Diving in Siargao

Explore 72 dive sites in Siargao, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Siargao

The warmest water temperatures in Siargao occur in September, averaging 30.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C
  • February: 27.7°C
  • March: 27.9°C
  • April: 28.4°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 29.3°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 30.1°C
  • September: 30.2°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 29.4°C

Marine Life in Siargao

Home to 87 recorded species including 62 reef fish, 7 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 hard corals.

Dive Site Difficulty in Siargao

Siargao has 21 beginner, 4 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Siargao

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • 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 Siargao

  • Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Island of Rasa Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • 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)
  • Island of Banaon, Basaan, Saac, Tambu, Bambanon Wilderness Area - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Baliangao Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • 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)
  • Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Selinog Island - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Island of Pandasan Wilderness Area - 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)
  • Island of Catiil, Colangaman, Lomislis, Tagangdio, Tintinan, and islet of Pamasuan Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (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 Areas from Liangan River to Lipatan River of the Municipality of Lapayan Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • 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)
  • Baclayon, Tagbilaran Bohol - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dauis, Tagbilaran Bohol - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Juan Siquijor - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Carmen Critical Habitat - Critical Habitat (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Eastern Iligan Bay Marine Protected Area Network - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Nueva Estrella Norte Marine Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Takbal-Bato Marine Sanctuary - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cancandoy Reef 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)
  • 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)
  • Kawayan Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Lewing Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Naval Marine Protected 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)
  • 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)
  • Tomakeen Daco Reef Fish Sanctuary - 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)
  • Tambongon Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Coring Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Columbus Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Siargao - Nearest Airports

  • Bancasi Airport (BXU), Butuan - 30 km away, approx 48 min travel time
  • Laguindingan International Airport (CGY), Laguindingan - 89 km away, approx 112 min travel time
  • Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), Davao - 203 km away, approx 236 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical underwater conditions like for diving in Siargao, including visibility and currents?
The provided data does not specify typical visibility or current conditions for diving in Siargao. However, the region is known for its pristine coral reefs, which often correlate with good underwater environments. For general information on dive conditions, you might consult a local dive center.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in Siargao?
Divers in Siargao can look forward to encounters with reef sharks and various turtle species. The area is also celebrated for its pristine coral reefs, providing a vibrant habitat for diverse marine life. Explore more about marine species in our wildlife database.
What are considered the best or most popular dive sites in Siargao?
While the data does not explicitly label sites as 'best' or 'most popular,' Siargao offers a variety of compelling dive experiences. Notable sites include the Sunken Cemetery (a beginner-friendly wreck), Günter's wall (an intermediate wall dive), and Daku Arch (a beginner cave dive). With 71 dive sites, there's a rich selection for all interests.
Is Siargao suitable for beginner divers, or are the dive sites more for experienced divers?
Siargao is very suitable for beginner divers, with numerous sites categorized as such. Beginners can enjoy sites like Sunken Cemetery (wreck), Iring Point (reef), and Daku Arch (cave). There are also plenty of intermediate sites for those with more experience, ensuring a diverse diving experience for all skill levels.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Siargao to experience optimal conditions?
For optimal water temperatures in Siargao, the best months are September (averaging 30.24°C), August (30.05°C), and November (30.03°C). These months offer the warmest conditions for comfortable diving. You can find more details on seasonal conditions on our When to Dive page.
What are the common ways to get to Siargao for a diving trip?
The provided data does not include information on common transportation methods to reach Siargao for a diving trip. We recommend checking local travel guides or contacting dive centers in the area for the most up-to-date travel advice.
Are there any specific dive sites in Siargao known for unique topography or advanced diving challenges?
Siargao offers several sites with unique topography and intermediate challenges. Divers can explore the Wreck of Japanese cruiser Mogami, dive along the walls of Günter's wall, or navigate the pinnacles of Bulias Shoal. These sites provide diverse underwater landscapes for experienced divers.
How do seasonal variations, like monsoons, affect diving conditions and marine life sightings in Siargao?
The provided data does not contain specific information regarding how seasonal variations, such as monsoons, impact diving conditions or marine life sightings in Siargao. For details on seasonal effects, it's best to consult local dive operators or weather advisories.