Philippines

Philippines diving provides a trip of a lifetime with exceptional and varied dive spots.

Without a doubt one of the best value destinations we offer. You can choose between 6 different locations each providing a different above and under water experience.

Insider’s View

The Philippines, located in the “Coral Triangle” is an archipelago of 7,107 islands, 2,000 of which are inhabited. This beautiful expanse is covered with stunning tropical rainforests, caves, waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, pristine reefs, and a very rich and diverse marine eco-system. This really is the perfect Philippines diving holiday to all diver levels.

The sheer size of this country can be overwhelming, and we are experts in this destination. We can guide you through your regional location choices and how best to split up your time and budget on your trip. The limestone formations and coral sand beaches are as good as you would expect in any paradise setting. The muck diving locations have black sand beaches and emerald green bays. Tubbataha which is only accessible March to June offers pristine reefs as well as some of the best Philippines diving. Unique experiences created by our experts coupled with carefully organised seasonal itineraries have led to outstanding feedback from our clients.

Palawan offers dugong sightings at Dimakya Island, while Malapascua is one of the only places in the world to do daily dives with thresher sharks. Moalboal diving includes Pescador Island and its own mini sardine ball. Coron is the place to be for wreck enthusiasts with eight Japanese WWII wrecks making this a diving opportunity only second to that of Truk Lagoon. Puerto Galera has a range of options including Verde Island, plus local drifts, muck, reef and one wreck dive. In the south, Dumaguete, offers divers a beach-based resort experience with some of the best critter diving in the country. .

OUR HOLIDAY PRODUCTS

Beginner, All

Nov -May

11 Nights

Macro & Reefs

From £2395

Atlantis Resorts Diving Retreat

Philippines, The Visayas

The Atlantis Resorts are the perfect base for an amazing diving retreat in the Philippines as you can combine two diving spots into one holiday!

  • Ideal for individuals & groups
  • 2 destinations 1 holiday
  • Diverse marine life
  • Exclusive Ultimate Diving Resorts
  • Dive Puerto Galera
  • Dive Dumaguete

4 Stars

Nov-May

17 Hours + Overnight

Beginner, all

From £2450

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

Philippines, The Visayas

The Atmosphere Resort has an ideal location and offers comfort, quality and easy access to some of the top diving areas in the Philippines including Apo Island and the Dauin Marine Sanctuary.

  • Boutique Resort
  • PADI 5* dive centre & Free NITROX
  • Volcanic sand beach
  • Choice of restaurants
  • Ideal for families & couples
  • 20 minutes from Apo Island

Beginner, All

Nov -May

14 Nights

Macro & Reefs

From £3150

Malapascua & Sangat Island (14 Nights)

Philippines, The Visayas

Why not combine the exhilarating thresher shark diving at the wonderful Exotic Dive Resort in Malapascua with a week at the beautiful Sangat Island Resort exploring the 11 wrecks.

  • Dive with Thresher sharks
  • Ideal for small groups & clubs
  • Beachfront divers resorts
  • 11 WWII wrecks closeby
  • Pelagic Diving
  • Great variety from macro diving

Nov-May

Beginner, All

13.5 Hours

From £2,455

3 Stars

Scandi Divers Resort

Philippines, Mindoro & Anilao

Perfectly positioned with an idyllic beachfront setting, Scandi Divers Resort is steps away from the white sands and marine abundant waters, offering tropical paradise both above and below water.

  • Idyllic tropical beachfront location
  • Access to over 40 world-class dive sites
  • On-site PADI and NAUI dive centre
  • Dive day to Verde Island
  • Blackwater diving
  • Walking distance to bustling town of Sabang

Advanced

Mar - Jun

14 Nights

Pelagic & Wrecks

From £5769

Tubbataha & Sangat Dream

Philippines, Palawan & Tubbataha

A Philippines archipelago home to rugged steep limestone rocks, white sandy beaches and rich turquoise waters creating amazing sceneries.

