Situated in South East Asia, between the South China and Philippine Seas is the Philippine Archipelago. Comprising more than 7000 islands and spanning approximately 1850 km (1150 miles) from north to south, this unique tropical paradise is a global biodiversity hotspot. The seas surrounding the Philippines are inhabited by a variety of habitat-forming species such as corals, seagrass and mangroves, which are home to all manner of marine fauna. With relatively stable temperatures and a broad range of dive sites catering to all experience levels, the Philippines are an ideal year-round diving destination. Here, we have compiled a list of noteworthy diving regions, along with the best time to explore them, to guide you on your next adventure – read until the end to discover where we recommend diving in the Philippines in December to bring your year to a breathtaking close!
January: Leyte
Leyte is located in the eastern region of the archipelago. Strong currents provide great conditions for drift diving along coral covered sea walls, while the island’s geographical location affords divers with frequent pelagic encounters. Whale shark sightings are common throughout January and visibility is ideal.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Leyte here
February: Boracay
Boracay is a small resort island situated in the Western Visayas. Renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, Boracay is ideal for divers and beach-dwellers alike. Healthy coral reefs and shallow dive spots also make it a great location for beginners seeking to get PADI certified.
Explore dive trips to Boracay here
March: Malapascua
Malapascua is located in the Central Visayas. Its clear waters are home to a diverse range of macrofauna from nudibranchs to octopus, while encounters with thresher sharks are year-round. Conditions are optimal throughout March, and diving is suited to all experience levels.
Explore dive trips to Malapascua here
April: Cebu
Cebu is located at the heart of the archipelago in the Central Visayas. Marigondon Cave and the Gato Island Passage are ideal for adventure-seeking divers, while strong currents at nearby Olango provide a challenge for those more experienced. Thresher, hammerhead, and whitetip reef shark sightings occur throughout April.
Explore dive trips to Cebu here
May: Palawan
Palawan is situated in the westernmost region of the Philippines. Experience Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site with pristine coral reefs and dense marine life, or step back through time by exploring one of 12 sunken WWII warships on Coron Island. Whale sharks sightings are common during May, and the environmental conditions required to access the remote Tubbataha Reef are optimal.
Explore dive trips to Palawan here
June: Bohol
Bohol is located in the Central Visayas and is comprised of a large main island and several smaller surrounding islands. Bohol offers a diverse range of diving experiences in its caves, cliffs and coral reefs, which are home to a variety of fauna. Throughout June, hammerhead sharks school in Cabilao, making this the perfect time to visit.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Bohol here
July: Mindanao
Situated at the southern part of the archipelago, Mindanao is teeming with macrofauna, including lionfish, nudibranchs, anemones and seahorses. Diving in Mindanao is year-round, making it an ideal destination during July when conditions in other regions can be poor.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Mindanao here
August: Siquijor
Siquijor is a small island located in the Central Visayas. Siquijor is known for its high visibility and plentiful macrofauna, while steep drop-offs provide challenging dives for those more experienced. August is the perfect time to visit Siquijor Island as its geographical location leaves it unaffected by the monsoon season.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Siquijor here
September: Dumaguete and Apo island
Dumaguege is the capital of Negros Island, situated adjacent to Cebu. Renowned for its muck diving, and plentiful macro life, this region is popular among photographers. South of Dumaguete, the lush coral gardens of Apo Island teem with macrofauna, and during September dolphin and eagle ray sightings are common.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Dumaguete and Apo Island here
October: Anilao and Batangas
Anilao and Batangas are located in the center of the archipelago. A Marine Protected Sanctuary, Anilao has a diverse range of macrofauna, including nudibranchs and hairy frogfish, making it another favorite of photographers. Diving conditions are ideal in October, during which time reef shark sightings are common.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Anilao and Batangas here
November: Bicol
Bicol encompasses the southern part of Luzon Island and has four main diving spots: Calaguas, an idealistic getaway with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters; Ticao Island, world-renowned for its dense manta ray population; Donsol, where whale shark sightings are common (particularly in November); and Catanduanes, which remains relatively unexplored.
Explore PADI Dive Shops in Bicol here
December: Mindoro
Mindoro is situated at the heart of the Philippine Archipelago within the Mimaropa region. Surrounded by a mangrove forest, Apo Reef – the world’s second largest coral reef, exhibits breathtaking biodiversity with around 400 coral species; notable inhabitants include pygmy seahorses, lionfish, and parrotfish. Easy shore dives are convenient for beginners, while drift dives and penetrable wrecks provide a challenge for those more experienced. As the year comes to an end, conditions across the region are optimal, making Mindoro the perfect destination to spend diving in the Philippines in December!
Explore dive trips to Mindoro here
Find out more about diving in the Philippines here, and then visit PADI Travel to book your adventure for diving in the Philippines in December or any month of the year!
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