
Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Manila, Philippines

1. Anilao, Batangas
Known for its vibrant marine life and diverse coral reefs, Anilao is a diver's paradise just a couple of hours from Manila. The location solves the challenge of finding a rich underwater ecosystem close to the city. It's perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Accessibility: Easy to reach from Manila, a 2-3 hour drive.
- Marine Biodiversity: Offers a wide range of species including nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses.
- Dive Shops: Plenty of well-equipped dive shops and experienced instructors available.
- Dive Sites: Multiple dive sites catering to various skill levels.
- Accommodation: Variety of lodging options from budget to luxury.

2. Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Famous for its clear waters and spectacular coral gardens, this spot is ideal for both snorkeling and diving. The unique marine life here resolves the problem of finding colorful coral reefs. It's well-known for its drift dives and vibrant nightlife.
- Travel Distance: Accessible by a short ferry ride from Batangas port.
- Coral Variety: Home to over 180 dive sites with diverse corals.
- Water Clarity: Known for excellent visibility.
- Variety of Activities: Offers both day and night diving experiences.
- Local Culture: Rich local culture and entertaining nightlife.

3. Subic Bay, Zambales
Noted for historical shipwreck dives, Subic Bay offers a completely different underwater adventure. It addresses the challenge of exploring history underwater, as divers can see Spanish and American shipwrecks. This area is popular for wreck diving enthusiasts.
- Historical Value: Explore shipwrecks from different eras.
- Dive Depths: Provides a range of diving depths suitable for all levels.
- Instructor Availability: Experienced wreck diving instructors available.
- Proximity: A few hours' drive from Manila.
- Safety Features: Well-charted waters with established safety protocols.

4. Coron, Palawan
Known for its crystal-clear lakes and impressive WWII shipwrecks, Coron offers unique underwater experiences. It's a great spot for divers seeking both freshwater and saltwater adventures. The site's variety helps solve the challenge of finding diverse dive experiences.
- Clear Waters: Renowned for exceptional underwater visibility.
- Unique Sites: Offers both wrecks and stunning coral gardens.
- Fresh and Saltwater: Provides a mix of diving environments.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
- Adventure Factor: Offers both shallow and deep wreck dives.

5. Verde Island Passage, Batangas
This corridor is recognized as the "Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity" in the world. It addresses the need for seeing diverse marine life in one area. It's perfect for photographers and marine biologists.
- Biodiversity: High marine biodiversity and endemic species.
- Conservation Factors: Strict conservation efforts are in place.
- Ideal for Photography: Great for underwater photography.
- Boat Access: Requires a short boat ride to the dive sites.
- Expert Guides: Available local guides with deep knowledge of the marine life.

6. Apo Reef, Mindoro
The world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system after Australia's Great Barrier Reef is known for its rich biodiversity. It’s an excellent spot for those seeking large pelagic species and open water diving. The reef's vastness solves the need for expansive dive areas.
- Size and Scale: As the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world.
- Large Marine Species: Chance to see sharks, manta rays, and barracudas.
- Ecoresort Options: Eco-friendly accommodations available.
- Day Trips: Popular and feasible as a long day trip from Manila.
- Dive Certification: A dive certification is recommended for the currents.

7. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pristine coral walls and diverse marine life. It tackles the desire for untouched and protected marine environments. It’s a liveaboard diving destination.
- Protection Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site ensures protection and preservation.
- Diving Season: Dive only during a short season (March to June).
- Marine Diversity: Home to sharks, turtles, and manta rays.
- Liveaboard Access: Only accessible by liveaboard boats.
- Permits: Diving requires advance permits.

8. Balicasag Island, Bohol
Known for its coral-covered walls and deep coral gardens, Balicasag offers a serene dive experience. It’s an ideal spot for beginners solving the stress of dealing with strong currents. The island is also a great place for turtle sightings.
- Gentle Currents: Mild currents suitable for beginners.
- Turtle Sightings: Frequent encounters with sea turtles.
- Accessibility: Short boat ride from Panglao, Bohol.
- Snorkeling Opportunity: Great snorkeling for non-divers.
- Eco-Conscious: Efforts in place to preserve the marine environment.

9. Malapascua Island, Cebu
World-renowned for encounters with thresher sharks, this island provides thrilling dive experiences. It solves the challenge of finding sites with rare shark sightings. The island also offers stunning macro diving spots.
- Thresher Sharks: Known specifically as a location to swim with thresher sharks.
- Unique Dive Sites: Places like Monad Shoal offer exhilarating dives.
- Underwater Photography: Excellent for macro photography.
- Accommodation Options: Range from budget to mid-range resorts.
- Dive Seasons: Thresher sharks can be seen year-round.

10. Camotes Islands, Cebu
Known for secluded spots and vibrant coral gardens, ideal for those seeking privacy. It offers an answer to crowded dive sites, providing tranquil underwater experiences instead. It’s great for beginners looking to enjoy beautiful underwater views.
- Secluded Sites: Less crowded, providing privacy.
- Gentle Conditions: Calm waters, excellent for new divers.
- Dive Variety: Offers several untouched dive spots.
- Island Charm: Quiet and less developed surroundings.
- Transport: Requires travel coordination for access.