  • 11 WWII wrecks closeby
  • Ideal for small groups & clubs
  • Optional Manila City tour available
  • Beachfront resort
  • Pelagic Diving
  • Luxury Liveaboard

4 Stars

Nov-May

13.5 Hours

Beginner, All

From £1895

Atlantis Puerto Galera

Philippines, Mindoro & Anilao

The Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle with spectacular scenery above and below the water. This idyllic resort has to be on every divers bucket list!

  • Boutique resort on the hills of Sabang Bay
  • Center of biodiversity in the Coral Triangle
  • Spa facilities with a range of treatments
  • Up to five dives a day available
  • Excellent camera room facilities
  • 2018 Trip advisor Certificate of Excellence

4 Stars

Nov-May

17 Hours + Overnight

Beginner, all

From £1895

Atlantis Dumaguete

Philippines, The Visayas

The luxurious Atlantis Dumaguete is located on a long peaceful stretch of beach with out of this world diving close by including Apo Island, Siquijor and Dauin marine.

  • Beachfront resort on Dauin
  • Day trips to Apo Island and Oslob
  • Rooms with balcony or patio & hammocks
  • Up to 5 dives a day available
  • Spa facilities with sauna and rain shower
  • Dedicated underwater camera facilities

All Levels

Pelagic & Reefs

Oct-May

Philippines

UD Rating – 4 Star

Atlantis Azores

Philippines, The Visayas

The Atlantis Azores is a luxury 33 metre boat allowing you to experience the finest diving in the Philippines by offering 4 route options including Bohol, Malapascua, Cebu and Tubbataha Reef.

  • Maximum 16 guests
  • 4 to 5 dives per day
  • 4 route options
  • Dive from tenders
  • Nitrox available
  • 7, 10 and 12 night itineraries

3 Stars

17 Hours

Beginner, All

From £1295

Nov-May

Exotic Dive & Beach Resort

Philippines, The Visayas

Exotic Dive & Beach Resort is the perfect hotel with a variety of rooms, a magnificent beachfront location, out of this world thresher shark diving experiences and a unique man-made house reef.

  • Beachfront located divers resort
  • 29 rooms with choice of types
  • Choice of BB, HB or FB basis
  • Daily thresher shark diving
  • Dive centre on-site
  • Diving at Gato Island

3 Stars

Nov-May

19 Hours + Overnight

Advanced

From £2650

Sangat Island Dive Resort

Philippines, Palawan & Tubbataha

Sangat Island Dive Resort is one of the Philippines best kept secrets with an abundance of colourful fish life and eleven WWII wrecks close by, it is a heaven on earth for every scuba diving enthusias

  • Close to 11 WWII wrecks
  • Tropical island resort
  • 300 metre private beach
  • 300 metre private beach
  • Hot springs close by
  • Secluded location

4 Stars

Nov - May

19 Hours + Overnight

Advanced

From £2750

Busuanga Bay Lodge

Philippines, Palawan & Tubbataha

This boutique hotel is located on the island of Palawan, a nature sanctuary known worldwide for its ecological diversity and stunning physical features.

  • Where luxury meets adventure
  • PADI Dive Centre on-site
  • Nestled on the beach
  • Tours & excursions available
  • Gym & spa available
  • Close to 11 WWII wrecks

3 Stars

Nov-May

17 hours

Beginner, all

From £1350

Blue Star Dive Resort

Philippines, The Visayas

The Blue Star Dive Resort is the ideal base where you can dive, explore, relax and have the most remarkable experience in the Philippines with year round warm crystal clear waters and natural reefs.

  • Located on Bohol Island
  • Beautiful & unspoilt setting
  • Romantic getaway
  • Fantastic dive place
  • Away from crowded beaches
  • PADI dive centre onsite

3 Stars

Nov-May

13.5 Hours

Beginners, All

From £1395

Acacia Resort & Dive Centre

Philippines, Mindoro & Anilao

The resort is ideally located in the Mabini-Tingloy Pensinsula to the north of Puerto Galera and to the west of Verde Island where you will find great wall dives, sea mounds and coral gardens.

