Diving Holidays in the Philippines

From Tubbataha’s Coral Walls to Malapascua’s Thresher Sharks – Discover the Philippines’ Top Dive Experiences

Diving Holidays in the Philippines – Explore Southeast Asia’s Underwater Treasures

Whether you’re looking to dive with thresher sharks, photograph the sardine run, or just unwind on warm coral reefs, the Philippines is one of the world’s most diverse and rewarding diving holiday destinations. From the vibrant reefs of Puerto Galera to the critter-rich shores of Dumaguete and the remote atolls of Tubbataha, diving the Philippines offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, variety, and year-round marine life.

Thinking of diving the Philippines? Here’s what to expect…

With warm water, exceptional biodiversity, and friendly local dive crews, the Philippines is a dream destination for divers of all levels. Whether you’re planning your first tropical dive trip or returning for more, you’ll find spectacular reefs, iconic marine encounters, and welcoming resorts.

Choose from world-famous hotspots like Malapascua for thresher sharks, Moalboal’s sardine run, and Apo Reef’s towering coral walls, or venture offshore on a liveaboard expedition to Tubbataha Reef – accessible only by boat for part of the year. If you’re learning to dive, you’ll find excellent PADI courses and relaxed shore diving. More experienced divers can explore wrecks, drift sites, and big-animal encounters across the archipelago.

Above the surface, you’ll discover warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning island scenery—making the Philippines a perfect all-round destination for divers and non-diving companions alike.

Quick Links: Where to Dive | Diving Available | Travel Guide | Weather | Explore Trips

Diving Holidays in the Philippines

Philippines Diving Holidays are perfect for…

Incredible Marine Biodiversity
From tiny pygmy seahorses to whale sharks and manta rays, the Philippines is home to over 2,000 fish species and 500 coral types.

Year-Round Warm Water
With sea temperatures between 26-30°C, you can dive comfortably in every season.

Learning To Dive in Paradise
Warm, calm seas and experienced instructors make the Philippines an ideal place to earn your PADI or SSI certification.

Liveaboard Dive Expeditions
Experience the ultimate adventure exploring remote reefs like Tubbataha—reachable only by liveaboard during the short diving season.

DO YOU WANT TO DIVE RIGHT IN? Explore our Philippines Diving Trips

Where to Dive: The Philippines’ Best Diving Regions

From critter havens to pelagic hotspots, the Philippines offers unforgettable dive sites for every skill level. Whether you prefer a relaxed shore-based holiday or an offshore liveaboard, you’ll find a destination that suits your style.

Explore the highlights of Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, Tubbataha Reef, and other legendary dive areas—each offering something unique beneath the surface.

Puerto Galera

Varied reef diving, macro photography, short breaks

Dumaguete

Critter spotting, relaxed resorts, reef & muck diving

Tubbataha Reef

Big fish, pristine reefs, advanced divers

Malapascua

Big fish encounters, relaxed island stays, macro diving

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is one of Asia’s most accessible and varied dive destinations, just a few hours from Manila. With dozens of dive sites minutes from shore, it’s perfect for all levels. Expect vibrant reefs, walls, drift dives, and famous muck diving spots.

Perfect for: Varied reef diving, macro photography, short breaks
Top sites: Canyons, Verde Island, Sabang Wrecks

View diving trips in Puerto Galera

Dumaguete

Dumaguete is a macro lover’s paradise. Along the Dauin coast, you’ll find world-class muck diving with frogfish, ghost pipefish, and seahorses. Day trips to Apo Island offer stunning coral gardens and turtles in abundance.

Perfect for: Critter spotting, relaxed resorts, reef & muck diving
Top sites: Apo Island, Masaplod, Mainit Hot Springs

View diving trips in Dumaguete

Tubbataha Reef Liveaboard

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and often ranked among the top 10 dive destinations in the world, Tubbataha is only accessible by liveaboard between March and June. Expect clear water, towering walls, massive schools of fish, and encounters with sharks and manta rays.

Perfect for: Big fish, pristine reefs, advanced divers
Top sites: North Atoll, South Atoll, Jessie Beazley Reef

View liveaboard trips to Tubbataha Reef

Malapascua

Malapascua is legendary among divers for its daily encounters with thresher sharks rising from the deep to visit Monad Shoal cleaning stations. Located off the northern tip of Cebu, it’s also home to vibrant reefs, macro life, and relaxed island vibes.

Perfect for: Big fish encounters, relaxed island stays, macro diving
Top sites: Monad Shoal, Gato Island, Lighthouse Reef

What Type of Diving is Available in the Philippines?

Scuba diving (all levels)
Liveaboards (multi-day expeditions)
Snorkelling
Freediving

Wreck diving
Macro & muck diving
PADI & SSI courses

Marine & Underwater highlights

Common sightings

Turtles
Reef sharks
Schooling jacks
Barracuda

Seasonal

Thresher sharks (Malapascua)
Whale sharks (Donsol, Leyte)
Manta rays (Tubbataha, Manta Bowl)
Sardine run (Moalboal)

Your Philippines Travel Guide

Quick Facts for Travelling to the Philippines

Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Time difference: GMT+8
Flight time: ~14-16 hours from UK (with stopover)
Airports: Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), Dumaguete (DGT)
Visa: 30-day visa-free entry for many nationalities
Religion: Predominantly Christian
Language: English widely spoken

Food & Drink in the Philippines

Dining Style:
Diving resorts typically offer a mix of buffet-style and à la carte meals blending Filipino and international dishes.
Local Specialities:
- Adobo – savoury chicken or pork stew
- Sinigang – tangy tamarind soup with vegetables and meat
- Kinilaw – Filipino-style ceviche made with fresh fish, lime, and chilli
Western Options:
Resorts and liveaboards also serve pasta, salads, grilled meats, and familiar favourites for international guests.
Vegetarian & Special Diets:
- Vegetarian and vegan diets are well catered for at most dive resorts.
- Gluten-free and allergy-specific meals are usually available with advance notice.
Alcohol:
Widely available at resorts, liveaboards, and tourist restaurants, though not always served in small local eateries or during certain holidays.

