Philippines
Of the more than 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines, only 2,000 are inhabited, and 2,500 of them are not even named. Though it may seem a mind-boggling feat to decide where to go diving here, most people settle for one of six main areas: Batangas, close to Manila, with gentle sloping reefs and mini-walls; Bohol, with its wide variety of sites; Boracay, with beautiful beaches, shallow reefs for beginners and deep drop-offs for advanced divers; Cebu, an urban setting with coral gardens and loads of tropicals; Mindoro, with drift diving along sheer walls; and Palawan, with walls, wrecks and mantas.
Snorkel among sea stars and sea snakes along the northwest and southeast coasts of Bohol, and the coral gardens off the small island of Balicasag.
Dive In
Weather: Generally, the best time to dive the Philippines is December through June. Temps typically range from the mid-60Fs to the 90Fs. Though it's almost always hot, it's a little less humid from March through June. Temps drop slightly during the southwest monsoon from July to October, though humidity is slightly higher.
Average Water Temp: Ranges from high 70Fs to mid-80Fs.
Average Visibility: Ranges from 75 to 100 feet in Batangas, 75 to 125 feet in Bohol, 50 to 100 feet in Boracay, 75 to 125 feet in Cebu, 50 to 100 feet in Mindoro and 50 to 100 feet in Palawan.
Topside Diversions: Explore the beaches, jungles and volcanoes. One of the country's greatest resources is its people-get out and meet them. Shopping is a popular pastime, so visit the markets to find inexpensive locally crafted goods.
Travel Savvy: You'll need a valid passport (one at least six months before expiration) and tourist visa to enter any of the countries surrounding the Red Sea. ... Dive shops and live-aboards tend to be hotel-based.
Getting There : The capital, Manila, is served by a plethora of carriers, including Continental, Northwest, Philippine Airlines and United. Philippine Airlines has an extensive network of flights throughout the country.
Of the more than 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines, only 2,000 are inhabited, and 2,500 of them are not even named. Though it may seem a mind-boggling feat to decide where to go diving here, most people settle for one of six main areas: Batangas, close to Manila, with gentle sloping reefs and mini-walls; Bohol, with its wide variety of sites; Boracay, with beautiful beaches, shallow reefs for beginners and deep drop-offs for advanced divers; Cebu, an urban setting with coral gardens and loads of tropicals; Mindoro, with drift diving along sheer walls; and Palawan, with walls, wrecks and mantas.
Snorkel among sea stars and sea snakes along the northwest and southeast coasts of Bohol, and the coral gardens off the small island of Balicasag.
Dive In
Weather: Generally, the best time to dive the Philippines is December through June. Temps typically range from the mid-60Fs to the 90Fs. Though it's almost always hot, it's a little less humid from March through June. Temps drop slightly during the southwest monsoon from July to October, though humidity is slightly higher.
Average Water Temp: Ranges from high 70Fs to mid-80Fs.
Average Visibility: Ranges from 75 to 100 feet in Batangas, 75 to 125 feet in Bohol, 50 to 100 feet in Boracay, 75 to 125 feet in Cebu, 50 to 100 feet in Mindoro and 50 to 100 feet in Palawan.
Topside Diversions: Explore the beaches, jungles and volcanoes. One of the country's greatest resources is its people-get out and meet them. Shopping is a popular pastime, so visit the markets to find inexpensive locally crafted goods.
Travel Savvy: You'll need a valid passport (one at least six months before expiration) and tourist visa to enter any of the countries surrounding the Red Sea. ... Dive shops and live-aboards tend to be hotel-based.
Getting There : The capital, Manila, is served by a plethora of carriers, including Continental, Northwest, Philippine Airlines and United. Philippine Airlines has an extensive network of flights throughout the country.