  • Located in Mabini
  • Perfect for groups
  • Full board basis
  • Dive centre on site
  • Great for macro diving
  • 2 hours from Manila

All levels

Reefs & Wrecks

Nov-May

Philippines

UD Rating – 4 Star

S/Y Philippine Siren

Philippines, The Visayas

The Philippine Siren is takes 10 night trips to the more remote diving locations not easily accessible from resorts. With a choice of seasonal itineraries and a good full board basis you will not be disappointed one bit.

  • Max 16 guests / up to 4 dives per day
  • 10 night trips to the Southern Visayas
  • Full board basis inc soft drinks
  • Free Nitrox for qualified divers
  • Great for land and liveaboard trips
  • Diving at Apo Island

4 Stars

Nov-May

19 Hours + Overnight

Beginner, All

From £2595

El Rio Y Mar

Philippines, Palawan & Tubbataha

The beautiful and intimate resort, El Rio Y Mar is located on a picture perfect white sandy beach surrounded by crystal clear blue waters filled with an abundance of marine life! Perfection!

  • Romantic resort location for couples
  • Just 15 cabana style bungalows
  • A’la carte restaurant menu
  • Choice of BB and HB basis
  • Very quiet location on private beach
  • First Class Service/Spa/Infinity Pool

4 Stars

Nov-May

19 Hours + Overnight

Beginner, All

From £2250

Club Paradise

Philippines, Palawan & Tubbataha

Club Paradise is set on the beautiful Dimakya Island amidst sparkling turquoise waters filled with delights such as dugongs, green turtles and the Japanese freighter Kyokuzan Maru wreck.

  • Private island resort
  • Explore the island on foot
  • Great house reef diving
  • Dive with dugongs
  • Choice of BB or HB basis
  • Dive centre on-site

3 Stars

Nov-May

17 hours

Beginners, all

From £1350

Magic Island Dive Resort

Philippines, The Visayas

Magic Island Dive Resort is an intimate retreat ideally located on a small coastal area with breath-taking views and a fantastic house reef enriched with an abundance of marine life to enjoy.

  • Located in a small coastal area
  • Fantastic house reef diving
  • Small divers resort with 10 cottages
  • Choice of board types
  • Featured in DIVER Jan 2012
  • Fluoro diving

3 Stars

Nov-May

17 Hours

Beginner, all

From £1550

Magic Oceans Dive Resort

Philippines, The Visayas

Opening in July 2015, the Magic Oceans Dive Resort is located on the east coast of the fantastic green and quiet island of Bohol in the Visayas region boosting one of the most amazing house reefs.

  • Opens in July 2015
  • 16 spacious bungalows
  • Mangrove & muck diving spots
  • Located on Bohol Island
  • Fabulous house reef
  • Away from busy tourist areas

Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort

Philippines, Mindoro & Anilao

Located at the end of Mabini, Buceo is the only resort in Anilao that has a sandy beach and is surrounded by a reef full of marine life for guests to take full advantage of.

  • Located South of Mabini
  • BB & HB basis
  • Family resort
  • Dive centre on site
  • Beachfront location
  • 10 exclusive cabanas

3 Stars

Oct - Mar

17 Hours

Stopover Hotel

From £95 Per Night

Waterfront Airport Hotel And Casino

Philippines, The Visayas

This is a conveniently located Hotel and Casino, only 1 minute from the airport with comfortable rooms and access to superb facilities.

  • Used as a Stopover Hotel
  • Just 1 mile from the airport
  • Variety of rooms
  • Limousine services available
  • Near Cebu shopping district
  • Free airport shuttle service

Belmont Hotel

Philippines, Luzon

This hotel is ideally situated near the airport and has many entertainment opportunities on offer, both within the hotel and the surrounding area.

