Winner of the World Travel Awards “Best Dive Destination” three years in a row (2019, 2020, and 2021), the Philippines is undoubtedly one of the planet’s most impressive marine (and terrestrial, for that matter) biodiversity hotspots.
With over 7,000 islands situated within the nutrient-rich Coral Triangle of the Indo-Pacific, replete with vibrant coral gardens, over 5,000 species of clams, molluscs, and snails, along with nearly 2,000 species of fish, it is little wonder serious divers and snorkelers continue to flock to the country.
Places like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the entirety of Palawan, Malapascua Island, Apo Island, Moalboal, Balicasag, Panglao, Bohol, and Puerto Galera are synonymous with marine species richness and spectacular underwater beauty.
What I’ve attempted to do in the article below is put together the first-ever list of dive resorts throughout the major diving regions of the Philippines–from Batangas to Palawan–based on three deciding factors:
- The accessibility and quality of their house reef (for snorkelers and shore dives).
- The quality of their internet connection (for those who need or want to work remotely while visiting).
- Whether or not snorkelers are allowed to tag along on dive trips.
I’ve done this so that a) anyone who wants to make their workcation a diving vacation to the Philippines (or any digital nomads) can be confident that they can get whatever work stuff done that needs doing and b) so that serious snorkelers and freedivers have a list of dive resort options in the Philippines that are set up for them as well.
They run the gamut from luxury dive resorts to dive shops that also offer accommodation. I’ve stayed in a dive-shop-with-accommodation option before (in Aruba), and they are by far the more budget-friendly.
My method
What I did to curate this list was go through every page and dive resort in the Philippines on the PADI website, compile an email list and reach out to each one with the below email.
PADI allows you to filter by both Wi-Fi and House Reefs, but I’ve found the results are very often not all that accurate and a lot of places that claim to have “house reefs” really mean they have reefs that are close (10-15 minutes) by boat, not reef that you can access from the shore or jetty/pier in front of a resort.
To me, those aren’t house reefs.
I’ve been to places like Raja Ampat, Lipe, and Aruba, where the house reef has been the most impressive site out of the various I visited during my trip, and I like the convenience of being able to just jump right into the action without having to get on a boat.
Being a remote worker and entrepreneur, I also don’t really get much actual vacation. I’m privileged to be able to work from “anywhere,” but in reality, I’m more often than not beholden to the Wi-Fi connection. This means I also choose my dive and snorkel vacations based on connectivity requirements and house reef so that I can always get in the water in the event I miss a dive or can’t dive a certain day.
Sucks, but that’s the tradeoff.
Luckily for me (and you), the Philippines is now covered by Starlink (in addition to having decent quality fibre optic in many places):
In fact, it looks like it’s the only country in Southeast Asia outside of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore where Starlink is currently available. Can’t wait for Indonesia to get it.
I would say the majority of the diving resorts I contacted throughout the Philippines already had Starlink. It has been a game changer in the nature and wildlife travel industry.
But I digress.
What I’ve done is take the 21 dive resorts in the Philippines that responded to me or that still have functional email addresses (of the 60+ emails I sent out) and compile them into the below list.
For each resort, I have included:
- A Google Maps screenshot of which region of the country the resort is located–particularly so you can see how close to major cities/jumpoff points they are.
- The response of the resort employee who answered my questions re: snorkeling, house reef and internet.
- A synthesis of a couple of the most recent pages of reviews from review sites like TripAdvisor, Booking and Agoda.
This was done by copying and pasting the most recent reviews for each place into ChatGPT and asking it to parse the text for recurring comments, phrases and descriptions and then synthesize all of it into a list of bullet points covering both the positive and the negative reviews. ChatGPT spits out nonsense a lot of the time, but it’s a very good parser/synthesizer.
I’ve also linked you to each place’s Instagram (the little icon below each photo]) so you can check out the kinds of dives they do and the marine critters they observe on a regular basis. Instagram (in addition to recent YouTube videos and TripAdvisor photos) is definitely the best place to gauge things like reef quality, marine life, equipment, boats, etc.
Trying to decide on snorkeling or diving gear for an upcoming trip? Checkout my detailed breakdowns of everything from fins to BCDs to dive watches and more.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Palawan
Diving and snorkelling in Palawan offer an extraordinary marine experience thanks to the region’s exceptional natural attributes and rich biodiversity. Comprising over 1,700 islands and islets, Palawan, in the southwestern part of the Philippines, is a place where marine ecosystems still thrive.
These coastal habitats encompass extensive coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and soft-bottom ecosystems and serve as crucial biodiversity shelters. It is also (if you’re interested in terrestrial excursions) home to some of the last large tracts of forest left in the thoroughly deforested Philippines.
Palawan’s inherent diversity and productive coastal ecosystems have earned it UNESCO’s designation as a Man and Biosphere Reserve, cementing its reputation as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier.
The region functions as a physical barrier, separating the Sulu Sea from the West Philippine Sea, two major marine biogeographic regions in the country. This results in notable differences in coral cover and reef fish communities, with the Sulu Sea exhibiting slightly higher biodiversity due to the entry of larvae from the South China Sea into the Coral Triangle via the Sulu Sea.
Below are some of the dive resorts in Palawan with good house reefs, good internet connectivity suitable for remote work and dive trips/sites that are also suitable for snorkelers.
1) Tabanka Scuba Diving Inc
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We do have a place that we consider our house reef. But it’s only accessible by boat. There is no shore diving here, if that’s what you mean.
