The archipelagic state is part of the heart of the Coral Triangle, the world’s center of marine biodiversity. It has the third-largest area of coral reef in the world at 25,060 km2 which is home to 75% of the world’s coral species and abundant biodiversity that includes 3,000 species of fish. The government, environmental organizations, and local residents are working together to protect this rich marine biodiversity.

Get ready to dive into these amazing underwater spots waiting for your visit when international travel resumes.

1. Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is said to be one of the country’s oldest ecosystems. It covers 96,828 hectares of underwater adventures. This atoll reef has a very high density of marine biodiversity, with more than 700 fish species, over 360 coral species, 11 shark species, and 13 dolphin and whale species already been recorded, and its North Islet serving as a nesting site both for birds and two species of endangered marine turtles – the green turtles and hawksbill turtles. The site has a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons, and two coral islands, with exciting pelagic action involving white tip reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. 

2. Anilao, Batangas 

Anilao, in the Municipality of Mabini, is located just a short drive away from the Philippines’ capital of Manila. This has made it a haven for weekend diving enthusiasts from the city, especially those who are into underwater photography. It is located along the Verde Island Passage between Batangas and Mindoro, which is considered as the center of marine shore fish biodiversity with 319 species swimming in its blue waters that coral taxonomist Douglas Fenner says is home to 74 genera of hard corals. Anilao is a destination for both macro and muck diving enthusiasts, with rare critters like rhinopias, and colorful nudibranchs. It is also a perfect place to perfect blackwater and bonfire diving skills in macrophotography.  

3. Dauin and Apo Island Dumaguete

The Municipality of Dauin has many dive spots for different levels of enthusiasts. These spots are protected marine sanctuaries that look after the sea’s biodiversity. Dauin is a big draw for those who are into muck diving, owing to the fascinating tiny creatures that dwell camouflaged along with the corals, seagrass, and rock formations. Exciting sightings can start close to the shoreline, and these include different kinds of pipefishes, razorfish, frogfishes, sea horses, wasp fishes, snake eels, sea moths, dragonettes, flounders, snappers, stargazers, and crabs and turtles. 

A scenic 30-minute boat ride from Dumaguete brings divers to Apo Island, a marine sanctuary organized by its local community. It offers myriad opportunities to explore on the ground with its volcanic rock formations, and undersea where 400 coral species where over 650 species of fish reside. There is a community of sea turtles that don’t mind swimming serenely alongside divers and having these awesome moments captured on camera. For a feeling of exclusivity, book a stop at the Marine Sanctuary found southeast off of Apo Island, where only 100 divers are allowed per day to preserve its ecological balance. 

4. Apo Reef Natural Park, Occidental Mindoro 

Apo Reef is the largest atoll-like coral reef in the Philippines. Covering an area of 34 square kilometers, it is the second-largest connecting coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The pristine waters of the 30-meter deep channel are teeming with 385 species of fish have been identified in the area, including angel fishes, parrot fishes, jacks, and trevallies. Divers can also encounter reef sharks, moray, giant squid and giant clams. It has a mangrove forest which serves as source of food, spawning ground, and sanctuary of several marine and bird species.

Among the activities available for travelers are scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, lagoon rafting, and watching the birds, dolphins, and turtles that abound in the area.

5. Puerto Galera, Mindoro and Verde Island

The name Puerto Galera is Spanish for Port of the Galleons for the trading vessels that would anchor off its shores of this place. Today, it is popular for its numerous diving spots as part of the Verde Island Passage of the Coral Triangle of Asia. Its clear waters allow for high visibility that is perfect for diving among the hard and soft varieties of corals that house about 60 percent of the world’s shore fish. Puerto Galera is part of the Dive and Drive tourism circuit that has been developed by the Department of Tourism that includes important dive sites like Ticao Island in Masbate and Anilao in Batangas.

If the Coral Triangle is considered as the underwater Amazon Forest, Verde Island is at the center of its heart. The Verde Island Wall –two rocks jutting out southeast of the island is considered as the best dive sites in the Philippines, with excellent visibility and lot so nooks and crannies to explore. Colorful corals are home and playground to white tips and other sharks, mantas, tuna and jacks with pelagics like parrotfish, unicorn fish, and Napoleons adding even more color to the visual impact of clouds of anthias. For a spinning good time, head out to the Washing Machine, so-called for its wild current that is popular with divers who are looking to enjoy a unique thrill.         

