In the first volume of the Comprehensive Guide to Diving Spots in the Philippines, I introduced three very famous diving spots: Anilao, Boracay, and Subic Bay. However, the Philippines is dotted with islands, and there are many excellent diving spots beyond these. Today, I will further assist friends interested in Philippine immigration in understanding the underwater world of this country, hoping to provide a reference for your future diving vacations.
Apo Reef
In the late 1970s, as we approached the 1980s, Apo Reef was regarded as one of the earliest recognized diving spots in the Philippines. However, the arrival of fishermen led to the degradation of the marine environment in this area. It was only in recent years that the marine environment of Apo Reef has gradually been restored. This small island is located between Mindoro and Busuanga, featuring clear waters, countless sea turtles, and a variety of fish swimming among the coral reefs, often competing for attention with pelagic fish in this grand stage. During my multiple dives here, I have seen schools of small devil rays, massive yellowfin tuna, and gray reef sharks. On several occasions, I was fortunate enough to spot hammerhead sharks. Devil rays are also common at Apo Menor, and after just a 10-minute boat ride, you can reach dive sites rich in coral reefs. This island was once a conservation area for sea turtles, so Apo can also be considered home to many sea turtles, which you can easily spot on the beach. Night diving here is also quite impressive; if you watch carefully, you will be amazed to see "two-spotted lionfish" and friendly "giant cuttlefish."
Puerto Galera
Located in the province of Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines, Puerto Galera is actually a small town, with the real diving concentrated at Sabang Beach, Small Lalaguna Beach, and Big Lalaguna Beach, which are all connected.
Best diving season: January to June and October to December. Water temperature: approximately 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
The dive sites in Puerto Galera are widely recognized as a pilgrimage site for divers, teeming with rich marine life. Must-dive sites include "Hole in the Wall," "Canyons," and the more challenging site "Fishbowl." You can often see large schools of "trevally," "sweetlips," snapper, and flying fish. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might spot devil rays and sharks. Just outside Sanbang Beach, there are many deliberately sunk ships that have become homes for various unique marine species. During my last dive at a wreck, I witnessed three male cuttlefish chasing a female cuttlefish in a courtship display, which left a deep impression on me. From Galera, it takes only 20 minutes to reach Verde Island. This is a stunning little island with colorful coral reefs underwater, a paradise for wide-angle photographers. At the same time, schools of snapper and trevally can be seen everywhere underwater. San Agapito is also a must-visit dive site here.
Bohol
Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines, located 70 kilometers from Cebu. It is a coral island with beaches made of crushed coral, which remain cool even under the scorching sun. The island features attractions such as ancient churches, the Blood Compact Monument, and the world's smallest primate, the tarsier.
Bohol has many excellent dive sites, mainly around Cabilao Island and Balicasag Island. When we refer to diving in Bohol, we usually mean Alona Beach, located at the southern tip of Panglao, which is the main concentration of dive shops and accommodations. It is only a short boat ride away from Balicasag. There are also dive shops at Alona Beach that organize trips to Cabilao, but if you want to night dive there, you will need to stay on Cabilao Island.