Yes, snorkeling guests are welcome on board, the tours are pretty enjoyable also for nondivers. Often there are also beaches nearby. The current price is 1500p.
The internet:
We use starlink, as long as there is power supply and no big Taifun our internet is pretty ok for work.
Oliver, Tabanka Divers
What guests have to say
What People Love About Tabanka Divers:
- Friendly and professional staff, creating a safe and supportive diving experience.
- Well-equipped dive center with excellent briefings and top-notch equipment.
- Experienced and passionate instructors, offering a variety of diving courses.
- Stunning dive spots with beautiful coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
- Accommodating and accommodating owner, Oliver, ensuring a memorable experience.
Areas for Improvement:
- Inconsistent adherence to the promised diver-to-DM ratio on some dives.
2) Aquanaut Dive Center
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Yes we do have [a house reef] and it is good. We do accept snorkeller with us too.The internet:
Yes our internet is good since we have fiber connection.
Yvan, General Manager @ Aquanaut Dive Centre
What guests have to say
What People Love About the Dive Centers:
- Friendly and professional instructors and staff.
- A strong focus on safety and making divers feel comfortable.
- Quality diving equipment and modern facilities.
- Access to a variety of aquatic life and stunning underwater landscapes.
- Flexibility, patience, and personalized guidance during courses.
- Highly recommended for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Positive experiences with various instructors, languages, and dive masters.
- Enjoyable boat trips, delicious food, and camaraderie with the dive crew.
Areas for Improvement:
- None mentioned over two pages of most recent TripAdvisor reviews.
3) Sangat Island Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler-friendly:
We have a house reef and it is in a good state. The dive boats only have divers and they don’t really go in sites which are good for snorkeling anyways, but we do offer snorkeling trips
The internet:
We have Starlink.
Eva, Reservation Manager @ Sangat Island Dive Resort
What guests have to say
What People Love About the Dive Resort:
- Stunning and serene paradise island location.
- Highly recommended for divers with close proximity to historical wreck dive sites.
- Excellent and organized dive operations with knowledgeable and friendly staff.
- Fresh and delicious food, particularly seafood and homemade dishes.
- Warm and welcoming atmosphere with attentive and accommodating staff.
- Comfortable beachfront accommodations with a family-like atmosphere.
- High praise for divemasters, instructors, and dive guides.
- Flexible dive scheduling and the ability to customize dive plans.
- Quality equipment and well-maintained gear.
- Options for both diving and non-diving activities.
- Impressive house reef for snorkeling and diving.
No negative comments to report.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
Negros (Oriental and Occidental)
Negros is divided into Occidental and Oriental provinces, each offering unique Philippines diving experiences.
Negros Oriental, the second-largest island in the Visayas, offers a captivating marine experience, with diverse dive sites that cater to all levels of divers. The marine life in this region is characterized by numerous pristine reefs, extensive coral and fish diversity, and numerous shipwrecks.
In Negros Occidental, Danjugan Island stands out as a significant diving spot. A marine reserve, it is dedicated to preserving the marine life and reefs of Carbin and Maca.
On the eastern side of Negros, Dauin is renowned for its muck diving, while the famous Apo Island in the southeast is a must-visit. Add places like Dumaguete and Sipalay to the list as well.
The waters around Negros are teeming, boasting over 400 coral and 700 fish species and Malapascua Island is a world-renowned thresher shark diving site.
Negros Oriental offers a variety of dive sites with different features. For instance, San Miguel North presents an ideal macro site, while San Miguel Tires is a critter haven, and San Miguel Reef leads to a beautiful sloping reef.
Sahara Reef and Sahara Deep offer exciting drift dives with unique marine life while sites like Punta, Ceres, Shallow Cars, and Cars provide opportunities to explore car wrecks, muck diving, and vibrant reefs. Travel over to Bahura and you find a sloping reef where you can witness the mating ritual of Mandarinfish at dusk.
Below are some of the dive resorts in Negros with good house reefs, good internet connectivity suitable for remote work and dive trips/sites that are also suitable for snorkelers.
1) Liquid Dive Dumaguete
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Our house reef is called Mainit and it is one of the best drift dives along the coast. As its a drift dive All divers must be accompanied by a guide and surface support (boat). Snorkelers are more than welcome to join the dive boat. Most sites are suitable for snorkelers. We charge Php750 for Dauin coast snorkeling and Php1950 for a day trip to Apo. Guides, equipment and sanctuary fees included.
The internet:
For the Philippines our internet is good and reliable. We have many guests stay with us while doing remote work
Zoe, Liquid Dive Dumaguete
What guests have to say
- Well-maintained and beautiful grounds with multiple pools.
- Super friendly and helpful staff providing excellent service.
- Relaxing, unpretentious, and luxurious ambiance.
- Proximity to the beach, snorkeling, and a well-organized dive shop.
- Opportunities for diving and exploring marine life in the area.
- Comfortable and eco-friendly rooms.
- Tasty native food.
- Excellent diving team, knowledgeable, safe, and fun.
- Great scenic pictures and the perfect place to combine holidays with diving.
Areas for Improvement:
- Some feedback on the quality of food, with mentions of portions being on the smaller side.
- Occasional issues with the professionalism of staff.
- A guest’s experience with unexpected additional fees and communication about them.
- The need for more professional communication regarding charges.
- Limited choices for larger meals.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
2) Wellbeach Dive Resort
Does not seem like they have an Instagram.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Yes [we have a house reef]. Yes [we allow snorkelers on our dive trips], Apo island is very good, some others depends on the site.