6. Cebu (Malapascua, Moalboal)

Located at the Northern part of Cebu, Malapascua Island is a must-visit for divers to enjoy the rare and thrilling experience of swimming with thresher sharks. The pristine waters of this tropical island paradise offers more unforgettable adventures. After a 5 a.m. thresher shark dive, enthusiasts can also go on shipwreck explorations, deep and tek dives, dusk mandarin fish spotting, and night dives to observe rare nocturnal creatures. Another dive attraction is the underwater tunnel that runs through the length of nearby Gato Island, home to white tip sharks. Here, divers can explore undercuts and small caves to discover the secret lives of marine animals such as cuttlefish, banded sea snakes, crabs, anthas, and lionfish. The beach life is just as grand, where you can walk anywhere in flip-flops to enjoy the charming, relaxed life on the island. 

Moalboal in the local dialect means bubbling waters, owing to its freshwater springs. Its dive sites offer an array of exciting experiences, with Copton Point already offering two – the Copton Deep that has an aircraft wreck to explore and Copton Shallow that has table corals and shallow corals through which dart a wide variety of fish. Likened to the effects of stained-glass windows at church, Pescador Cathedral is a magnificent cave that captures shafts of light at midday to bathe the surroundings with a heavenly glow.     

7. Bohol (Anda, Balicasag, and Cabilao)

Beautiful Bohol, with its breathtaking natural wonders such as the Chocolate Hills and Man-Made Mahogany Forest, along with historic sites such as its centuries-old churches is also a haven for divers. The warm sands of Bohol’s AIona Beach is the jump-off point for dive safaris to Anda, Balicasag, and Cabilao. 

Anda is a relatively new dive destination and it is being developed with sustainable tourism in mind. Conservation efforts are supported by the friendly community, with guides who expertly help divers find the best spots. Coral-covered shallow flat reefs are home to a host of creatures such as hawkfish, fire urchins, and Coleman shrimp. Schoolers such as snappers, groupers, puffers, and turtles like to converge in these clear waters. Cabilao has the small island charm. It has only five barangays or communities, but 20 dive sites. Underwater life ranges from small soft corals to large gorgonian sea fans. The Lighthouse 1 and 2 are popular dive photography sites. Balicasag is a protected area because it is a sea turtle meeting, breeding, and feeding area. There is a site that is literally named Diver’s Heaven, because here, each dive is a good dive.    

8. Coron Wreck Diving, Palawan

Coron has been described as one of the best spots in the World for wreck diving. There are 24 Japanese ships that were sunk in the area by an American air raid during World War II and the 12 wrecks that have been discovered are now home to corals and other forms of aquatic life. The shipwrecks are very well preserved and are all located in quite shallow water starting at 6 to 10 meters which is perfect for recreational diving. For enthusiasts, there are also dive courses which may be booked through Dugong Dive Center.

Safe and Protected

The Philippines is proactive in protecting its marine resources, not only through government mandates but also through community engagement. The locals of the areas understand the importance of caring for the environment as their source of livelihood and as their legacy to the next generations. The Philippine Department of Tourism works closely with the local government units of the popular dive sites and new circuits in order to ensure that the marine biodiversity is allowed to thrive through responsible and sustainable tourism efforts.

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post These 8 Diving Spots in the Philippines Are Known to be the Best in Asia appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Located in the Coral Triangle, the Philippines’ over 7,000 islands offer visitors with stunning underwater sights and rich marine biodiversity. If you are up for diving amid vast and colorful corals, swimming near schools of fish and diverse marine life, or strolling by a white beach, why not visit the Apo Reef Natural Park?

The Apo Reef Natural Park, or Apo Reef, covers 15,799 hectares of marine area and 34 square kilometers of subtriangular reef off the coast of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro. It is a key biodiversity area in Mindoro and home to the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world. 

First declared a marine park in 1980 and a natural park in 1996, Apo Reef belongs to the Philippines’ protected areas (PAs) under Republic Act 11038 of 2018. It belongs to the 113 legislated PAs throughout the country. As a protected area, Apo Reef is set apart and protected for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. 

Amid Islands

The Apo Reef is named after its being off or away from the shore. Around 33 kilometers away from Sablayan, it is the largest atoll-like reef in the country. Most of it is underwater, making Apo Reef an incredible site for visitors who enjoy snorkeling or diving, and marveling at marine life. 

Apo Reef is bound by three islands—Apo Menor, a rocky limestone island; Cayos del Bajo, characterized by its rocky coral formations; and Apo Island, the largest of the three and one that is covered by mangroves and beach vegetation. 

Two lagoon systems, outlined by narrow reef platforms, separate Apo Reef. The reef’s 30-meter deep channel runs on fine white sand and patches of corals under the deep blue water. Rippling waters rest against a background of terrestrial vegetation. 

“The diversity of nature in Apo Reef offers a different experience to our tourists,” Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) Krystal Villanada said. 

The Biodiversity in Apo Reef

Apo Reef is a haven to an impressive diversity of birds, mammals, corals, fishes, and other marine life, some of which are endangered or near threatened. 

