Diving in Palawan
Why dive here
Palawan is a diving destination where divers can encounter sea turtles and sperm whales. Water sits around 29°C.
Palawan. Now, this is a place we always come back to. Forget those glossy brochures, this corner of the Philippines delivers on its own terms. We’ve had some truly epic days here, especially around Coron Bay, where those WWII Japanese wrecks are just legendary. You descend onto these hulks, and it’s like dropping into a time capsule, with schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light in places, and the occasional turtle just chilling on a deck. The water can feel a bit silty sometimes, especially inside the wrecks, but that just adds to the atmosphere. Then you have El Nido, a totally different vibe. Above water, it’s all dramatic limestone karsts, and underwater, it’s more of the same, with colourful reefs clinging to the walls. We’ve spotted countless parrotfish here, bright as a box of crayons, and those goofy-looking black-saddled leatherjackets are always good for a laugh. Our favourite dive in El Nido often involves just drifting along a wall, letting the current do the work, watching cleaner shrimp do their thing. The visibility in El Nido is generally better than Coron, and the reef life feels more vibrant. If you can time your trip for the dry season, roughly November to May, you'll dodge the heavy rains and get the clearest water. Just be prepared for a bit of a journey to get between the two areas. It's worth it.
Palawan Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Palawan
Palawan Dive Sites
175 dive sites in Palawan
Alicia Annie Reef
Alicia Annie Reef, off Palawan, delivers a consistent coral reef dive. We usually find schools of fusiliers here, often accompanied by hunting trevally patrolling the reef's edge. It's a solid choice for those looking for a straightforward, relaxing dive with reliable fish action, without any major surprises.
Amy Douglas Reef
A reef dive site in Palawan, Philippines, Amy Douglas Reef is worth adding to your dive plan.
An Nhon Nam Reef
An Nhon Nam Reef is a reef dive site in Palawan, Philippines, reaching depths of around 5-20m.
Ardasier Reef
Ardasier Reef offers a solid coral dive in Palawan. We’ve found it’s a good spot for a relaxed drift, often with schools of trevally zipping by. Look closely among the corals for nudibranchs and smaller reef fish. This site is a good pick for divers who appreciate healthy reefscapes without overly challenging conditions.
ASIA PACIFIC
The ASIA PACIFIC wreck is one of our favourites in Palawan, precisely because it’s a carrier, not a purpose-sunk warship. It ran aground in 1973, making for an accidental, fascinating dive. We love that the wreck starts right at the surface, its superstructure breaking the water, letting you snorkel around the upper sections before you even gear up. Below, the ASIA PACIFIC slopes down to about 25 metres. Because it wasn't scuttled, it rests at an interesting angle, creating all sorts of swim-throughs and pockets. You can spend an entire dive just exploring the bridge area and cargo holds, watching the light filter in through gaps. Look out for schools of snapper hanging in the shadows and the occasional turtle grazing on algae growing on the hull. The continuous swell that eventually claimed her still makes its presence felt; sometimes there’s a gentle surge, which adds to the atmosphere. We’d suggest hitting this site mid-morning; the sun angle really brings out the textures of the encrusting corals and creates some dramatic light shafts inside. This wreck is perfect for divers who enjoy exploration and appreciate a bit of history without needing deep depths or strong currents.
Bahura
Bahura in Palawan is a shallow, sloping reef, an easy dive for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed experience. We usually find smaller reef fish here, things like clownfish in their anemones and darting damselfish. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, it’s a pleasant spot for a second dive or some macro photography.
Bãi cạn Nâu Bắc Lớn
Located in Palawan, Philippines, Bãi cạn Nâu Bắc Lớn is a reef dive site.
Baker Reef
Baker Reef offers a typical Palawan coral reef experience. You’ll find healthy hard and soft corals providing shelter for the usual reef fish population. Conditions here are generally calm, making it a good, straightforward dive for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed bottom time. It’s a solid option if you’re already in the area.
Baker Reef
Baker Reef is a reef dive site in Palawan, Philippines, reaching depths of around 5-20m.
Baker Reef
Baker Reef offers reef diving in Palawan, Philippines, reaching depths of around 5-20m.
Bamford Reef
Bamford Reef sits off Palawan, offering a solid coral reef dive. Expect to see the usual suspects here, though nothing truly unique tends to pop up. It's a decent spot for a relaxed afternoon dive, particularly if you're looking to log some bottom time without too much fuss. Good for new divers or those who just enjoy a straightforward reef exploration.
Bamford Reef
Bamford Reef offers reef diving in Palawan, Philippines.
Palawan Dive Centres
Ocean Wildlife in Palawan
6 species recorded in Palawan
Palawan Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Palawan, calculated from coordinates
Today - Tuesday 25 August
Sunrise
06:09
Sunset
18:31
Daylight
12h 23m
Golden Hour
18:03
First light (dawn) at 05:47 · Last light (dusk) at 18:53
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:39 | 18:15 | 11h 36m |
| Feb | 06:38 | 18:26 | 11h 48m |
| Mar | 06:25 | 18:29 | 12h 3m |
| Apr | 06:07 | 18:28 | 12h 21m |
| May | 05:57 | 18:32 | 12h 35m |
| JunLongest | 05:57 | 18:39 | 12h 42m |
| Jul | 06:04 | 18:43 | 12h 39m |
| AugNow | 06:09 | 18:36 | 12h 28m |
| Sep | 06:08 | 18:19 | 12h 11m |
| Oct | 06:06 | 18:01 | 11h 55m |
| Nov | 06:12 | 17:52 | 11h 40m |
| DecShortest | 06:26 | 17:59 | 11h 32m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Palawan.
Where to Stay near Palawan
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Marine Protected Areas near Palawan
192 protected areas near Palawan - please respect local regulations when diving
Tañon Strait Protected Seascape
Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park
Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN)
Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape
Pasempando
Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve
Tubbataha Reefs
Marine Protected Area Development Action and Networking Goal for Accountability and Transformation (MPADANGAT)
Coastal Community Alliance Unified for Sustainable Ecosystem (CCAUSE)
Zambales Marine Protected Area Network
DENR Antique, BFAR Antique, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) Antique and Rare Inc.
Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary
Showing 12 largest of 192
Getting to Palawan
Puerto Princesa
Kota Kinabalu
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