Philippines diving is excellent, and it is largely responsible for attracting underwater explorers to Southeast Asia. There are no less than 7,107 islands in the Philippines, and nearly all of them offer access to some excellent dive sites. Boracay is just one of the islands worth keeping in mind. Thanks to the stunning reef that surrounds the island, Boracay diving has long been popular. In addition to visiting some amazing natural reefs, those who go scuba diving in the Philippines can also explore some fascinating wrecks. Wreck diving in the Philippines is the ideal complement to reef diving, and there are plenty of submerged ships in the area waters. Hundreds of dive centers operate on a year-round basis in the Philippines. As such, anyone wishing to explore the underwater realms on a Philippines vacation shouldn't have trouble arranging an excursion to fit their needs and desires.

A day spent scuba diving in the Philippines can rival a day spent scuba diving anywhere, which is why visitors to the country are encouraged to try it. For those who have Philippines diving in mind, there will be a few things to consider. For serious divers, booking a stay at a dive resort is always a good idea. Some of the most popular dive resorts in the country can be found in Puerto Galera, and they can be reached in just a few hours from the capital of Manila. Puerto Galera offers some of the best diving in the Philippines, and both beginners and advanced divers alike can enjoy a visit. The shallow waters off Puerto Galera are ideal for beginning divers, while the deeper canyons provide something extra for advanced divers to explore. In addition to colorful soft corals, divers in Puerto Galera can also expect to see pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish, and other curious creatures.

While Puerto Galera is one of the most popular places to go scuba diving in the Philippines, it isn't the only destination of choice. Palawan Island offers a range of delights for visitors to enjoy, and the Palawan diving opportunities are arguably the best in the country. Many diving enthusiasts who visit Palawan Island head north for El Nido. This coastal town offers access to the beautiful Bacuit Archipelago, where top-notch beaches and world-class diving awaits. The Bacuit Archipelago is one of the best places to enjoy some wreck diving in the Philippines, thanks in part to the collection of submerged Japanese ships in the area waters. One of the most highly visited wrecks in the Bacuit Archipelago is the Lusong Gunboat. Because this small wreck can be found in shallow waters, it is ideal for beginning divers. It can also be viewed while snorkeling. Colorful corals cover the outside of the Lusong Gunboat, and the tropical fish are also in good supply.

Philippines Map

While wreck diving in the Philippines, many of the ships that divers can view met their fate during WWII. These historical relics, which were once used for battle, now provide shelter for marine creatures. Examining true reefs is also an option when scuba diving in the Philippines, and two of the best destinations include Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reef. Both of these reefs are atoll reefs, which essentially means that they are part reef, part island. While the island of Pandan is the best place to arrange Apo Reef diving excursions, Palawan Island is where the boats shove off for Tubbataha Reef.

The Apo Reef is part of the Apo Reef Natural Park, and those who add it to their Philippines diving itinerary can expect to view a lot of interesting things in the crystal clear waters. More than 250 species of fish and around 200 species of coral can be found in the waters surrounding the Apo Reef. Manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles are just some of the specific creatures that are known to frequent the area. As for the Tubbataha Reef, it too is renowned for its wealth of marine life. Like the Apo Reef, the Tubbataha Reef is part of a park, so its amazing seascape is protected. Hundreds of fish and coral species live in the waters surrounding the Tubbataha Reef, and its diverse ecosystem has drawn comparisons to that of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The city of Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island is the embarkation point for boat trips to the Tubbataha Reef. These trips take around twelve hours, and they are worth the journey. Visitors stay on liveaboards, which are boats that feature kitchen facilities, accommodations, and restrooms.

As rewarding as Philippines diving is, it isn't the only thing that adventurous travelers can get into on a Philippines vacation. The Philippines is as impressive on land as it is underwater, and its mountains and beaches provide visitors with numerous playgrounds to enjoy. Viewing volcanoes is just one more thing that is worth adding to the itinerary, as is caving and surfing. There are a lot of reasons why Philippines travel is growing in popularity, and scuba diving enthusiasts will definitely find themselves at home in the area waters. The Philippines dive sites offer something for everyone, so even beginners are encouraged to give it a try when looking for fun things to do.