The internet:
[The internet is] as fast as the Philippines allow. We have PDLT.
Guido @ Wellbeach Dive Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Wellbeach Dive Resort:
- Friendly and welcoming staff.
- Immaculately clean and well-maintained rooms.
- Outstanding food quality and extensive menu.
- Exceptional dive experiences with professional and safety-oriented dive masters.
- Beautiful property and gardens with a small pool.
- Supportive owners who prioritize customer safety.
- Transparent and organized billing system.
- Access to diving equipment, lockers, and snorkeling.
- Availability of various languages spoken by the staff.
- Excellent diving opportunities, especially at Apo Island.
- Peaceful and remote location.
- Beautiful beach with a choice of activities.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Limited room amenities, such as hangers and closet space.
- Secluded location may not be ideal for those seeking more entertainment options.
- A potentially noisy and crowded room environment.
- Issues with the safety deposit box.
- Additional lighting or seating in the shower may be appreciated.
- Limited nightlife or distractions in the local area.
- Inconsistent TV, Wi-Fi, and cellphone reception.
- Availability of air conditioning and hot water varies.
- Long and challenging trike ride to reach the resort.
- The rocky beach may require water shoes for swimming.
(Most of the reviews are pre-covid, with one or two recent ones thrown in).
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
Bohol
Bohol is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts and scuba divers. The island offers some of the finest dive spots in the country, attracting divers from all over the world with its sheer variety of marine fauna and stunning coral formations.
Dive sites around Bohol offer diverse experiences for both novice and experienced divers. Cabilao Island, for instance, is known for its accessibility to both beginners and professionals, while sites like Napaling protect threatened and striking black corals.
Balicasag Island, with its narrow reefs, is a popular choice for divers due to the sheer abundance of marine life crammed into one space.
Happy Wall, Arco Point, and Cervera Shoal offer unique encounters with everything from cave-dwelling creatures to sea snakes and Pamilacan Island is a hub for marine mammals like dolphins, barracudas, and manta rays. Head over to Doljo Point’s and the deep clear waters provide opportunities to spot majestic creatures like hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks.
Whether you’re interested in exploring healthy coral reefs, encountering exotic fish species, or getting up close to large pelagics, Bohol provides a rich and memorable underwater experience.
Below are some of the dive resorts in Bohol with good house reefs, good internet connectivity suitable for remote work and dive trips/sites that are also suitable for snorkelers.
1) Bohol Divers Club
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We have House Reef. We also have snorkelers, the price is 1,650PHP per person(including rental of the equipment and the lunch on board)
The internet:
We have stable internet.
Kim @ Bohol Divers Club
What guests have to say
What People Love About the Dive Resort:
- Excellent communication through Facebook for information and scheduling.
- Helpful staff providing well-fitted equipment.
- Exceptional care of diving equipment.
- Friendly and considerate dive masters.
- Welcoming and accommodating atmosphere.
- High level of professionality among the dive team.
- Convenient and flexible course options, including online learning.
- Beautiful dive sites with abundant marine life.
- Friendly and professional dive masters.
- Good condition of diving gear.
- Affordable prices for dives and courses.
- Friendly and supportive staff creating a great experience for divers.
No negative reviews to speak of.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
Cebu
Cebu is a hub for marine life enthusiasts and divers due to its convenient access to so many stunning dive sites and marine sanctuaries throughout the Visayas–easily reachable from airports and jump-off points around the country.
Whether you are an underwater photographer seeking close-ups of marine creatures or an adventurer looking to explore vibrant coral reefs, Cebu offers a wide range of diving experiences.
Among macro photographers, Tambuli Fish-Feeding Station is a favourite, teeming with nudibranchs, anemone shrimp, tiny anglerfish, and angelfish.
The Marigondon Cave, often more of a cavern than a traditional cave, is home to flashlight fish that create a mesmerizing light show, and Shangrila Marine Sanctuary boasts myriad species among lots of healthy coral, while Thresher Point, just across from Mactan, offers glimpses of these elegant and elusive thresher sharks.
Talima Sanctuary is known for its plunging deep wall and an array of marine life, including pipefish, frogfish, and triggerfish and Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary is among the oldest sanctuaries in the region, while Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary is ideal for divers of all levels, with its shallow coral gardens.
Cebu’s dive sites present a diverse tapestry of marine fauna, ranging from the smallest nudibranchs to larger creatures like thresher sharks. With its convenient location and an array of dive sites catering to various skill levels and interests, Cebu continues to be a top choice for marine life exploration in the Philippines.
Below are some of the dive resorts in Cebu with good house reefs, good internet connectivity suitable for remote work and dive trips/sites that are also suitable for snorkelers.
1) Sea Explorers Malapascua
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We have house reef in our dive destination in Dauin. We allow snorkeler to come along with any of the dives. Our Dauin destination has many amazing dive sites to offer for both divers and snorkelers.
The internet:
Our resort has an internet connection. However, we cannot guarantee it to those guests who have a remote work since there are many guests also using internet
Richelle, Sea Explorers Malapascua
What guests have to say
Things People Like About the Resort:
- Excellent and professional instructors, particularly Nove, who is highly praised for his teaching and patience.
- High-quality dive equipment and a strong emphasis on safety and skill development.
- The opportunity to see Thresher Sharks and other marine species making the diving experience unforgettable.
- Friendly and professional staff members who provide a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Positive feedback on the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification and Nitrox courses.
