Diving at Siquijor - Dumaguete

Siquijor, just a short hop east from Dumaguete, has a quiet charm. We find the diving here generally pleasant, a good option for a relaxed day trip. The sites around the island, like Maite Sanctuary, tend to be shallower, topping out around 16 metres, making them perfect for newer divers or those who prefer longer bottom times. Expect to see some healthy hard corals, plenty of colourful reef fish, and the occasional turtle gliding by. While not always a 'big stuff' destination, Siquijor’s consistent conditions and generally lighter currents make it a reliable choice for easygoing dives.

Location
Dumaguete, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.180000, 123.580000

Marine Protected Area: San Juan Siquijor

Best Time to Dive in Dumaguete

The warmest water temperatures in Dumaguete occur in January, averaging 26.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.8°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 26.8°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • March: 26.8°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • April: 26.8°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • May: 26.8°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • June: 26.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • July: 26.8°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • August: 26.8°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • September: 26.8°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • October: 26.8°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • November: 26.8°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 26.8°C (air: 27.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Dumaguete

Nearest Dive Centres to Diving at Siquijor

Marine Life in Dumaguete

Home to 522 recorded species including 440 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 15 sea cucumbers, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 9 seagrass & algae, 9 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Diving at Siquijor

Based on average water temperature of 26.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of marine life and coral reefs can I expect to see when diving in Siquijor?
Siquijor offers a rich underwater experience with a variety of vibrant reefscapes. Divers can expect to encounter wondrous macro life, some shark and ray encounters, and even endemic species unique to the area. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
What are the typical depths of the dive sites in Siquijor?
While specific typical depths for all sites are not fully detailed, the Maite Sanctuary dive begins with a descent to 16 meters. This suggests that many sites will likely feature depths around or beyond this range, catering to various dive profiles. For more details on specific dive sites, explore Diving at Siquijor.
Is diving in Siquijor suitable for beginner divers, or are there more challenging sites for experienced divers?
Siquijor offers dive sites suitable for various experience levels, with sites like Maite Sanctuary rated as intermediate difficulty. This indicates that while there are sites for more experienced divers, there are likely also options for those with less experience or those looking to advance their skills. It's always recommended to check specific site details for your certification level.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Siquijor for optimal conditions and visibility?
Siquijor is known for its consistent weather and sea conditions, making it a great diving destination throughout much of the year as it remains largely unaffected by extreme monsoons. This reputation suggests favorable diving conditions and good visibility are common. For general information on dive seasons, visit our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required to explore the various dive sites around Siquijor?
The data provided indicates that sites like Maite Sanctuary are of intermediate difficulty, implying that an Open Water Diver certification or higher would generally be appropriate for many sites. However, specific certification requirements can vary per dive site and operator. It's best to consult with local dive centers in Dumaguete for precise requirements for advanced or specialty dives.
What are the typical water conditions in Siquijor, including currents, visibility, and temperature?
Siquijor is renowned for its consistent weather and sea conditions, which are largely unaffected by extreme monsoons. While specific details on currents, visibility, and temperature are not provided, these consistent conditions generally contribute to favorable diving experiences. Divers can typically expect stable and pleasant water conditions.