Cover (Photo by Bobbi Wu/Unsplash.com)
(Photo by Bobbi Wu/Unsplash.com)
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When you can’t find the perfect diving spot, here’s a go-to guide for you
The Philippines is known for its immaculate beaches and thousands of beautiful islands. But true beauty lies beneath the surface. As part of The Coral Triangle, our shores and deep water are home to diverse marine life. From colourful corals to eels, sharks, and unique fish, there is without a doubt that breathtaking underwater scenery isn't far from home.
Whether you want to see these mesmerising creatures from afar or have an intense diving experience in shipwrecks and caves, there's a place for everyone if you're willing to take the plunge.
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Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Above (Photo: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site/Facebook.com)
(Photo: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site/Facebook.com)
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Situated in the middle of the Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to many internationally threatened and endangered marine species. Its remote location makes it tough to get to, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and a wall of corals can be found here, and it is one of the best diving spots in the country.
Anilao, Batangas
Above Pterotrachea coronata (Photo: Crystal Blue Resort)
Pterotrachea coronata (Photo: Crystal Blue Resort)
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For a truly magical experience, you can try blackwater diving in Anilao. Get out of your comfort zone of diving on reefs and rocky shores and explore the open ocean at night. You’ll be tethered to a boat, and your only light source is the bright floodlights you bring with you and the bioluminescent critters below.
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Dauin, Dumaguete
Above Car Wrecks (Photo: Visitnegrosoriental.com)
Car Wrecks (Photo: Visitnegrosoriental.com)
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All dive sites in Dauin are marine sanctuaries protected by the government. With each diving location sporting different properties, each experience is unique. Probably the most unusual is the Car Wrecks, where two cars have naturally transformed into a home for many reef fish species.
Moalboal, Cebu
Above Moalboal Cebu Scuba Diving Sardines Reef (Photo: Zublu Diving)
Moalboal Cebu Scuba Diving Sardines Reef (Photo: Zublu Diving)
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Famous for its coral walls and schools of sardines, Moalboal offers a diving experience like no other. Join millions of sardines congregating as they move as one in a mesmerising event that can be witnessed just by the shore. The best part? You can do this all year round as the conditions never change.
Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Above Puerto Galera Reefs (Photo: Puerto Galera Diving Squad)
Puerto Galera Reefs (Photo: Puerto Galera Diving Squad)
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A diving experience that isn’t too far from home, Puerto Galera offers a variety of biodiverse diving sites accessible through a five to ten-minute boat ride. With an abundance of octopi, moray eels, sea snakes, and sharks, this beginner diving spot is a perfect gateway to getting hooked into scuba diving.
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Anda, Bohol
Above Cave Diving (Photo:Zublu Diving)
Cave Diving (Photo:Zublu Diving)
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A largely undiscovered destination situated on the easternmost tip of Bohol, Anda is known as the ‘‘Hidden Gem of Bohol’’. It boasts a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with over 30 different dive sites, all easily accessible by boat. With mangroves, reefs, caves, and an ocean teeming with marine life, this is a perfect escape for any diver that wants to take in the serenity.
Coron, Palawan
Above Shipwreck Diving (Photo:girls that scuba)
Shipwreck Diving (Photo:girls that scuba)
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You probably know of Coron as the best island-hopping destination in the Philippines. But aside from its pristine beaches, it’s also home to shipwrecks. Licensed divers and beginners alike have gone back in time with these underwater World War II monuments. This is the place if you are considering exploring and having an experiential history lesson.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