- Personalized instruction that adapts to each individual’s pace and needs.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- None of the reviews provided any specific complaints or dislikes about the resort or the diving experience.
3) Cebu Fun Divers
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
The coast along our peninsula is lined with a reef with a steep wall. Just a few meters from the dive center, the coral reef drops suddenly to over 50 meters, offering a spectacular underwater world. Yes snorkeler possible to join in our dives, but we need to check if how many divers we have on that schedule because our boat have a divers capacity and divers are our priority.
The internet:
Yes we have reliable internet.
Perry Aquino, Assistant Manager @ Cebu Fun Divers
What guests have to say
Things People Like About the Resort:
- Highly skilled and patient instructors, especially Rene, who receive numerous recommendations.
- A focus on safety and personalized instruction, accommodating different learning paces and language preferences.
- Opportunities to observe marine life, including turtles, colorful fishes, sardines, and macro species.
- Friendly and accommodating staff, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
- High-quality equipment and well-organized dives.
- Positive feedback on open water dive certification and advanced open water courses.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- None of the reviews provided any specific complaints or dislikes about the resort or the diving experience.
4) Magic Island Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Wdo have a house at both resorts, just a few steps from our dive center. all snorkelers are welcome to join in the boat with our divers with a little surcharge.
The internet:
we have Starlink internet at both resorts
Maricar, Reservations @ Magic Island Dive Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About the Resort:
- Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views.
- Friendly and helpful staff, creating a family-like experience.
- Great scuba diving opportunities with experienced dive instructors and excellent dive sites.
- Tasty food, clean rooms, and quality service.
- Close proximity to dive sites with short boat rides.
- A house reef with beautiful corals, fish, and turtles.
- Opportunities for snorkeling, including a mandarin fish dive.
- Reliable internet connection and pool facilities.
- Welcoming and accommodating staff with a strong attention to detail.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- A few mentions of small bathroom size, particularly for larger individuals.
- Suggested improvements included providing a floating pontoon for easier access during low tide.
- Long and sometimes challenging journey to reach the resort, including traffic and ferries.
- Limited entertainment options, which may not be ideal for non-divers.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
5) Divelink Cebu
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
You can snorkel all you want throughout the island. Snorkellers allowed on dive trips but fees still apply.
The internet:
Yes, I (the employee responding to my email) do remote work too
Ayesha, Divelink Cebu
What guests have to say
Things People Like About the Resort:
- Cozy modern beachfront cottages with comfort and great location.
- Friendly and enthusiastic local dive guides who are experts in finding sea creatures.
- Clear and fair pricing with no hidden costs for dive packages.
- Dive points offer a variety of experiences, including Thresher sharks, Gato Island, Chocolate Island, and more.
- Knowledgeable owner and considerate receptionist.
- Clean surroundings and friendly staff.
- Excellent boats, good vibes, and friendly atmosphere.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- The need to transfer from small motor boats to dive boats due to low tide, which raised safety concerns for some guests.
- A broken ship shaft impacted diving plans to Kalangaman.
- There are mixed reviews regarding dive arrangements, specifically with regard to the need to transfer between boats in low tide.
- Some crowds at the Mandarin fish dive site, though guides made efforts to provide a private experience.
6) Blue Orchid Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Our house reef is the best in the area. Snorkelers can accompany all boat dives as well as shore dives. Snorkelers pay 1000 pesos to accompany the boat. The divers usually do 2 dives but sometimes 3.
The internet:
We have the best internet in the region; we use STARLINK very reliable and fast.
Michael, Blue Orchid Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About the Resort:
- Friendly and accommodating staff and owners, especially Michael and Nerissa.
- Good food options in the restaurant.
- Spacious rooms with ocean views and comfortable balconies.
- Well-maintained facilities, including a pool and dive shop.
- Diving and snorkeling opportunities, including the sardine run.
- Options for various activities and excursions.
- Relaxed, serene, and nature-centric atmosphere.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Remote location, which requires transportation to access other areas.
- Limited beach access.
- Some rooms may need improvements like more thorough cleaning and additional bedding.
- Small bathroom issues that can be resolved with maintenance.
- Remote location with a bumpy ride from Cebu City.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
7) Turtle Bay Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Yes we do have a house reef. Easy to access via our jetty and very common to see green sea turtles. We had a recent typhoon around 2 years ago and the damage on the top of the reef is visible, still some coral left and some regrowth happening. The reef we have is a drop off. It is possible for snorkellers to come on dive trips if there is room on the boat. But we actually encourage it as the famous sardine run is visible with snorkeling.
The internet:
So far we haven’t had any trouble with our internet and guests who do bring their work with them haven’t had any trouble. Some rooms because of the location have a weaker signal than others
Reservations Team at Turtle Bay Dive Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Turtle Bay Dive Resort:
- Beautiful and Secluded Location:
- Guests appreciated the resort’s stunning and secluded location, providing a peaceful atmosphere.
- The resort’s proximity to a coral reef allowed for excellent snorkeling and diving experiences, including encounters with sea turtles and sardine runs.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff:
- Visitors praised the warm and welcoming nature of the staff, highlighting CJ and other team members for their friendliness and professionalism.
- The staff were attentive, accommodating, and went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for guests.
- Organized Activities and Excursions:
- Guests enjoyed the resort’s ability to organize various activities, including diving trips, snorkeling with whale sharks, and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.
- The resort offered a range of experiences, from scuba diving certifications to adventurous outings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
- Environmental Responsibility:
- Turtle Bay Dive Resort was commended for its environmental responsibility, with guests appreciating the efforts made to preserve the coral reef and create an eco-friendly environment.