Is the Philippines Safe for Divers & Travellers

General Safety:
The Philippines is considered safe and welcoming, especially in established dive destinations like Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan.
Dive Operations:
- Well-regulated with experienced guides and thorough safety briefings.
- Access to recompression facilities in key areas, including Manila and Cebu
Diving Conditions:

Conditions vary by site, from calm reefs suitable for beginners to deeper pinnacles and drift dives for experienced divers.
Cultural Considerations:
- Modest dress is appreciated in towns and villages.
- Western swimwear is perfectly acceptable at resorts, beaches, and on dive boats.

FAQs

Can I learn to dive in the Philippines?

Yes – whether you’re a total beginner or looking to continue your education, the Philippines is an excellent place to learn, thanks to our friendly instructors, relaxed conditions, and abundant marine life. We can arrange PADI or SSI courses in the Philippines so why not complete your Open Water, Advanced or Rescue whilst in the Philippines.

What is the best time to dive Tubbataha Reef?

The Tubbataha diving season runs from March to June, when the seas are calm and visibility can exceed 30 metres. Outside of these months, the marine park is closed to visitors to protect the reef. If you’re planning a Tubbataha liveaboard trip, it’s best to book well in advance, as spaces fill quickly.

What wetsuit do I need?

Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm full wetsuit throughout the year, as water temperatures range from 26-30°C (79-86°F). If you feel the cold easily or plan to do multiple dives per day, consider bringing a 5mm suit or an extra vest for added warmth.

Do I need dive insurance?

It’s strongly recommended. Most liveaboards and dive centres ask for proof of dive insurance. Policies from providers like DAN or DiveAssure offer good coverage for diving-related incidents, including evacuation and chamber treatment.

Who should I book my Philippines diving holiday with?

Sea to Sky specialises in curated diving holidays in the Philippines, offering expert advice and personal recommendations based on years of experience. We work closely with trusted local partners in Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, and liveaboard operators across the region to ensure your trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

Ask Jeremy & Filomena

Jeremy, Filomena, and the Sea to Sky team have spent years diving in the Philippines – from Puerto Galera’s vibrant reefs to the remote atolls of Tubbataha. If you’ve got a question we haven’t answered above, just drop us a message. Whether you’re new to diving, looking for a liveaboard recommendation, or unsure what to pack, we’re here to help.

Weather: what to expect

Diving in the Philippines is possible year-round, thanks to the country’s consistently warm tropical waters and excellent biodiversity. But different seasons bring slightly different conditions—whether you prefer calm seas and clear visibility, big pelagic encounters, or fewer crowds on the reefs.

Spring
(March – May)

Air Temperature: 28-33°C
Water Temperature: 28-30°C
Conditions: Peak of the dry season – hot, sunny weather and calm seas. This is the start and prime window of the Tubbataha liveaboard season.
Marine Life: Best chance for big pelagic sightings at Tubbataha and excellent reef conditions across the country.

Ideal for: Liveaboards, advanced divers, and bucket-list trips.

Summer
(June – August)

Air Temperature: 27-31°C
Water Temperature: 27-29°C
Conditions: Start of the wet season; occasional rain and wind, but diving remains good in many regions like Dumaguete and Puerto Galera.
Marine Life: Fantastic macro life and fewer divers at popular sites.

Ideal for: Muck diving, photography, and budget-friendly travel.

Autumn
(September – November)

Air Temperature: 26-31°C
Water Temperature: 27-29°C
Conditions: Transition period—occasional showers tapering off toward November. Visibility improving, fewer crowds.
Marine Life: Continued excellent macro diving; early dry season conditions returning in many areas.

Ideal for: Quieter trips, relaxed resort stays, and uncrowded reefs.

Winter
(December – February)

Air Temperature: 26-30°C
Water Temperature: 27-28°C
Conditions: Generally dry and calm with excellent visibility, especially in Visayas and Palawan.
Marine Life: Great time for reef diving and thresher sharks in Malapascua.

Ideal for: Beginners, liveaboards, and clear-water photography.

Explore our Philippines diving holidays – from macro hotspots to liveaboard expeditions

From critter-rich reefs in Dumaguete to big-animal encounters in Tubbataha, every trip is backed by our own experience diving these spectacular regions. Trust Sea to Sky to help you plan your perfect Philippine dive adventure.

“The trip was organised by Jeremy at Sea to Sky. His attention to detail through the booking process, right through to his first hand knowledge of the dive sites was superb. It led to the holiday being truly relaxed, and wanting a teenager to come back with her friends for a diving course.”

G Thompson, on TripAdvisor

“I had already 2 trips with Sea to Sky and I can warmly recommend this company! Friendly people best organisation and professional diving trips. With Sea to Sky you are in very good hands and your holidays are worth booking.”

Muliwahn, on TripAdvisor

“I’d been looking for a trip that blended site seeing, diving, great locale and authentic restaurants and can not recommend this company enough. Travelling as a single person in a new country can daunting, but Sea to Sky made my travels easier than I could have expected”

CLD, on TripAdvisor

Diving Holidays in the Philippines

From Tubbataha’s Coral Walls to Malapascua’s Thresher Sharks – Discover the Philippines’ Top Dive Experiences