Tom

Friday, 19 February 2021

Diving Tubbataha

I have been lucky enough to travel far and wide as part of my role at Ultimate Diving. My passion for some of the farthest flung places in the world drive my passion for scuba diving in the Philippines.

Diving Tubbataha

Calauit Wildlife Safari Tour

Explore the Philippines’ game reserve and wildlife sanctuary in Calauit Safari Park, a 3,700 hectare island off the coast of Palawan.


Tour Type: Wildlife Tours

Island Escapade

Spend time with friends or a loved one on a beautiful uninhabited island. Take a pick from 3 romantic island destinations. Each has its own kind of enchantment, yet with the same romantic ambiance. Definitely not to be missed!


Tour Type: Soft & Easy

Island Hopping Tour

Experience the precious ecosystems, sheer beauty and tranquility of one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, Palawan. Discover three uniquely beautiful private islands perfect for true connoisseurs of indulgently laid back escape.


Tour Type: Soft & Easy

Coron Island Tour

Be enchanted by the beauty of the picturesque Kayangan Lake or take a dip at the invigorating Maquinit Hot Springs as our whole day tour brings you to Coron Town and Coron Island.


Tour Type: Soft & Easy

Bites and Heights of Luzon

Manila + Banaue + Bicol. Manila, also known as the Pearl of the Orient, the largest of the three and the capital city of the Philippines. Banaue is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ifugao rice terraces of Northern Luzon. Finally on the trip, you will visit Bicol Peninsula at the Southeastern end of Luzon island.


Tour Type: City Trips

Apo Island Day Trip

Apo Island is approximately a one hour boat ride from Atlantis Dumaguete and is a “Signature” dive site in the Philippines.


Tour Type: Boat Trip

Snorkeling with the Whalesharks in Oslob

A once in a lifetime, amazing opportunity for close encounters with these gentle giants.


Tour Type: Boat Trip

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

A non-stock , non-profit, non-governmental organization created for tarsier conservation.


Tour Type: Wildlife Tours

North Luzon Tour

2 Nights Banaue, 1 Night Sagada + 1 Night Vigan


Tour Type: Adventure Tours

Northern Roundtour

Baguio + Sagada + Banaue


Tour Type: City Trips

Paradise Escape Palawan & Cordilleras

Manila + Tagaytay + Banaue + Sagada + Puerto Princesa


Tour Type: Soft & Easy

Visayan Loop with El Nido

Manila + Tagaytay + Bohol + Pamilacan Island + Cebu + El Nido


Tour Type: Soft & Easy

Extreme Sports Philippines

If you are coming to Puerto Galera or White Beach in Oriental Mindoro, visiting Extreme Sports Philippines is a must do thing in Puerto Galera. Our Adventure Park in Sto Nino is a one-stop for all adrenaline junkies! We are offering a wide variety of exciting activities and adventures to keep visitors of all ages entertained all day long.


Tour Type: Adventure Tours

Malapascua Light House

A beach walk to the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning beach views.


Tour Type: Trekking Tours

Verde Island

Located between the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, Philippines


Tour Type: Soft & Easy

Tukuran Falls

45 minutes south of Puerto Galera


Tour Type: Nature Tours

Kawasan Falls

Trio of picturesque waterfalls into natural swimming pools & lagoons, accessible via jungle trails.


Tour Type: Nature Tours

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are spread over an area covering the towns of Sagbayan, Batuan, Carmen, Bilar, Sierra Bullones and Valencia. The famed Chocolate Hills of Bohol are more than 1,268 cone-shaped hills - a strange geological formation. The hills are spread over an area of 50 square kilometers or more and vary in size from 30 to 120 meters in height.