- The resort’s focus on sustainability and responsible tourism added to the overall positive experience for environmentally conscious travelers.
- Comfortable Accommodations:
- Guests found the rooms comfortable and clean, with beautiful sea views in some accommodations.
- Despite minor issues like water pressure, the rooms were well-maintained and equipped, contributing to a comfortable stay.
- Professional Diving Facilities:
- Diving enthusiasts praised the resort’s dive setup, describing it as relaxed, personal, and accommodating.
- The resort’s professional diving crew and well-organized dive sites, including the Sardine experience, left a positive impression on both divers and snorkelers.
Areas for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Food and Beverage Pricing:
- Some guests found the food prices at the resort’s restaurants to be on the higher end, encouraging others to explore nearby dining options.
- The operational aspects of the resort’s bar were mentioned, suggesting improvements in service efficiency and attentiveness.
- Limited Operational Amenities:
- Certain amenities, such as the game room, were not operational during the stay, leading to disappointment among guests.
- Suggestions were made to enhance operational efficiency, including improved communication between different areas of the resort, ensuring guests’ needs were promptly addressed.
- Transportation and Accessibility:
- While transportation services were available, some guests found the cost of shuttle services to be relatively high.
- The resort’s remote location required guests to use tricycles for transportation, which, although convenient, might not be suitable for all travelers.
- Minor Room Details:
- Some guests noted specific room details, such as the lack of hangers for clothes, indicating a need for minor improvements in room amenities and furnishings.
- Although the rooms were generally comfortable, addressing these small details could enhance the overall guest experience.
- Mixed Reviews for Dive Center:
- While the resort’s diving facilities were praised by many, a few guests had mixed experiences with the dive center, indicating the need for consistent quality and professionalism across all diving activities.
- Communication and Guest Interaction:
- A small percentage of guests mentioned instances where staff members could improve communication and courtesy, emphasizing the importance of friendly and respectful guest interactions.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
8) Sidive Diving Center
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Yes we have a housereef and we get a lot of divers diving it everyday because we have a big shoal of sardines and several turtles. One lady did 7 dives on our housereef in the last two days including a Night dive. Yes snorkellers often snorkel on the housereef too Kontiki is a popular diving and free diving and snorkeling place especially at weekends
The internet:
Yes our internet is good. It’s 50 mbps which is better than I have at home. However this is the philippines and nothing is 100% reliable.
Simon, Owner @ Sidive
What guests have to say
Things People Like About SiDive:
- Highly experienced and patient instructors.
- Supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Beautiful underwater views with lots of fish.
- Accommodating and patient staff.
- Quality equipment and training.
- Encouragement for future visits.
Areas for Improvement or Dislikes:
- No notable dislikes or areas for improvement were mentioned in the reviews. Guests were overwhelmingly satisfied with their experiences, instructors, and the diving environment provided by the resort.
9) Love’s Beach & Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
House reef is still okay until the Tonggo Sanctuary. unlike before shallow area you can see nice coral reefs. However, it has been damage due to typhoon last December 2021. 5-10meters still okay nice coral up to the wall. Yes, all the dive sites we are going to,they will enjoy. However, there is boatride fee for marine fee only.
The internet:
In response to my question: Is your internet reliable/fast enough for remote work? Yes.
Jeraldine @ Love’s Beach and Dive Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Love’s Beach & Dive Resort:
- Good hospitality from Jessery Gocotano.
- Clean rooms with a pleasant garden.
- Cozy atmosphere and great location surrounded by trees.
- Spacious rooms with hot & cold showers.
- Super friendly staff.
- Excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Lovely views and a nice pool.
- Child and family-friendly atmosphere.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Lack of transparency with room rates and additional charges.
- Lack of attention and hospitality towards local tourists.
- Limited menu choices and no brewed coffee.
- Limited breakfast items for breakfast included.
- Rude and unprofessional behavior regarding billing issues.
- Inconsistent maintenance of facilities.
- Early morning noise disturbance during water drainage.
- Limited beach access.
- Some complaints about facilities not being well-maintained and the breakfast being subpar.
Or
Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
10) Blue Water Divers
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We do have a house reef. It is in excellent condition and teeming with marine life such as mandarin fish, frogfish, seamoth, colourful nudibranchs, shrimps, pipefishes and many more. We allow snorkelers to join on the dive boat but only in a selected dive sites that are suitable for snorkeling. The rate for a join ride is 350php/trip excluding the snorkeling equipment.
The internet:
We have available free WIFI but only in the public area specifically in the restaurant. We have available Starlink and PLDT Fiber connection.
Cora de Boer, Blue Water Divers
What guests have to say (bear in mind some of these reviews were from 2018)
Things People Like About Blue Water Dive Resort:
- Professional instructors who offer thorough and safe diving courses.
- Affordable prices for various types of dives.
- Incredible dive sites with the opportunity to see thresher sharks.
- Friendly and accommodating management and staff.
- Good balance between theory and practice in dive courses.
- Cozy and comfortable accommodations.
- Availability of advanced diving courses.
- Beautiful and dream-like dive experiences.
- Competitive pricing.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Miscommunication or misunderstanding regarding dive itineraries.
- Some issues with dive equipment, including air pressure gauges and dive masters’ attire.
- A dive master that didn’t communicate well or seem enthusiastic.
- Lack of compensation offered for a mismanaged dive.
