How many dive sites are in Palawan?

Palawan has 175 dive sites in Philippines.

What marine life can you see in Palawan?

6 marine species have been recorded in Palawan's waters, including fish, corals, invertebrates, and marine mammals.

What is the water temperature in Palawan?

Water temperatures in Palawan range from 29°C in December to 29°C in December.

Diving in Palawan

Explore 175 dive sites in Palawan, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Palawan

The warmest water temperatures in Palawan occur in January, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 29.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
February: 29.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
March: 29.0°C (air: 27.6°C)
April: 29.0°C (air: 28.6°C)
May: 29.0°C (air: 29.1°C)
June: 29.0°C (air: 28.5°C)
July: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
August: 29.0°C (air: 28.4°C)
September: 29.0°C (air: 28.1°C)
October: 29.0°C (air: 28.0°C)
November: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
December: 29.0°C (air: 27.8°C)

Marine Life in Palawan

Home to 6 recorded species including 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 whales & dolphins, 1 sharks & rays.

Recommended Packing List for Palawan

Based on average water temperature of 29.0°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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

Marine Protected Areas in Palawan

Hundred Island National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Agoo-Damortis National Park - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Apo Reef Natural Park - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Island of Alibijaban Wildeness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
Island of Rasa Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Taklong Island National Marine Reserve - Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area - Managed Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
Peñablanca Protected Landscape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Batanes Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Sagay Marine Reserve - Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Island of Siargao, Bucas Grande, Middle Bucas and East Bucas in Dinagat MSFR & Island of Siargao, Poneas, Dahican, Tona, Laonan Abanay and Bancuyo Wilderness Area - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category II)
Island of Banaon, Basaan, Saac, Tambu, Bambanon Wilderness Area - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
Baliangao Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Pujada Bay Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
Panciscan Pt. in Bitos Bay up to Bano Sanlay, Panicijan River in Butuan Bay; Mangroves along the banks of Sta. Rosa River in San Jacinto town Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
Mangrove areas from Agio Point up to the Municipality of Cambuyao; Mangrove aras from Bo. Biabas to Bo. Ondol including Bo. Condary, and Juagdan except the Island of Tintiman Mangrove Wilderness area - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Tañon Strait Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Biri Larosa Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Sta. Cruz Island National Park - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Aliguay Island Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Dumanquillas Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Selinog Island - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Murcielagos Island Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Island of Pandasan Wilderness Area - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Island of Panglao; Mangrove areas from the west of Loboc River to the municipality of Laya Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Island of Budlanan, Bugatusan, Panga, Silo, Cabgan, Canconstino, tabaon, Maagpit, and Islet of Basihan, Bugatusan, Hayaan, Inanoran , and Poom Point East of Basihan Islet (Getafe Group of Island) (Clarin Group of Island) Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA) - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Ia)
Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Island of Catiil, Colangaman, Lomislis, Tagangdio, Tintinan, and islet of Pamasuan Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Mangrove Areas from Tagasilay to the Mouth of Tigbao River including east of Vitali Island Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Mangrove Areas from Del Pilar River to Palita Island, Bo. Salvacion and Dahican Magrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Palsabangan River up to Mazintuto River, Bacong River to Sandoval Point Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Island of Awasan, Cabilan, Capaquian, Sugbuhan and Tagboaba Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Island of Dinagat, Hikdop, Sibate and Hanigad Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Mangrove Areas along Municipalities of Lavigan, Valencia Up to Taon River Municipality of Barcelona,, Islands of Masopelid, Mahaba, Condona, Bayagnan, Bilabid and Caye Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Island of Pamusuan, Handayan, Majanay,,, Islets of Bonoon, Lapinig, Pinahon and Lapinig Chico, Mangrove areas east of Soom River Pangpang Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Mangrove From Baculin Point to Lakud Point, From Tanuip Point to Quinablangan Island and Samal Island Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Tubbataha Reefs - Natural Park (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Mangrove Areas from Liangan River to Lipatan River of the Municipality of Lapayan Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA)/Las Piñas-Parañaque - Wetland Park (IUCN Category IV)
Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve - Marine Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park - ASEAN Heritage Park (IUCN Category II)
Pasempando - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Coastal Community Alliance Unified for Sustainable Ecosystem (CCAUSE) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marine Protected Area Network with Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marine Protected Area Network within Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Baclayon, Tagbilaran Bohol - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Ticao Island marine Protected Area Network (TIMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marine Protected Area Development Action and Networking Goal for Accountability and Transformation (MPADANGAT) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Dauis, Tagbilaran Bohol - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tobias Fornier Marine Protected Area Networking - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
BBBIDA Pangasinan - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
BalBaSan La Union - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sablayan and Calintaan (SaCa) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Gonzaga Marine Protected Area Development Federation - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes Marine Protected Area Network (Proposed name) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Northern Sierra Madre NP- Enforcement Network (Tentative Name) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sta. Praxedes-Claveria Marine Protected Area (SPCMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Zambales Marine Protected Area Network - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
