DivePlnr
    Diving in Visayas

    Diving in Visayas

    Philippines
    159 dive sites
    27 dive centres

    Why dive here

    Visayas offers some of Philippines's richest diving, with 554+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays). Water sits around 28°C.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Manta Rays and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 554+ species recorded
    Water28°C · warmest January, February, March
    Dive sites159 sites · reef, wreck, cave
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Visayas is the beating heart of Philippine diving, no question. We’ve spent months here over the years, logging dives from dawn till dusk, and it still keeps us coming back. Moalboal’s sardine run is probably the main draw, and for good reason. Imagine millions of fusiliers, so thick they create living walls that block out the sun. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. We love dropping in just before sunset, when the bait ball starts to really coalesce, and the thresher sharks sometimes cruise by. A short boat ride away, Apo Island is a quiet escape where we always find ourselves surrounded by green sea turtles, just munching on seagrass, totally unbothered. The reefs here are in great shape, too, with plenty of healthy hard corals. But for something completely different, Dauin is our pick for muck diving. The volcanic sands hide an incredible cast of characters - think flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, and frogfish camouflaged so perfectly you’d swim right past them if your guide wasn’t pointing. The visibility isn't always phenomenal, especially after a good rain, but that’s part of the fun of muck diving. Keep your eyes peeled for those bullet mackerel cruising the sandy flats, too. The currents can get zippy in some spots, particularly around Apo, so being comfortable with a bit of drift helps.

    Visayas Dive Site Map

    Dive sites and dive centres in Visayas

    Visayas Dive Sites

    159 dive sites in Visayas

    1

    Site 1 in the Visayas offers a straightforward shore dive. We’ve seen decent schools of tropical silversides and the occasional Endracht hardyhead here. It’s a good spot for a relaxed shallow dive, perfect for photographers wanting to practice or those looking for an easy entry.

    19

    The 19 Wreck, sitting at a shallow 5m, offers a glimpse into a dangerous, but now mostly colonised, wreck. This site is more about exploration and observing how marine life reclaims man-made structures than pristine corals. You’ll find various small fish making homes in the metalwork. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history and the evolving relationship between the ocean and sunken objects, rather than those seeking vibrant reef dives.

    5m

    2

    Our intel for Site 2 in the Visayas is limited, but we’re piecing together what we know. We’ve had reports of Far Eastern Curlews foraging in the shallows and schools of Tropical Silversides moving through the water column. Keep an eye out for Endracht Hardyheads. This site looks promising for divers who enjoy seeking out smaller, less commonly spotted species rather than large reef structures.

    3

    This Visayas site often has healthy hard coral formations. We've seen schools of tropical silversides here, sometimes with Endracht hardyheads mixing in. It's a nice easy dive, probably best for photographers looking for macro subjects or newer divers. Keep an eye out for larger birds like Far Eastern Curlews foraging along the shore if you're diving from land.

    4

    Site 4 in the Visayas offers a straightforward dive, popular with divers looking for a less challenging profile. We often spot large schools of Tropical Silversides moving through the water column here. Look out for the striking Far Eastern Curlew along the shallows. It’s a good spot for a relaxed second dive or for those building confidence.

    Abaca House Reef

    For a straightforward shore dive, the Abaca House Reef is a solid pick, especially if you’re staying nearby. Maxing out at a gentle 14 meters, it's pretty forgiving for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed afternoon dip. We’ve had some pleasant encounters here with resident clownfish defending their anemones, and the occasional lionfish drifting past. It's not going to blow your mind, but for an easy, accessible dive with a good chance of spotting some classic reef dwellers, it does the trick.

    14m

    Adrian's Cove

    Adrian's Cove in the Visayas is a pretty easygoing dive, topping out at 22 metres. It's mostly a coral garden, and we find it's a calm spot to just relax and watch the reef. You'll see the usual suspects here – anemonefish in their homes, a few curious damselfish, maybe a blue-spotted stingray cruising the sand patches. It’s a good choice for newer divers or anyone looking for a chilled-out afternoon plunge without any big thrills or challenging currents.

    22m

    Alegre reef

    Alegre reef, in the Visayas, offers a straightforward coral dive. You'll find a healthy scattering of soft corals and some hard coral formations. It's a relaxed spot, good for those looking for a gentle drift and a chance to spot common reef fish without too much effort. We think it's a solid choice for a second dive of the day or an easy introduction to the area.

