If you’re a beginner diver looking for the best destinations to dive in the Philippines, we’ve rounded up seven of the best dive spots you can visit.
When you’re new to diving, a good dive site to explore should not be overwhelming for you. It should have calm, shallow waters, good visibility, minimal currents, and clear entry/exit points. Dive spots with interesting underwater features, such as coral formations and diverse marine life, would also be great. Finally, dive sites with proper facilities and experienced scuba diving instructors would be best for your safety.
Fortunately, in the Philippines, there are several dive spots perfect for beginners, where you can explore the deep with safety and enjoy the enchanting views underwater.
Beginner dive spots Philippines
Here are some of the best dive spots in the Philippines for beginners:
1. Anilao, Batangas
Anilao is located just a few hours south of Manila. It is a great spot for newbie divers with calm waters and shallow dive sites. Diving in Anilao can help build your confidence and get accustomed to the underwater environment. The visibility is usually excellent, making it easy to explore the coral gardens and small wrecks.
Dive features:
- Generally clear waters with a visibility range of 15-30 meters.
- Shallow dive sites with depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters.
- Diverse marine life, including vibrant coral gardens, clownfish, and nudibranchs.
Best time to dive: You can visit Anilao all year-round, with the dry season from November to April offering the best diving conditions.
2. Moalboal, Cebu
Moalboal, in the southern part of Cebu Island, is famous for its easy access to a variety of dive sites, from shallow reefs to deeper drop-offs. Its most famous attraction, the sardine run, is a must-try experience. But for beginners, there are plenty of shallow reefs in the area with colorful corals and small fish.
Dive features:
- Beginner-friendly shallow reefs and calm waters.
- The Sardine Run, where millions of sardines swim in mesmerizing formations (best viewed from the surface).
- Close to other dive spots, such as Pescador Island.
Best time to dive: The best time to dive in Moalboal is between November and April, during the dry season.
3. Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Galera is another beginner-friendly dive destination you can explore. It is known for its beautiful coral gardens and shallow sites. The variety of dive locations in the area also makes it easy for you to find a spot that matches your skill level and progress.
Dive features:
- Shallow dive sites with clear entry/exit points and calm conditions.
- Colorful coral gardens and abundant marine species, including parrotfish, batfish, and hawksbill turtles.
- Clear visibility, typically between 10 to 20 meters.
Best time to dive: The ideal time to visit is from November to April, when visibility is at its best.
4. Bohol (Panglao Island)
Panglao Island is located off the coast of Bohol in the Visayas region. It is an incredibly popular diving destination for all levels of divers. The dive sites around Panglao feature shallow reefs, making it great for beginners. What’s more, the rich marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters provide an unforgettable experience for newcomers to the underwater world.
Dive features:
- Easy dive conditions with shallow reefs and clear waters.
- Magnificent marine life, including seahorses, turtles, and an array of reef fish.
- Wide variety of dive shops and instructors in the area.
Best time to dive: The best time to dive is during the dry season (November to April), with calm waters and excellent visibility.
5. Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin
Although lesser-known, Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin in the northern part of Mindanao offer great diving opportunities for beginners. The dive sites here are relatively shallow, with calm waters and an abundance of marine life. You will find vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles that will make your adventure more memorable.
Dive features:
- Shallow reefs with calm conditions.
- Vibrant underwater ecosystems, like colorful corals, sea turtles, and schooling fish.
- Lesser-known and less crowded, offering a more relaxed and intimate diving experience.
Best time to dive: The best diving conditions in Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin are between December and May, during the dry season.
6. Basilan
Basilan, located in the southern Philippines, is another hidden gem for divers who want to escape the crowds. With its shallow reefs, clear waters, and diverse marine life, Basilan is a peaceful place where you can explore and hone your skills. The diving region offers warm waters and relatively calm seas, making it an ideal spot to enjoy both relaxation and underwater adventure.
Dive features:
- Shallow dive sites with a variety of vibrant coral reefs.
- Calm, clear waters great for beginner divers.
- Less crowded, providing a tranquil and immersive experience.
Best time to dive: Like other diving places in the country, the best time to dive in Basilan is from November to April.
7. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
This dive spot is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, with vibrant marine life, clear waters, and magnificent underwater landscapes. Although Tubbataha Reefs is generally recommended for advanced divers, there are a few spots within the park that you can explore, especially if you’re looking to level up your skills.
Dive features:
- Protected coral reefs and diverse marine species.
- A chance to explore one of the most famous diving destinations in the world.
- The opportunity to see larger marine life like sharks, rays, and turtles.
Best time to dive: The best time to dive here is from March to June, when the weather conditions are ideal.
Tips for beginner divers in the Philippines
Always take precautions when diving as a beginner. Here are some tips you can consider:
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Dive with a certified instructor or guide.
If you’re new to scuba diving in the Philippines, always dive with a certified scuba diving instructor or experienced guide. They will help ensure your safety, help you navigate unfamiliar waters, and provide support in case of emergencies.
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Know local regulations and respect marine life.
Before diving in new destinations, familiarize yourself with local rules, such as protected areas or depth limits. As with all dive sites, avoid touching marine animals or coral, and never remove anything from the ocean to help preserve the ecosystem.
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Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals.
Drink plenty of water before diving to reduce the risk of dehydration and decompression sickness. Skip heavy meals, as they can cause discomfort underwater. Go for light snacks instead.
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Practice good buoyancy control.
Mastering buoyancy helps you move efficiently, conserve air, and avoid accidental contact with the seabed or coral. It also keeps you safe by preventing uncontrolled ascents or descents. You can improve buoyancy control by doing exercises such as hovering in place, making slow and controlled ascents and descents, and maneuvering through hoops in a pool or shallow confined water.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build confidence underwater, the Philippines offers a variety of beginner-friendly dive spots that combine safety, charm, and accessibility. With calm waters, vibrant marine life, and experienced instructors, these destinations will make your first dives memorable and enjoyable.
