If there’s one positive thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the world, it’s that it has allowed nature to breathe a little bit, giving natural wonders time to recover. Like many industries, the Philippine diving community was hit pretty hard by the global coronavirus pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions.
Thankfully, tourists can once more explore and experience the country’s biodiverse spots after more than a year of not being able to. Divers concerned about safety will be glad to know that businesses operating in these areas follow strict health and safety measures, such as constant disinfection and sanitization, limited capacity, and physical distancing.
We’ve rounded up five breathtaking dive sites that you can visit right now. Check them out.
1. Malapascua, Cebu
The azure waters of Malapascua Island is one of the Visayas’ most popular places to go diving, with plenty of dive sites accessible to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Swim with the thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, go through the various underwater caves in the vicinity, or head for the famous resident whitetip sharks of Gato Island.
2. Boljoon and Alcoy, Cebu
Macro divers looking for a good, quiet spot should consider the municipalities of Boljoon and Alcoy in Cebu. The reefs that are scattered along these islands house a wide variety of rare marine life, such as green sea turtles and the Lembeh Seadragon.
3. Moalboal, Cebu
The beautiful turquoise waters surrounding the islands of Moalboal, located in the south of Cebu, are home to a dazzling array of fish and other marine life. Swim with sea turtles, sardines, Frogfish, white tip sharks, and many more in waters that are accessible to both beginner divers and veterans.
4. Siquijor Island
With over 10 different dive sites, the small island of Siquijor is another must-visit diving locale. Siquijor hosts two marine sanctuaries, breathtaking walls to dive in, as well as spots for muck diving, all with their own sets of marine life which include reef fish, cuttle fish, barracuda, turtles, and so much more. One popular spot is the Sunken Island, which reaches down to 40 meters and is suited for experienced divers—though both beginners and veterans are welcome in Siquijor’s various dive spots.
5. Dauin, Negros Oriental
This small municipality half an hour away from the city of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental has 18 different dive spots. Many attractions can be found off the coast of Dauin, including amazing reef fish, cuttle fish, sea turtles, shrimps, crabs, barracudas, and a lot more waiting for all divers. One interesting spot is the Ginama-an, a man-made dive site that’s made up of old car tires which now house a lot of marine life.