The Philippines, being an archipelago, is a rich snorkeling and diving haven. From north to south and in all three major islands (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), dive sites mark the coasts. But there are tips to browse on for more enjoyable dive trips.
It is always advisable to go snorkeling or diving with real divers. This can be arranged in seaside hotels that specialize in diving tours or in searching out beautiful dive sites in their coastal vicinity. One can always check online for diving services in a particular locality. Deep sea scuba dives ought to be arranged with dive tour offices or agencies with expert scuba divers and competent scuba equipments. Special scuba diving outfits often offer short courses or trainings on scuba diving, and the hands-on training itself will prove a worthy diving experience already.
If diving with a group with no prior diving tour arrangement (and there’s no such arrangement available in the area), fishing villages most likely have local divers who are experienced in skin diving. Dive sites near the shore but are deep enough often reveal amazing underwater sights and wildlife. Dive sites around Zambales and Bataan often reveal great sea world even along shallow waters—about chest deep. Often, local divers can show visiting divers reef spots that reward the eyes with fabulous underwater sea life for a minimal price.
Scuba diving with pros using proper scuba equipment often poses no immediate dangers, but skin diving on shallow waters often does. This is probably because shallower waters are treated less seriously by people who go skin diving for fun and leisure. With skin divers doing it for a living, daily, precautions are routinely taken in stride. Thus, skin diving should be done with at least 3 good local divers for a precaution measure.
Dive sites are primarily for viewing only. So don’t break a piece of coral from reefs to take home as souvenirs. Almost all coral dive sites in the country are under rehabilitation due to abuse and harmful fishing practices. So just take a camera along to take pictures of underwater scenes instead of taking home on-sight elements as souvenirs. In many dive sites, coral or even sea shell gathering is illegal. Thus, to make a worth-while and no hassle diving trip, just satiate the eyes with wonders of Philippine dive sites.
Philippine dive sites mark the coastal landscape of the country. And to enjoy them more, there are practical tips for a hassle-free, memorable diving trip.
Related topics:
Accessible Dive-sites Near Manila
There are a number of diving destinations to choose from near Metro Manila. Because of their proximity to the Philippine capital, these premier dive-sites provide viable options to prospective divers who have a strict timetable and cannot afford to travel...
Wreck Dive Sites in Subic Bay
Subic Bay dive sites are second to nothing in the Philippines. Aside from marvelous reef and deep sea dive sites they serve as sanctuary to precious war relics of the past....
Great Dive Sites at the Historic Subic Bay
Located two to four hours northwest of Manila the Subic Bay is a great escape from the busy city life. It boasts of historic dive sites from the Spanish Era and World War II. The breath-taking view of the mountain...
Different Dive Sites in La Union, Philippines
One of the diving destinations in the Philippines is the Province of La Union. A number of reef and wreck dive sites are present in La Union where different sea creatures are making their home safely. Beginners and experienced divers...
Subic Bay: Home of the Great Wreck Dive Sites
If you love to go for some wreck diving adventures, the wreck dive sites in Subic Bay are worth the dive. You will not only love the excellent beauty of the various wreck dive sites but will also learn the...
Philippines Dive Sites: A Must-See!
A visit to a tropical country like the Philippines gives you the opportunity to visit diving sites which are gateways to the world under the blue waters. Some of the famous Philippine dive sites are the ones in Anilao, Subic,...
Balicasag Island, A World Class Dive Site
Balicasag Island in the Philippines is the location of many world-class dive sites in the country. It offers many unique and thrilling experiences for local and foreign divers, making it a favorite in the country....
A Glimpse of El Capitan Wreck Dive in Subic Bay
The El Capitan Wreck Dive site is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Subic Bay. A visit to this beautiful place in the Philippines is highly recommended. ...
Bohol’s Bargain World Class Dive Sites
"Exotic" is not the overused word it has become when it comes to describing extreme marine biodiversity on Bohol Island in the Philippines. World Bank and United Nations reports have cited the rich diversity and international divers are quite taken...
Wreck Dive in Subic Bay: Its Diving Pleasures
Diving for wreck dive spots in Subic Bay gives one a historical link to the past, and allows the pleasure of seeing various species of marine life within its waters. But then, to get the most of this experience, one...