- Price dissatisfaction for the service provided.
- One-time issue with disorganized scheduling.
- Need for more experienced dive masters in certain situations.
Mindoro
Mindoro is another of the Philippines world-class dive destinations.
This region, particularly Apo Reef–one of the Philippines’ most impressive offshore reefs–is teeming with life. Over 400 coral species and nearly 500 different types of fish…
It is also a great place for pelagics, including whale sharks and occasional visits from manta rays.
Head over to Lalaguna Point, where you’ll encounter a healthy reef starting at 5 meters and descending to 20 meters, home to a remarkable variety of marine life. Explore Alma Jane Wreck, a Filipino cargo vessel turned perfect artificial reef, or St. Christopher Wreck, another exciting location for wreck enthusiasts.
Sabang Reef stands out with its stunning deep-water coral gardens, while Sabang Wreck is a paradise for macro photography and enthusiasts of the small-but-fascinating. Divers are spoiled for choice with thrilling spots like Shark Cave, Atoll, and Pink Wall, each offering its unique charm and underwater splendor.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there’s something spectacular beneath the surface in Mindoro, a place that continues to attract throngs of serious snorkelers and divers.
1) Scandi Divers
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We have a house reef just in front of the resort. Snorkelers can swim there and it’s in a very good condition and visibility. A snorkeler can join our diving boat, however, we dont have a lifeguard to look after you as our boat captain’s main concern will be the divers and the boat.
We do advise you to hire a private snorkeling boat and go around Puerto Galera to guide and look after you. Or you can join some snorkeling trip with our Tour Agency who can arrange a day tour for you. And this can be arranged once you are here in the resort as trips will depend on the sea and weather condition.
The internet:
Yes, we have free wifi around the resort. Some of our guests used to work online, do meetings while they are here.
Anie, Reservations Manager @ Scandi Divers
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Scandi Divers Resort:
- Excellent dive shop with well-equipped facilities.
- Knowledgeable and patient dive masters and guides.
- Beautiful beachfront location with great views.
- A sense of being part of the Scandi family and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Delicious food with a focus on soups and creativity.
- Accommodating and friendly staff who make you feel at home.
- Organized transportation and pick-up services.
- Outstanding marine life for diving.
- High standards of cleanliness and room maintenance.
- Convenient access to dive sites with short boat rides.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Occasional issues with hot water in showers.
- Limited lounging areas on the beach.
- Some delays and hiccups with water taxi services.
- Inconsistent water supply and power outages (common in the area).
- Limited nighttime entertainment and a quieter atmosphere.
- Need for more beach chairs and shades.
- Half-day land tours may feel rushed.
- Uneven performance of some dive guides regarding air consumption.
- Airport departure may require an earlier departure than suggested.
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2) Deluna Diving Center
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We do have two reefs accessible from the beach, and they are in good condition. These reefs are ideal for training dives as well as night dives. You’ll find a diverse range of marine life and underwater beauty to explore.
Whether we can accommodate snorkelers on our dives depends on the specific dive site. Not all sites are suitable for snorkeling due to factors like currents and depths. We would be happy to discuss the best options based on your interests and the conditions during your visit.
The internet:
The reliability and speed of the internet connection can vary depending on the specific hotel you choose for your stay. However, I’d like to assure you that in our dive shop, we have a fairly good connection speed suitable for remote work. Additionally, you have the option to purchase a local SIM card, as mobile internet in Mindoro is generally quite good.
Anton, Deluna Diving Centre
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Deluna Dive Center:
- Super friendly and enthusiastic team with excellent diving experience.
- High-quality equipment and newly renovated dive center.
- Well-organized and safe diving experiences.
- A variety of interesting dive sites, including night dives and visits to a giant oyster farm.
- Exceptional attention and support for beginners.
- Offers for diving and travel to nearby islands.
- Attention to safety and customer care.
- Convenient location near White Beach with cafes, restaurants, shops, and fruit stands.
- A warm mint towel for the face after diving is a nice touch.
- Anton and the entire staff provide warm and attentive service.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- No specific dislikes or areas for improvement mentioned in the reviews.
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Batangas
Located just south of Manila, this province boasts some of the best dive sites off the coast of Luzon and is especially well-known for the small and the bizarre. It’s a macro photography mecca, often referred to by divers and marine photography enthusiasts as the “nudibranch capital of the world.”
Batangas, and specifically Balayan Bay in Anilao, is celebrated for its rich macro life. This area is known for hosting a diverse array of nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, seahorses, frogfish, waspfish and much more. The intricate corals and sponge gardens are the backdrop to these fascinating critters, making Balayan Bay a must-visit location for macro photographers and enthusiasts.
Batangas also boasts exceptional muck diving sites like Secret Bay. This site is favoured by underwater photographers and critter enthusiasts due to its frequent sightings of ghost pipefish, rare nudibranchs, squids, mimic octopuses, and more, ranking up there with other world-class muck diving sites like Lembeh in Indonesia and Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea.
1) Blue Paradive Center
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We have a nice house reef here in front of camp netanya. For the snorkeler, yes they can go to the Island also but we have an additional fee for that.
The internet:
There is a strong internet connection here and you can still work
Staff @ Blue Paradive
What guests have to say
- Unbeatable location with gorgeous sea views.
- Many Instagrammable spots in the hotel.
- Clean and orderly facilities.
- Professional and impressive dive experiences with knowledgeable dive masters like Macoy and Kuya Jimbo.
- Top-notch service and amazing dive crew.
