Diving conditions in the Philippines are generally excellent, with warm water from 81 to 84 F (27 to 29 C), good visibility from 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 m), and incredibly diverse marine life.
Divers can expect a variety of dive conditions, including wall dives, drift dives, strong currents, reefs, walls and spectacular drop offs. The Philippines is also home to a number of wrecks, both from WWII and more recent times.
A highlight is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a 375-square-mile Marine Protected Area in Palawan in the heart of the Coral Triangle, accessible only on a liveaboard, and only from mid-March to mid-June.
The Philippines is home to nearly 1,400 species of fish and over 500 species of hard and soft coral. Strong currents and fast-washing water create plentiful food sources and spectacular marine diversity. Of special mention is the sardine run at Moalboal, where divers can see huge bait balls and large pelagics that come to prey on the small fish.
To access the dive sites, the Infiniti has two RIBs which drop off and collect divers. There are four dives a day, including night dives. Divers are required to have PADI Open Water or equivalent, though some sites may require PADI AOW or equivalent certification.
Huge shoals of sardines, whale sharks, thresher sharks, frogfish, schooling reef fish, pygmy seahorses, turtles, and reef sharks can all be seen here.
The Philippines is excellent for underwater photographers, with opportunities for macro, wide-angle, and pelagic photography. The Infiniti’s dedicated camera room has several charging stations, plenty of counter space, shelves and drawers, plus an onboard computer with a media center. Plasma screens for viewing and editing are also available.
Highlights:
- Up to 19 dives including night dives
- Large pelagics including whale sharks and thresher sharks
- Full gear is available free of charge (except computer); must be booked in advance
- Excellent photography and videography viewing and editing facilities