    Anda

    Anda, over on Bohol’s eastern coast, gives us a different feel from some of the more bustling dive spots in the Visayas. It’s got that relaxed vibe, even topside, with some nice beaches and waterfalls if you’re looking to stretch your legs between dives. Underwater, we really appreciate the variety. We’ve had some fantastic muck dives here, patiently scanning the sand and mud for all sorts of critters – nudibranchs, gobies, and we’ve even spotted a few pygmy seahorses tucked away. It’s a place for divers who enjoy taking things slow, really looking closely, and ticking off those macro finds.

    ASIA INDONESIA (POSSIBLY)

    Asia Indonesia isn't a deep dive, bottoming out around 11 metres, but it offers a fantastic wreck experience for that depth. This old ferry, sunk by Typhoon Ike in '84, lies on its side, mostly intact, though time and current have started to open her up. We love poking around the open cargo holds, where schools of batfish often hang out, seemingly suspended in the dim light. Look closely at the hull; there are often nudibranchs, particularly along the deck railings. Entry to the wreck's interior is possible for trained wreck divers, but even exploring the exterior is a treat. Keep an eye out for lionfish tucked into shadowy corners and the occasional moray eel peering from a porthole. For divers wanting to experience a historical wreck without the depth, Asia Indonesia is a brilliant choice. We'd suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be better before the boat traffic picks up.

    11m

    Bagacawa Point

    Bagacawa Point offers an easy, shallow dive, maxing out at 11m. It’s ideal for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed session, perhaps a long safety stop. Expect to drift along a gently sloping reef, spotting the usual suspects: damselfish darting between corals and small groups of snapper. It’s not a thrill-seeker's dive, but a good option for an easy afternoon.

    11m

    Bamboo Reef

    Bamboo Reef, tucked away in the Visayas, offers a solid, easy dive. It’s a good spot for a relaxed afternoon, especially if you’re keen on finding some of the smaller residents. We’ve had luck spotting Hookcheek No-line Scorpionfish nestled into the corals here, along with the very active McCosker's Flasher wrasse. Keep an eye out for the red-banded lobsters peeking from crevices. It’s a gentle introduction to Visayan reefs, quite suitable for those building their confidence, or just looking for a calm, unhurried explore.

    5-20m
    Show all 159 dive sites in Visayas

    Visayas Dive Centres

    27 dive shops and operators in Visayas

    50BAR DIVING CENTER

    Website
    Phone

    ALL BLUE DIVING CEBU CORPORATION

    Website
    Phone

    Amun Ini Dive

    Website
    Phone

    Anda Divers Resort

    Website
    Phone

    Aquamundo

    Aquaventure Whitetip Dive Supply

    ATLANTIS INFINITI INC

    Website
    Phone

    Blue Coral

    Website
    Show all 27 dive centres in Visayas

    Ocean Wildlife in Visayas

    554 species recorded in Visayas

    Visayas Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset

    Sunrise and sunset times for Visayas, calculated from coordinates

    Today - Sunday 11 October

    Sunrise

    05:32

    Sunset

    17:29

    Daylight

    11h 57m

    Golden Hour

    17:01

    First light (dawn) at 05:11 · Last light (dusk) at 17:50

    Monthly Averages

    Month
    Jan06:0517:4011h 35m
    Feb06:0417:5211h 48m
    Mar05:5117:5512h 3m
    Apr05:3317:5412h 21m
    May05:2317:5812h 36m
    JunLongest05:2318:0612h 43m
    Jul05:2918:1012h 40m
    Aug05:3518:0312h 28m
    Sep05:3417:4512h 11m
    OctNow05:3217:2711h 55m
    Nov05:3917:1811h 39m
    DecShortest05:5317:2511h 32m

    Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Visayas.

    Where to Stay near Visayas

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    Marine Protected Areas near Visayas

    87 protected areas near Visayas - please respect local regulations when diving

    Tañon Strait Protected Seascape

    Protected Seascape
    IUCN V
    5,286 km²

    Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN)

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    4,442 km²

    Marine Protected Area Network with Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    2,279 km²

    Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA)

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    1,997 km²

    Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA)

    Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site)
    IUCN Ia
    882 km²

    Dauis, Tagbilaran Bohol

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    795 km²

    Baclayon, Tagbilaran Bohol

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    737 km²

    Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape

    Protected Landscape and Seascape
    IUCN V
    621 km²

    San Juan Siquijor

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    598 km²

    Sagay Marine Reserve

    Resource Reserve
    IUCN Ib
    321 km²

    Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape & Seascape

    Protected Landscape and Seascape
    IUCN V
    113 km²

    Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    98 km²

    Showing 12 largest of 87

    Getting to Visayas

    Cebu City/Lapu-Lapu City

    CEB
    30 km~47 min

    Bacolod City

    BCD
    145 km~2.9 hrs

    Laguindingan

    CGY
    188 km~3.7 hrs
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