- Brand new dual engine speed boat for fast and comfortable travel.
- Dive masters with exceptional skills in finding marine life, even the smallest critters.
- High-quality service that exceeds expectations.
- Customized dive trip arrangements.
- Memorable dive experiences, including swimming with sea turtles and watching beautiful sunsets.
- Well-equipped rooms with good air conditioning.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- No specific dislikes or areas for improvement were mentioned in the reviews.
(Some of the review data was taken from older Facebook page reviews, as it was not easy to find TripAdvisor reviews and their Agoda reviews were predominantly focused on the resort itself, not the dive shop.)
2) Portulano Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We do have a housereef and it is quite excellent. We do a lot of housereef diving and there is a lot to see, turtles patrol the area and there are a lot of other interesting critters like Batfish, Electric Clams, colorful reef fish, eels and there are 2 seahorses right now, not sure when you are coming, but they usually stay there for several months until they disappear for various reasons.
We allow snorkelers to join the boat dives, usually snorkelers just share in the boat ride cost. And 90% of the dive sites near us are also snorkeling sites.
The internet:
We are using STARLINK which gives fast internet speed.
Carmela Sevilla, Managing Partner @ Portulano Dive Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Portulano Dive Resort:
- Welcoming and helpful staff, offering assistance with luggage and dietary restrictions.
- Individualized and thorough dive instruction from professional instructors like Arnel and Carmela.
- Knowledgeable dive masters providing exciting underwater discoveries.
- Stunning house reef for snorkeling and diving.
- Clean and comfortable rooms with beautiful sea views.
- Delicious food with options for various dietary preferences.
- Cozy and inviting atmosphere with ample relaxation spaces.
- Friendly and accommodating owners and staff.
- Sustainability-focused initiatives and amenities.
- Convenient access to dive sites within minutes by boat.
- Bioluminescent plankton sightings during night dives.
- Ideal for both divers and non-divers looking for a relaxing getaway.
- Picturesque, clean, and comfortable resort.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Limited room choices, with pricing based on the number of people.
- Inconsistent front desk coordination.
- Mixed feedback regarding the female owner’s welcoming attitude.
- Lack of dessert options.
- Expensive for solo divers when the resort is nearly empty.
- Travel time from Manila may be lengthy, especially during peak traffic hours.
- Limited TV availability in rooms.
- In-room air conditioning options.
- Limited cellphone reception.
3) Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
Our housereef is a great muck diving spot, however you can only dive it when the currents are not too strong. Snorkeler may enjoy some of the coral dive sites but not so much the muck/sandy spots. We charge PHP 500 to join the boat. When are you planning on visiting us?
The internet:
We have stable wifi at the common areas of the resort but not inside the rooms.
Dood, Sales and Marketing Director @ Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Really Like About the Resort:
- Exceptional Diving Experience: Guests rave about the incredible diving opportunities, especially for macro and critter enthusiasts. The dive guides are highly skilled, ensuring memorable underwater encounters.
- Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Visitors appreciate the warm and accommodating staff who go out of their way to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable. Dive guides and boat crews are particularly praised for their expertise and friendliness.
- Clean and Comfortable Rooms: The resort offers clean and comfortable rooms with excellent air conditioning, making it a pleasant retreat after a day of diving. Some rooms even provide breathtaking ocean views.
- Camera Facilities: Underwater photographers find the resort well-equipped with camera rooms, rinse tanks, and support for maintaining camera gear.
- Location and Dive Sites: Guests love the convenient location of the resort, with many dive sites just a short boat ride away. The marine biodiversity and variety of diving experiences, including muck and wall diving, receive high praise.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes:
- Limited Vegetarian/Vegan Food Options: While the resort offers a diverse menu, some guests mention limited options for vegetarians and vegans. This aspect might need improvement to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.
- Inconsistent Food Quality: A few guests mention that the quality of food in the buffet option was inconsistent, particularly for non-meat dishes. Ordering from the à la carte menu is suggested to ensure better food quality.
- Environmental Concerns: The resort’s surroundings, particularly the water, are reported to have trash issues. Improving the environmental conditions in the area is essential for maintaining its appeal.
- Communication of Food Preferences: Some guests may experience issues with communicating their dietary preferences with the kitchen staff. Improved communication regarding dietary restrictions can enhance the dining experience.
- Stair Climbing: The resort’s layout involves climbing a fair number of stairs, which might be a concern for individuals with mobility issues. Providing assistance or accommodations for such guests could be considered.
- Pricey Dive Equipment Rental: The cost of diving equipment rental is perceived as relatively high. Offering more competitive rental rates or package deals might be appreciated by budget-conscious divers.
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Siquijor
Siquijor is somewhat of a hidden gem in the Philippines, and offers a unique experience for divers and snorkelers willing to go a bit out of there way.
What sets Siquijor apart are its fast drift dives and captivating walls. Places like Paliton Wall, which starts at 7 metres and plunges down to near 50, are adorned with beautiful soft corals and gorgonian sea fans.
For macro enthusiasts, Paliton Wall Norte is particularly interesting. Starting at about 7 meters and descending to depths beyond 40 meters, it boasts dense soft coral coverage, along with numerous ledges and overhangs.
One of the crown jewels of Siquijor is the Tubod Marine Sanctuary, which has been protected for over 30 years. Here, you’ll find the island’s most beautiful and well-preserved reef.
In short, Siquijor is great for both novice and experienced divers and snorkelers, although not as well known or frequented as other more iconic sites and dive/snorkelling regions throughout the country.
