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Southeast Asia · Philippines
Philippines
7,000 islands of easy Coral Triangle diving.
5.0Salty Reef rating
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.
The Philippines is one of the most affordable Coral Triangle destinations. Highlights include Tubbataha Reef liveaboards, Malapascua thresher dives, Moalboal sardine runs and Donsol whale sharks.
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
Thresher SharksWhale SharksSardinesManta RaysSea TurtlesFrogfishNudibranchsMacroSchools of FishCoral Reefs
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.
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