DENR Antique, BFAR Antique, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) Antique and Rare Inc. - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
San Juan Siquijor - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Carmen Critical Habitat - Critical Habitat (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Pusaka Koupu-upuan Logta Lawod Bangsa Molbog - Indigenous Community Conserved Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Eastern Iligan Bay Marine Protected Area Network - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
SCPW - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category II)
Bago, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Banyaga Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cabatiag-White Island Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cabra Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Hinigaran, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Ilin-Ambulong Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Ilog, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Lumangbayan Turtle Nesting Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marsumbol Marine Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Nueva Estrella Norte Marine Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Pontevedra, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
San Enrique, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tabao and Luli Island / Brgy. Concepcion Fishery Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Takbal-Bato Marine Sanctuary - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Talabasi Reef Municipal Fish Sanctuary and Refuge - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Valladolid, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Apale-Tolingon Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Balirahay Reef Marine Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Bani Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Barugo Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Benolho Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Buntay Marine Protected Area/ Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cabugawan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Calangawan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Canawayon Island Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cancandoy Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Caroyocan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cinco Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cogon Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Dumana Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Gabas Marine Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Guinob-an Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Himokilan Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Ingan Fish Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Kantawi Reef Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Kawayan Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Kumanabang Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Lewing Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Limay Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Look Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Lutao Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Mabini, Higatangan Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Macabug Marine Reserve Area with Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Madong-badong Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
MagC Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Mahayag Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marine Reserve No.1 - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Naval Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Orion Kent Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Palo Fish Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve (Binangalan Reef) - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Paltic Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Pangasugan Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Panunubulon Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Plaridel Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Poblacion I Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Puntian-Diguisit - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Rabaw Ti Bato - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sakay Point - Sitio Calipata-an Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sambawan Island - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sampotan Islet Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
San Isidro Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
San Juan-Macatel Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
San Miguel Fish Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sasmuan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sta. Cruz Marine Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tagbak Marine Park - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tagbibi Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Taggat Norte Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tinag-an Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tomakeen Daco Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Ulol Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Uson Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
VSU Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Bacon Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Badian Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Barcelona Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserved - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Poblacion Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cahayagan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Casapsapan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Castilla Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Magnesia Del Norte and Del Sur - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Tambongon Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Coring Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Columbus Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Marilima & Batag, Virac Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Fishery Reserve and Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
San Andres, Agoho Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Malinao Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Pilar Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Takot Reef - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Malilipot-Rawis-Lagbak (MARILAG) Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sabang Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Gata Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Namantao Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Cataingan Bay Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Ragnas Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sorsogon Bayfish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Sto. Domingo, Albay Marine Protected Area (SDAMPA) - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Gurion Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
Nipa-Nabangig Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Palawan - Nearest Airports

Puerto Princesa International Airport / PAF Antonio Bautista Air Base (PPS), Puerto Princesa - 331 km away, approx 376 min travel time
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kota Kinabalu - 459 km away, approx 516 min travel time