Adventure seekers, it’s time to dive into the wild blue! With over 7,000 islands scattered across the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is a true playground for thrill-loving divers, offering countless diving spots to explore. Imagine weaving through vibrant coral mazes, swimming alongside gentle sea turtles, and exploring sunken shipwrecks straight out of a movie. From mysterious underwater caves to heart-pumping drift dives, every splash here opens the door to a breathtaking underwater world.

So, where to start? Here are the top 10 diving spots in the Philippines you absolutely can’t miss.

1. AMOS ROCK

Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, Amos Rock is truly the crown jewel of Philippine diving. This remote atoll sits in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is only accessible by liveaboard trips from March to June, making it a sought-after destination for serious divers.

Underwater Magic: Explore pristine coral gardens teeming with life, swim alongside massive schools of jacks and snappers, and spot majestic manta rays, turtles, and even the occasional whale shark gracefully gliding by. You might also encounter reef sharks and giant groupers in this vibrant underwater paradise.

2. Monad Shoal

Located just off the coast of Malapascua Island, Monad Shoal is a dream dive spot for anyone eager to swim alongside one of the ocean’s coolest residents — the elusive thresher shark. Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters next to these sleek creatures — truly a bucket-list moment!

Underwater Highlights: You can expect frequent sightings of thresher sharks and vibrant coral gardens bursting with color. Depending on the season, manta rays, devil rays, eagle rays, and even hammerheads also make appearances, turning every dive into an unforgettable adventure.

3. Canyons

Located on Puerto Galera, Canyons is a must-visit dive site known for its dramatic underwater rock formations and vibrant marine life. Picture yourself exploring deep crevices and narrow passages, where colorful coral walls are bustling with schools of fish and curious critters. It’s truly a playground for adventurers who love to discover every nook and cranny beneath the waves.

Underwater Highlights: Expect to encounter barracuda, batfish, snappers, trevally, and emperors—making each dive an exciting, lively experience.

4. Apo 29

Tucked within the breathtaking Apo Reef Natural Park, Apo 29 is an underwater gem that delivers big thrills and even bigger marine life. As part of the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world, this dive site features jaw-dropping drop-offs, dramatic coral-covered walls, and crystal-clear visibility that feels endless.

Underwater Highlights: Glide past vibrant coral formations and get up close with reef sharks, manta rays, hammerheads, and even thresher sharks. For thrill-seekers and marine-life lovers, Apo 29 is pure diving paradise.

5. Manta Bowl

Located off Ticao Island in Masbate, Manta Bowl is a magnet for big ocean creatures. As the name suggests, it’s famous for majestic manta rays gliding through its plankton-rich waters. You might also spot whale sharks, hammerheads, or even thresher sharks if you’re lucky. With strong currents and deep dives, this site is best suited for experienced adventurers looking for an unforgettable thrill.

Underwater Highlights: Giant manta rays glide effortlessly through the currents, joined by the occasional whale shark, hammerhead, and even tiger sharks. With strong currents and deep waters, this site is best for experienced divers looking for that adrenaline rush.

6. Okikawa Maru

Wreck diving lovers, this one’s for you! The Okikawa Maru, located in Coron Bay, Palawan, is one of the most iconic and accessible World War II shipwrecks in the Philippines. This massive Japanese oil tanker was sunk during an air raid in 1944 and now rests peacefully beneath the sea, completely encrusted in corals and swarming with marine life.

Underwater Highlights: Swim through the eerie yet beautiful corridors of history. Expect vibrant corals, schools of fusiliers, batfish, lionfish, and even the occasional turtle. With relatively good visibility and moderate currents, this site is perfect for both wreck diving newbies and seasoned explorers alike.

7. Coconut

If adrenaline-pumping drift dives are your thing, then Coconut at Apo Island is the ultimate underwater playground! This site is famous for its strong currents that sweep you effortlessly along vibrant reefs bursting with marine life.

Underwater Highlights: Get ready to zip past colorful coral gardens while encountering turtles, jacks, pipefish, garden eels, and shrimp gobies. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the occasional reef shark gliding by! Fast, thrilling, and full of surprises—this dive is perfect for experienced adventurers craving a wild underwater ride.

8. Yapak

Yapak, located on Boracay Island, is made up of four distinct dive spots, with Yapak 2 being the most famous. It features two deep walls adorned with stunning coral formations and massive gorgonian sea fans, all teeming with vibrant marine life. This site offers a breathtaking mix of colorful underwater landscapes and diverse sea creatures, making it a top choice for both beginner and seasoned divers alike.

Underwater Highlights: Explore thriving coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, tuna, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs. Yapak’s gentle currents and excellent visibility create the perfect conditions to soak in the beauty of the underwater world at a relaxed pace.

9. Divers’ Heaven

True to its name, Divers’ Heaven is an underwater paradise located in Balicasag Island. This spot is a magnet for macro lovers and muck divers, packed with rare critters and vibrant marine life hiding in sandy patches and coral rubble.

Underwater Highlights: Get ready to spot speedy jacks, sleek barracudas, and colorful reef fish dancing through crystal-clear waters. The calm conditions make it perfect for close-up photography and leisurely exploration — ideal for divers who love uncovering the tiny, magical creatures of the sea!

10. Manit Muck

If you’re into muck diving and love the thrill of spotting rare and quirky critters, Manit Muck in Anilao, Batangas is your ultimate underwater playground! This famed macro dive site is a treasure trove of tiny, unusual marine life that makes every dive feel like a scavenger hunt.

Underwater Highlights: Get ready to meet colorful nudibranchs, flamboyant cuttlefish, mantis shrimps, pipefish, and a host of well-camouflaged marine oddities hiding in the sandy seafloor. Manit Muck is perfect for curious divers and underwater photographers who thrive on the thrill of the tiny and unexpected!

Whether you love the peaceful challenge of freediving or the immersive thrill of scuba diving, the Philippines has best dive spots just for you. With world-class coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, critter-packed muck dives, and haunting shipwrecks, it’s a true playground for underwater adventurers. So grab your fins, check your gear, and take the plunge—an unforgettable journey awaits beneath the waves!

If it’s raining, diving spots in the Philippines might be harder to enjoy, but don’t worry—there are plenty of other amazing destinations to explore during the rainy season! Check out our related article: Top Destinations to Visit in the Philippines During Rainy Season for great ideas beyond diving.