1) Bahura Dive Siquijor
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
As a marine biologist I can honestly say the coral diversity of our house reef is excellent. There are some impressive coral structures starting at only 3m deep down to 20m+. We also have a marine sanctuary to the left with an impressive fish diversity and resident green turtles. Snorkellers are always welcome on board our dive trips and the majority of dive sites are also suitable for snorkelling.
The internet:
The resort has fairly fast PLDT wifi and at the dive shop we have Starlink. The connection can drop out now and again for a couple of minutes but it always comes right back with an average speed of 50mbps or more. Just to confirm the PLDT connection can be patchy but the starlink is good and generally the internet is reliable 🙂
Rachel, Marine Biologist and Owner @ Bahura Dive Siquijor
What guests have to say
Southern Leyte
Southern Leyte in the Philippines is a lesser-known treasure for divers and snorkelers, boasting a diverse selection of dive sites suitable for all skill levels. The region is celebrated for its outstanding coral quality, making it a premier destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Among the notable dive sites in Southern Leyte, Max Climax Wall & Baluarte stands out with its captivating underwater terrain. The wall is crisscrossed with crevices that serve as shelter to a wide range of reef fish, including several species of angelfish, snappers, sweetlips, Napoleon wrasses, and groupers.
Another popular site, Napantaw Fish Sanctuary, also known as Rio’s Wall, features extensive gorgonians, black corals, and soft corals, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Peter’s Mound offers a unique experience as a cleaning station for large pelagics, including wrasse, grouper, sweetlips, surgeons, fusiliers, tuna, and jacks, while Bato Dako takes divers on a journey through pristine hard coral formations.
Journey over to The Hole and find a beautifully decorated 16-meter deep descent filled with gorgonians and sponges, or to Turtle Rock, Coral Garden, and many other sites for stunning seascape in Southern Leyte.
1) Sogod Bay Scuba Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef/snorkeler friendliness:
We have a house reef – conditions are good. It is also a Marine Protected area. Our list for Sogod Bay diving are 18 dive sites – all are good and accessible for snorkeling. We accept snorkeling on board depending on the boat’s allowable capacity. Snorkeling on board cost 1000 pesos per snorkeler – includes boat ride and equipment (mask, snorkel and fins).
The internet:
We have an Optic Fibre backbone internet with approximately 20mbps subscription.
Annalyn, Reservation Officer @ Sogod Bay Scuba Resort
What guests have to say
Things People Like About Sogod Bay Scuba Resort:
- Beautiful and diverse diving sites with healthy corals, fish, critters, and the possibility of whale shark encounters.
- Friendly and attentive staff, including helpful dive guides.
- Excellent food with a variety of options.
- Clean and comfortable accommodations, particularly the beachfront rooms.
- Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding and enjoying a simpler life.
Room for Improvement or Dislikes at Sogod Bay Scuba Resort:
- Some room maintenance issues, such as water pressure and musty wardrobes.
- Limited options for muck diving, with more focus on reef diving.
- Inconvenient Wi-Fi in some rooms.
- Lack of swimming pool and limited facilities for guests with specific dietary restrictions.
- Limited visibility on some dives and occasional issues with TV picture quality.
(Bear in mind a few of the reviews are pre-COVID)
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There you go
Like I said, I sent out far more emails than that, but those were the resorts that a) had a functioning email address and b) got back to me. These are all PADI-certified resorts, and they all look like places I would visit (my benchmark for coral health and reef biomass are places like Raja Ampat and the Northern Siani Peninsula, so my standards are pretty high).
My objective with this list was to give snorkelers and divers as comprehensive a list as I could of options for diving in the Philippines that catered to people who want a resort or dive shop with a good house reef and want or need to be able to do some work while travelling/vacationing.
Feel free to leave a comment with any additions that you think should be on this list.
Cheers,
Alex
FAQ
Is the Philippines Good for Diving?
The Philippines has been ranked “The Best Country for Diving” by The World Travel Awards many times over the years and continues to attract snorkelers and divers from all over. Whether you’re looking for crazy coral and reef fish diversity, macro and muck diving, encounters with large pelagics like Mantas, Whale Sharks and Thresher Sharks, or teeming and isolated offshore reefs, the Philippines has something for everyone.
Is Indonesia or the Philippines Better for Diving?
A very difficult question. It’s like asking if Thailand or Italy is better for food? It depends on what kind of diving you are into. What I can say is that if you’re looking for pure isolation and remoteness, there are more sites in Indonesia that offer those things than there are in the Philippines.
There aren’t really Philippines equivalents of places like Misool in Raja Ampat and the Maluku Islands. If you’re looking to dive with Thresher Sharks, however, then Malapascua Island in the Philippines is pretty much unbeatable. If you’re into muck and macro diving, both Anilao in the Philippines and Lembeh in Indonesia are world-renowned destinations, but you might be more impressed by the number of endemics in a place like Lembeh. In short, it is a hard question to answer without context.
What Month is Best to Dive in the Philippines?
December to April is the dry season in most of the country, which, in diving terms, typically means the calmest seas and best visibility. Bear in mind that these are also going to be the months with the most visitors, so factor crowds into your decision. If you want to dive world-famous Tubataha Reef, for instance, it is only accessible between March and June.
What is the Diving Capital of the Philippines?
Puerto Galera is widely considered the diving capital of the Philippines, but again, it depends on what kind of diving you’re interested in doing. If you are obsessed with the small and the bizarre, then Anilao is likely your capital.