Tour Type: Adventure Tours

Palawan & Tubbataha

Philippines

The island province of Palawan is one of the most diverse and captivating in the Philippines archipelago home to rugged steep limestone rocks, white sandy beaches and rich turquoise waters creating amazing sceneries.

  • UNESCO’s marine sanctuary
  • WWII shipwrecks
  • Dugongs north of Palawan
  • Island resorts
  • Diverse Marine life
  • Over 1800 small islands

The Visayas

Philippines

This central region of the Philippines is famous for its diverse diving adventures on stunning and thriving dive sites along with beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle.

  • Thresher Sharks in Malapascua
  • Fluoro diving in Moalboal
  • Steep drop-offs & caves
  • Dive Apo Island
  • Multitudes of critters
  • Sardine “Ball” at Pescador Island

Mindoro & Anilao

Philippines

Mindoro is a popular diving destination for divers arriving in Manila as it only takes 3 hours by car and boat offering some of the best diving in the Philippines with sites like Apo Reef and Verde Island at your fingertips.

  • Many land natural wonders
  • Tropical rainforests
  • Close to Apo Reef
  • Myriads of critters
  • Dive Anilao & Verde Island
  • 3 hours from Manila

Luzon

Philippines

While in Manila you can choose from shopping malls and historic sites such as museums and memorials. Heading outside the bustling city of Manila along the Luzon coast you will find serene beaches, unexplored jungles, volcanos and many small villages.

  • Mountains & volcanos
  • Historic & cultural city
  • Great gastronomy
  • International hub
  • Shopping malls
  • Ideal city stopover

Destination Fact File

Philippines diving provides a trip of a lifetime with exceptional and varied dive spots.

Philippines dive sites map and details. Find out more about the diving available in Philippines. Use the map below to navigate around the area and select a dive site on the map to view the details or select a dive site on the navigation and the map and information will update.

You can view all our Philippines dive sites on Google Earth using our downloadable Google Earth overlay. Click Here to download the Ultimate Overlay.

Climate Information

Wildlife Calendar

Destination Key Information

Currency Philippine Peso (PHP) - PHP1.00 = £0.0145
Time Difference GMT + 8
Vaccinations Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date. Advised courses and boosters: Hepatitis A; Tetanus; Typhoid. Other vaccines to consider : Cholera; Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Japanese Encephalitis; Rabies.
Tipping Tipping in the Philippines is expected for many services. The standard amount is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that include a service charge, which is often 10% as well of the total bill.
Passport & Visas British Citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up 30 days. A 6 month valid passport and returned ticket is required.
Flight Routes Direct with Philippine Airlines, via Singapore with Singapore Airlines or via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific
International Flight Durations Under 14 hours on the direct flight with Philippine Airlines from Heathrow. Up to 11 hours to Hong Kong followed by 2 to 3 hours to the Philippines and up to 12 hours to Singapore followed by 4 hours to the Philippines.
Stopover Information Flight schedules to Singapore and Hong Kong allow for same day connections.
Luggage Allowance Hold Luggage: 20KG with Philippine Airlines, 30KG with Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Hand Luggage: 7KG with all airlines listed.
Internal Flights & Luggage When flying between islands with Philippine Airlines you are allowed 10KG hold luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage. Excess luggage will be charged at the airport at PHP200 (VAT inclusive) per kilo - this is around £3 per kilo
Departure Tax The departure tax for international flights is now PHP750 per person - this is around £10 per kilo
Transfer Information Our packages include transfers on arrival and departure day. On arrival you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to the resort. Please check the region fact file for transfer times.
Dive Season You can dive year-round in the Philippines but the dry season from November to May brings the warmest water and the best visibility. Between March and May it is very hot and dry with air temperatures ranging between 24 and 35 Degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from June to October although some islands such as Cebu, Bohol and Palawan are less affected. November to February are the cooler months with air temperatures ranging between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius.

The water temperature in the Philippines is usually between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius making it the ideal conditions to dive with a recommended 3mm wetsuit.