11. Panglao Island, Bohol
Offers rich coral gardens and diverse sea life close to the shore. It addresses the challenge of finding accessible dive spots from Cebu. This destination offers beautiful diving conditions with comprehensive dive center services.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Tagbilaran City.
- Infant Depths: Good for beginners, most sites start shallow.
- Marine Interaction: Encounter dolphins and whale sharks.
- Range of Activities: Diverse water activities available.
- Dive Infrastructure: Plenty of professional dive shops.

12. Dauin, Negros Oriental
Known for its unique muck diving, where unusual and rare sea creatures are common. It solves the demand for critter diving from macro photographers. The location is ideal for avid underwater photographers.
- Muck Diving Specialty: Popular for macro life sightings.
- Unusual Species: Home to frogfish, ghost pipefish, and more.
- Dive Centers: Equipped for specific macro dive needs.
- Proximity: Near the busy city of Dumaguete.
- Supporting Amenities: Provides seminars and workshops on macro diving.

13. Bolinao, Pangasinan
Known for its offshore reefs and less-explored marine environments. It provides a solution for those desiring away from mainstream dive areas. It's excellent for exploration and discovering new diving spots.
- Off-the-beaten-path: Remote with limited crowds.
- Unique Reefs: Beautiful offshore reefs.
- Adventure Factor: Offers more exploratory diving opportunities.
- Sea Conditions: Generally calm waters for easy diving.
- Cultural Immersion: Local cultural experiences after diving.

14. Bauan, Batangas
Offers unique dive experiences with varied underwater topographies. It resolves the requirement for diverse diving environments with quick city access. Perfect for quick dive getaways.
- Proximity: Close to Manila for brief visits.
- Diverse Environments: Variety in dive topography.
- Ease of Access: Easily reachable by land.
- Local Charm: Cozy small-town feel post-diving.
- Value for Money: Affordable dive trips.

15. Ligpo Island, Batangas
Known for crystal clear waters and vibrant sealife, also possessing steep drop-offs and vast coral gardens. Resolves the need for varied terrain within a budget proximity to Manila. Good for both snorkelers and divers of different experience levels.
- Easy Logistics: Quick trip from Manila.
- Terrain Variety: Both drop-offs and garden diving.
- Versatile: Suitable for snorkeling and diving.
- Scenic Respite: Offers a good spot for relaxation.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly dive trips.

16. Pandan Islands, Mindoro
Provides a peaceful diving experience with coral gardens and colorful fish. It solves the need for tranquil diving spots free from large tourist crowds. The islands are perfect for laid-back divers and nature lovers.
- Privacy: Quiet, uncrowded islands.
- Full of Life: Coral gardens teeming with colorful fish.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Ideal for leisurely dives.
- Accessibility: Short trip via port arrivals.
- Accommodation: Range from simple to comfortable lodging.

17. Twin Rocks, Anilao
Offers unique underwater rock formations with accompanying vibrant marine life. Solves the need for an interesting terrain for photographers. It's perfect for both beginner and professional divers who enjoy macro photography.
- Photogenic Sites: Ideal for underwater photography.
- Marine Richness: Several marine species inhabit the area.
- Calm Conditions: Great for beginner divers.
- Rock Formations: Unique underwater rock structures.
- Proximity: Within Anilao’s famed dive range.

18. Sombrero Island, Batangas
Known for its sombrero-shaped rock feature, housing lush underwater coral gardens. It addresses the challenge of finding both scenic topography and healthy marine life close to Manila. It allows for easy access snorkeling from the beach.
- Iconic Landmark: Sombrero (Hat) rock formations.
- Shore Access: Snorkel directly from the beach.
- Coral Gardens: Healthy and vibrant coral life.
- Multi-Experience: Diving and snorkeling friendly.
- Day Trips: Convenient for day diving trips from Manila.

19. Sepoc Beach, Maricaban Island
Offers a combination of sandy beaches and crystal-clear dive points right off the shore. It's beneficial for combining relaxation with diving activities without a large travel requirement. Great for family outings where not everyone dives.
- Beach-Dive Combination: Relax and dive in one spot.
- Leisurely Vibe: No hasty schedules.
- Accessibility: Easy shore diving.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for non-diving companions.
- Watersport Variety: Offers additional water activities.

20. Fortune Island, Batangas
This retired luxury island resort offers wreck diving of historical importance. It provides a unique exploration site offshore with both cultural and diving appeal. Perfect for experienced divers interested in unique historical exploration.
- Historical Relevance: Wrecks and remnants of a luxury era.
- Waterscape Diversity: Offers wrecks and underwater ruins.
- Challenge Level: More suited for experienced divers.
- Travel Specifics: Requires booking in advance due to limited access.
- Island Time: Opportunity to explore ruins above water too.