making it a great destination for divers who prefer comfortable water temperatures without the need for thick wetsuits. A 3mm wetsuit or rash guard and shorts will do just fine! The visibility in most regions remains 20-30m+ all year round too.

4. Macro Photography Opportunities

If you’re a fan of macro photography, the Philippines is a paradise. It’s home to a wide variety of tiny and colourful critters, such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, baby frogfish, and ghost pipefish. Local dive guides are very skilled in the art of finding tiny critters for you to photograph and will even assist you with your camera gear and lighting.

5. Affordable Diving

Scuba diving in the Philippines is relatively affordable, with a wide range of dive shops and accommodations to suit various budgets. The average cost of a fun dive is around 1700Php which is around $30US, $24, €28 including hire kit, guide and post-dive refreshments!

6. Diverse Dive Environments

The Philippines offers diverse dive environments, including muck diving, wall diving, drift diving, piers, and night diving. The coastal and offshore coral reefs will rival that of the Great Barrier Reef and the schools of Barracuda and Giant Trevally with blow you away! You can experience many different underwater landscapes in a single trip.

7. Friendly Locals

Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. As lovers of the sea themselves, this extends especially to the diving community, where you’ll find helpful and welcoming dive operators and fellow divers. The local fisherman will wave as you pass on the dive boat and local guides are always happy to show you the best spots.

8. Pristine and Uncrowded Dive Sites

Unlike some of the busier diving destinations around the world- many dive sites in the Philippines remain uncrowded and relatively pristine in comparison. You can often enjoy serene and untouched underwater landscapes often with only one or two dive operators in the water at a time.

9. Unique Underwater Cave Systems

If you’re into cave diving, you can explore captivating underwater cave systems around the country. Made from coral limestone, many of the Philippine islands have complex networks of caves running from inland jungle all the way to the sea. These cave systems provide a unique diving experience for the experienced and qualified looking for a new challenge.

10. Spectacular Wrecks

The Philippines has several fascinating wreck dive sites, most notably in Coron, where you can explore Japanese warships sunk during World War II. These wrecks have become artificial reefs, teeming with marine life. Perfect for the advanced diver who wants to wreck dive in warm clear waters.

Discover the Philippines As Your Next Diving Destination

So if you’re seeking your next ultimate diving adventure, look no further than the Philippines, a tropical paradise boasting some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater wonders.

With pristine coral reefs, dazzling marine life, and a diverse range of dive environments, this archipelago is a dream come true for scuba enthusiasts. From the hidden gems of Siquijor to the vibrant coral gardens of Apo Island, the Philippines offers a scuba experience like no other.

To start planning your unforgettable dive trip, or if you have any questions about this stunning destination, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Bahura Dive Siquijor. We’re here to help you discover the magic of scuba diving in Siquijor and the Philippines and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your gear, book your flights, and let the underwater adventures begin!

Remember to dive responsibly and support local conservation efforts to help preserve the Philippines’ extraordinary marine environment for future generations.