Tubbataha Reef

Tubbataha Reef is a protected area in the middle of the Sulu Sea, part of the Province of Palawan. It’s one of the finest diving destinations in the Philippines, with over 600 species of marine animals and 300 species of coral. The reef attracts large fauna like whale sharks, gray reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and manta rays. The huge populations of schooling barracudas and jacks are among the biggest attractions here as well. Tubbataha Reef is only accessible by liveaboard between March and June when the sea is calmer.

Malapascua

Located on the northernmost tip of Cebu Island, tiny Malapascua is famous for being the only destination to see thresher sharks all year round. They are typically seen early in the morning at the cleaning station at Monad Shoal. Reef sharks, barracudas, trevallies, jacks, and tunas are also common encounters here. But Malapascua island is also great for macro diving and night diving. Pygmy seahorses, frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, and ghost pipefish are all wonderful subjects for underwater photographers.

Moalboal

Moalboal is a municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. Moalboal is famous for an extraordinary marine life phenomenon: the vast shoal of sardines - thousands and thousands of sardines that move together as one. Apart from schooling sardines, there are also many interesting things to see. Reef sharks, barracudas, sea turtles, jacks, snappers can be spotted here, but you may also see a passing thresher shark or even a whale shark if you’re lucky. On one of the most popular dive sites in the area, divers can also see the wreck of a small airplane.

Anilao

Anilao is considered the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines. The area has gained a reputation for muck and macro diving. In fact, underwater photography competitions and workshops are organized here every year. It has fantastic marine biodiversity, with highlights including hairy frogfish, hairy shrimp, Rhinopias, and blue-ringed octopus, among other critters. Anilao is a 3-hour drive south of Manila, so it’s easily accessible for those landing in the capital city.