Scuba Diving Trips in the Philippines
Upcoming Trips
The Philippines is an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia, comprised of over 7,000 islands. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and friendly people.
The Philippines is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of experiences for visitors. Its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs make it a top destination for scuba diving, snorkeling and island hopping. The country is also home to numerous natural wonders, such as the Chocolate Hills, underground rivers and volcanoes.
It is a world-renowned destination for scuba diving, offering a diverse range of dive sites with rich marine life, colorful coral reefs and unique underwater landscapes. The waters surrounding the Philippines are part of the Coral Triangle, which is considered the global center of marine biodiversity.
What To Expect
Scuba Diving
The waters surrounding the Philippines are full of history. Divers can immerse themselves in history by diving sites full of World War II wrecks. Supply ships, freighters, planes and more can be found.
In and on the wrecks, there are a variety of artifacts still intact. Some items divers can see include munitions, machinery, ladders, kitchen utensils, cement bags and more.
Keep your eye out for:
- Turtles
- Sea snakes
- Whale sharks
- Thresher sharks
- Jacks
- Rays
- Octopus
- Squid
- Triggerfish
- Lionfish
- Nudibranchs
Recommended Specialty Courses
- Nitrox
- Fish identification
- Night & limited visibility
- Perfect buoyancy
- Deep diving
- Boat diving
Culture
Philippine culture is a unique and diverse mix of customs, traditions, beliefs and values. Filipinos are friendly, hard-working, family-oriented, respectful and place a high value on traditions and culture. Their culture is a rich and diverse mix of influences with a strong influence on family, community, religion and traditions. The country is extremely biodiverse with rich forests and an abundance of marine life underwater.
Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces are known for their ancient rice paddies and were built over 2,000 years ago. The thousands of rice paddies are arranged in a series of steps along the steep mountainsides, a testament to ancient farming practices and cultural traditions. Continuing from generation to generation, they are an important source of food and livelihood for the local communities. Visitors can admire the beauty of the terraces and to learn about the local way of life.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are a unique geological formation in the center of the Philippine island of Bohol made up of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills. They are referred to as “chocolate” because during the dry season, the grass on the hills turns brown, giving them a chocolate-like appearance. Visitors can climb up to a viewing deck located on one of the hills for a panoramic view of the landscape and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Chocolate Hills.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park is home to a subterranean river, caves, waterfalls and limestone mountains. One of the caves features the second-largest underground river in the world along with stalactites, stalagmites and bats. Above ground, the national park is full of rich biodiversity, sure to stun flora enthusiasts as it is home to 800 plant species. This national park is a site to see, with caves, rivers and lush forests.
Mayon Volcano National Park
For thrill seekers, visit the Mayon Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the country. The volcano has an aesthetically pleasing symmetrical cone shape and is surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic landscapes. Although it’s an active volcano, visitors can hike and climb up it. Despite its potential dangers, the Mayon Volcano remains a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural significance and geological wonder.
What prior travelers say
“This is a unique trip. Not only will you enjoy the macro marine life on the island of Dumaguete, but you will can also snorkel with the largest fish in the world–whale sharks! Bonus opportunitities await to see thresher sharks and cephalopods.”
Traveler Photos
Know Before You Go
Dive Insurance
Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.
Passport
Must be valid 6 months beyond the date of your trip.
Water
Tap water is NOT drinkable. Only drink bottled/purified water.
Vaccines
Please check with your physician to see if you need any vaccines before you travel to the Philippines.
Language
Children learn to speak both Tagalog and English in school so you’re unlikely to encounter anyone who can’t speak at least a little English. You’ll have no trouble reading street signs, menus or anything else as they’re all written in English.
Clothing
Dress is very casual and traveling light is recommended – swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, sandals and possibly a sweatshirt or light jacket for the evenings. Hat, sunglasses and sun screen/protection are of course highly recommended, as the sun is very intense even on partially cloudy or cooler days.
Luggage restrictions
Philippines Office for Transportation Security has issued new rules that include ‘Scuba Diving Equipment’ (including regulators) on the list of blunt instruments that are not to be in carry-on/cabin baggage on flights originating within the Philippines. Please ensure that all scuba equipment is secured within checked-in baggage on all domestic flights and on all departing international flights.
Electricity
Power is 220V. Sockets are flat two or three pin – American style.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.