Apo Reef features 63 groups of closely related species of corals, about half of the entire 119 recorded genera in the world. The coral gardens of Apo are vast, colorful, and teeming with life. 

Divers can take a glimpse of some of the 481 species of fishes in Apo Reef, including the Napoleon wrasse, locally known as “Mameng.” The Napoleon wrasse is a big, green and blue coral fish and it is the biggest of the wrasse family. There are also damsel and butterfly fishes, angel fishes, groupers, snappers, and trevallies, among others.

In the channel, reef sharks may be spotted. Gray reef, hammerhead, and white or black tip sharks may be found in deeper parts of the Apo Reef. The rare short-finned pilot whale as well as whale sharks may be spotted in the channel between Apo and Binangaan Islands.

The Apo Reef is also home to rare green and hawksbill turtles, and specific endangered dolphins such as bottlenose, Risso’s, and spinner.

Brittle stars, starfishes, sea urchins, sponges, clams, and rare shells add to the incredible underwater sights in Apo.

Visitors can also explore parts of the lush 10-hectare mangrove forest in Apo Reef through a mangrove trail. At the center of the forest is a lagoon, home to baby sharks and sting rays. 

Across the vegetation of the natural park, there are around 46 species of flora including ipil-ipil, agave, and coconut. 

The Apo Reef Natural Park is also a key area for migratory birds, part of the 100 bird species recorded in Apo as of January 2022. Among these birds are the Chinese grosbeak, little ringed plover, and Philippine magpie-robin. The large beach thick-knee and blue-green Nicobar pigeon, both near threatened, have also been seen in the area. 

Activities in Apo Reef

The Apo Reef Natural Park offers an array of activities for visitors and with its biodiversity, an incredible experience for underwater and wildlife enthusiasts.

Visitors can ride boats and hop across the islands in the natural park. They may also raft in the calm waters of the lagoon. 

Designated zones of crystal blue waters await scuba and free divers as well as those who enjoy snorkeling. The coral gardens with fishes, turtles, and other marine life are breath-taking. 

The mangrove trail lets visitors explore part of the century-old mangrove forest. Visitors can also stroll along the white beach. 

Specific sites in Apo Island let bird watchers see migratory, rare, and resident birds. 

Tents and hammocks are provided for those who would like to camp in the natural park. At night, visitors can stargaze. To see the natural park from above, visitors may go to the lighthouse. 

Visitors are also encouraged to join conservations efforts in and for the area. Every morning, tourists may take part in the coastal cleanup. Visitors may join rangers, too, in pawikan conservation. 

Any visit to the Apo Reef Natural Park requires booking with the Tourism Office of Sablayan three to seven days before the visit. The best times to visit is from February to mid-June, and from the last week of September until early November. 

Visitors are advised to enjoy nature with care and caution, and are not allowed to take souvenirs from Apo Reef’s natural resources. The Tourism Office observes Green Fins, a set of best practices for responsible marine tourism. These practices include no touching of corals and use of reef-safe sunscreen. Insect repellant sprays are also not allowed to be used in the area. Visitors are asked to minimize reliance on single-use plastics, and to carry their trash.  

Tourists will have to bring their drinking water when visiting Apo Reef, and may advise their boatmen if they need fresh water. 

Ways to Get to Apo Reef

From Manila, visitors may take a plane ride to San Jose, Mindoro. From San Jose, they may take a van to Sablayan where there are boats that may take them to Apo Reef. There are also buses from Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, or PITX, that travel straight to Sablayan.

Those visiting Coron, Palawan may avail themselves of a tour to Apo Reef Natural Park. 

Private yachts or boats from the Subic and Manila Yacht Clubs may also get to the natural park after confirmed booking. 

Government efforts to conserve Philippine PAs 

Currently, there are 247 PAs under the NIPAS, 113 of which have been legislated, 13 have been proclaimed by the President, and 120 remain as initial components of the System. The NIPAS was established by virtue of Republic Act 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992, and amended by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS (ENIPAS) Act of 2018.

NIPAS is the classification and administration of all designated PAs to maintain essential ecological processes to preserve genetic diversity, to ensure the sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible.

The year 2022 marks the 90th anniversary of PA establishment in the country through Republic Act 3915 that was enacted on 1 February 1932. In line with this, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed a joint declaration to support the celebration of the Year of the Protected Areas or the YoPA Campaign, which promotes Philippine national parks.

The DENR, through its Biodiversity Management Bureau, and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of UNDP Philippines, in partnership with the DOT and DILG, are working together to promote protected areas under the NIPAS. They are also working with other agencies at the national and local levels to ensure effective conservation and sustainable management for national parks nationwide.

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