Diving in Visayas
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.
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
Located in Visayas, Philippines, 1 is a dive site.
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.
2
2 offers diving in Visayas, Philippines.
3
A dive site in Visayas, Philippines, 3 is worth adding to your dive plan.
4
4 is a dive site in Visayas, Philippines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bamboo Reef
Located in Visayas, Philippines, Bamboo Reef is a reef dive site.
Visayas Dive Centres
27 dive shops and operators in Visayas
50BAR DIVING CENTER
ALL BLUE DIVING CEBU CORPORATION
Amun Ini Dive
Anda Divers Resort
Aquamundo
Aquaventure Whitetip Dive Supply
ATLANTIS INFINITI INC
Blue Coral
Ocean Wildlife in Visayas
554 species recorded in Visayas
Visayas Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Visayas, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:35
Sunset
17:58
Daylight
12h 24m
Golden Hour
17:30
First light (dawn) at 05:13 · Last light (dusk) at 18:20
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:05 | 17:40 | 11h 35m |
| Feb | 06:04 | 17:52 | 11h 48m |
| Mar | 05:51 | 17:55 | 12h 3m |
| Apr | 05:33 | 17:54 | 12h 21m |
| May | 05:23 | 17:58 | 12h 36m |
| JunLongest | 05:23 | 18:06 | 12h 43m |
| Jul | 05:29 | 18:10 | 12h 40m |
| AugNow | 05:35 | 18:03 | 12h 28m |
| Sep | 05:34 | 17:45 | 12h 11m |
| Oct | 05:32 | 17:27 | 11h 55m |
| Nov | 05:39 | 17:18 | 11h 39m |
| DecShortest | 05:53 | 17:25 | 11h 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
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Marine Protected Areas near Visayas
87 protected areas near Visayas - please respect local regulations when diving
Tañon Strait Protected Seascape
Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN)
Marine Protected Area Network with Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape
Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA)
Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA)
Dauis, Tagbilaran Bohol
Baclayon, Tagbilaran Bohol
Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape
San Juan Siquijor
Sagay Marine Reserve
Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape & Seascape
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Showing 12 largest of 87
Getting to Visayas
Cebu City/Lapu-Lapu City
Bacolod City
Laguindingan
Book a dive trip in Visayas
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking