Palawan, often called the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, is a paradise above and below the waves. This island province is famous for its stunning landscapes, but it’s the underwater world that truly captivates divers. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious shipwrecks, Palawan offers a diving experience like no other. Let’s explore some of the best diving spots Palawan has to offer. Get ready to pack your gear and plunge into an unforgettable adventure!
Coron: Wrecks Galore
Coron is a diver’s dream, especially if you’re into exploring World War II shipwrecks. In 1944, American Navy planes sank a fleet of Japanese ships in Coron Bay. These wrecks, now teeming with marine life, are some of the best preserved and most accessible wreck dives in the world. Imagine swimming through history, surrounded by colorful fish!
One of the most popular wrecks is the Akitsushima, a Japanese seaplane tender. It’s a massive ship, and even experienced divers will find new things to explore on each dive. The Irako, a refrigeration ship, is another favorite. Penetration dives are possible in some areas, but it’s always wise to go with an experienced guide since many wrecks can be unstable and have tricky currents. For less experienced wreck divers, the slightly shallower wrecks like the Olympia Maru and the East Tangat Gunboat are great options.
Diving in Coron offers more than just wrecks. Barracuda Lake, a unique thermocline lake with varying temperatures, is something special. It’s like diving into different layers of water, each with a different feel. Another great thing about Coron is the visibility. Although it can vary, you usually can see pretty far, even inside the wrecks. Remember, taking a wreck diving course before venturing inside the wrecks is highly recommended. Always respect the wrecks; they are war graves and fragile ecosystems. The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) implements regulations and programs for sustainable tourism and resource management, and following their safe diving guidelines helps protect both the environment and the wrecks themselves.
El Nido: Reefs Bursting with Color
El Nido, on the northern tip of Palawan, is known for its breathtaking landscapes of towering limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. But beneath the surface, El Nido is equally stunning. The diving here is all about vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of marine creatures. It’s a perfect choice for divers who love seeing lots of fish and colorful coral.
One of the best dive sites is Dilumacad Tunnel (also known as Helicopter Island due to its shape). This spot features a mesmerizing underwater tunnel filled with fish and beautiful rock formations. Another popular site is Nat Nat Beach. Here, divers can explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. For a gentle and shallower dive, Entalula Island provides calm waters with excellent visibility and a diverse array of soft corals and macro life, making it ideal for beginner divers and underwater photographers. El Nido follows sustainable tourism standards. Divers are encouraged to practice good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate corals.
El Nido also offers great opportunities for snorkeling for those who prefer to stay closer to the surface. Many of the reefs are shallow enough to enjoy with just a mask and snorkel. Boat tours regularly visit popular snorkeling spots, making it easy to experience the underwater beauty of El Nido without needing full diving gear. You can find some protected marine areas through organizations affiliated with the El Nido Protected Area Management Board, who helps maintaining the conservation efforts.
Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay’s Hidden Gems
Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, is more than just a gateway to the province. Its nearby Honda Bay offers some interesting diving opportunities, particularly for beginner divers or those looking for relaxed and shallow dives. While the diving in Honda Bay may not be as dramatic as in Coron or El Nido, it offers a chance to see a variety of marine life without strong currents or deep depths.
Pandan Island is a small island in Honda Bay known for its clear waters and healthy coral reefs. The diving here is easy and enjoyable, making it perfect for novice divers. Expect to see a variety of colorful reef fish, sea stars, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Another popular site is Luli Island, which offers a shallow reef with abundant marine life. The name “Luli” comes from the Tagalog words “lulubog” (sinking) and “lilitaw” (emerging), because the island disappears and reappears depending on the tide. It is ideal for snorkeling and beginner dives due to its calm waters. Also consider Cowrie Island, known for its white sand beach offering a beautiful coral garden on its eastern side. It is an excellent spot for shallow dives and snorkeling, providing encounters with various reef fish species, including anemonefish and triggerfish.
Honda Bay is also a great place to learn to dive. Several dive shops offer beginner courses, and the calm, shallow waters make it a comfortable environment for new divers to gain confidence. Many tours offer island hopping excursions in Honda Bay that combine snorkeling and swimming with beach relaxation, so you can make a day of exploring the area above and below the water. Puerto Princesa, striving to manage local tourism sustainably, encourage divers and visitors alike to use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: A World-Class Dive Destination (For Experienced Divers Only)
Okay, listen up—Tubbataha is the ultimate dive experience in the Philippines. But here’s the deal: this isn’t for beginners. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s legendary for a good reason. It’s located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, far from any land, and it needs a liveaboard boat trip to get there. The sheer concentration of marine life is mind-blowing.
Expect to see everything big. We’re talking about sharks—hammerheads, tiger sharks, whitetips, blacktips. Mantas glide effortlessly. Giant trevally hunt in packs. Whale sharks cruise by, oblivious to your presence. The walls drop deeply, covered in soft corals and sea fans. The current can be strong, which is part of what brings the big pelagic action. You need to pay attention to your depth and buoyancy control.
The biodiversity is incredible. (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1089/), the park contains over 360 species of coral, almost 700 species of fish, and numerous species of sharks, rays, and dolphins. Getting to Tubbataha requires planning. The diving season is limited to only a few months each year (usually from mid-March to mid-June) due to weather conditions. Book your liveaboard well in advance and make sure you’ve got your advanced open water certification and plenty of diving experience. Also remember that Tubbataha is a protected area. Follow all the park rules and regulations to help preserve this incredible ecosystem for future generations.
Diving Safety Tips
Diving is an amazing experience, but it’s important to be safe. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always dive with a buddy
- Get a dive medical exam to ensure you are fit to dive
- Check air supply and equipment before each dive
- Slowly ascend from dives to avoid decompression sickness
- Be aware of currents and visibility
- Respect marine life and avoid touching corals. The Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving ((https://dotm.gov.ph/programs/philippine-commission-on-sports-scuba-diving)) offers useful diving guidelines and safety tips.
These are just some of Palawan’s diving wonders. Each spot provides different experiences catering to divers of varying proficiencies. With its rich biodiversity, amazing reef systems and fascinating wrecks, it is easy to understand that this island-province has become one of the world’s premier diving destinations. This region offers divers the opportunity to explore and view many fantastic marine creatures in the seas from the smallest nudibranchs up to the biggest whale sharks making for truly unique and magical underwater adventures that are difficult to find elsewhere.
FAQ Section
What is the best time of year to dive in Palawan?
The best time to dive in Palawan is generally during the dry season, which runs from March to May. During this time, the weather is sunny, the seas are calm, and the visibility is usually excellent. However, diving is possible year-round in most areas of Palawan, although conditions may vary depending on the specific location and the time of year.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive in Palawan?
No, Palawan offers diving opportunities for all levels of experience. There are plenty of shallow, calm dive sites that are perfect for beginners, as well as more challenging sites with strong currents and deeper depths for experienced divers. Some sites, however, like Tubbataha, REQUIRE you to be Advanced Open Water certified with a certain amount of logged dives.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see while diving in Palawan?
Palawan is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins, and a diverse array of coral species. The specific types of marine life you see will depend on the dive site and the time of year, but you can be sure to encounter some amazing creatures during your dives.
Are there any safety precautions I should take while diving in Palawan?
Yes, it is important to take safety precautions while diving in Palawan to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Always dive with a buddy, check your equipment before each dive, be aware of currents and visibility, avoid touching corals, and respect marine life. If you are new to diving, consider taking a beginner course to learn the basics before venturing out on your own.
What dive certification do I need to visit Palawan?
You can dive most of the regions in Palawan, especially El Nido and Puerto Princesa, with an Open Water Diver certificate. For Coron’s wrecks it is advisable to have an Advanced Open Water Dive certificate or equivalent, but some wrecks still can be visited with an Open Water certificate under proper and experienced guidance. As mentioned, Tubbataha reefs REQUIRE an Advanced Open Water Diver certification with logged dive experience.
References
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1089/
Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving. (n.d.). Programs. Retrieved from https://dotm.gov.ph/programs/philippine-commission-on-sports-scuba-diving
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. (n.d.). Programs and Projects.
El Nido Protected Area Management Board
Ready to experience the underwater wonders of Palawan? What are you waiting for? Book your trip, pack your bags, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime ! Palawan is waiting to reveal its secrets, one dive at a time. You won’t regret it.
