Southeast Asia · Philippines
Philippines
7,000 islands of easy Coral Triangle diving.
Destination snapshot
Best time
Nov–May
Water temp
80–86°F
Visibility
60–120 ft
Skill level
All levels
Flight time (US)
Long-haul
Great for
Value · Big animals
Why visit
Thresher sharks in Malapascua, sardine runs in Moalboal, and whale sharks in Donsol.
Best dive sites
- Monad Shoal (thresher sharks)
- Tubbataha Reef
- Panagsama (sardine run)
- Verde Island
Best snorkeling spots
- Apo Reef
- Balicasag
- Moalboal
What you may see underwater
Interesting fact
Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO site in the middle of the Sulu Sea, is only accessible by liveaboard for a three-month season each year — March through June.
Who this destination is best for
- All divers
Frequently asked questions
- Where else besides Tubbataha?
- Malapascua for thresher sharks; Anilao for macro; Coron for WWII wrecks; Donsol for whale sharks (snorkel).
- When for threshers?
- Year-round at Monad Shoal, but October–May has calmer seas.
- Is it beginner-friendly?
- Yes — Bohol, Cebu and Puerto Galera all have excellent beginner-friendly reef diving.
Ready to dive Philippines?
Tell us your dates and experience level — a Salty Reef Travel Concierge will match you with the right resort, operator, or liveaboard in Philippines and handle the details. Always free to you.
Available 24/7 · 727-240-2242 · Our travel concierge service is always free to you.
At a glance
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Country
- Philippines
- Best season
- Nov–May
- Water temp
- 80–86°F
- Visibility
- 60–120 ft
- Skill level
- All levels
- Flight from US
- Long-haul
Newsletter
One dispatch a month, straight from the water.