Philippines Coral Reef Maps
The Philippines are composed of more than 7,000 distinct islands, and these are located in some of the richest places in terms of coral reefs in the planet. In fact, the Philippines are ranked 3rd in terms of coral reef area with over 9,000 square kilometers of reef systems, equaling almost 9 percent of the total reef area in the world.
While the Philippines are surrounded by coral reefs, few are as beautiful as the remote Tubbataha coral reef. This isolated site is considered to have one of the most beautiful corals on the planet. CNN also ranks this place as one of the eight top spots for diving.
Because of its isolated location, Tubbahata can only be accessed by boat. Here the reef’s dramatic shapes and forms harbor an amazing biodiversity of marine life forms, from small fish to sharks, huge clams or small invertebrates.
The locals call the giant clams living here “taklobo”. These giant clams, or the Tridacna gigas, are actually the largest as well as the heaviest bivalve mollusks on the entire planet. These can grow up to 1,2 meters long and weigh up to 200 kilograms or more.
The notorious Tiger Shark can also be seen in these waters, speeding through the water after another bank of fish. These fish have earned their name due to their voracious nature, as well as skill in negotiating the waters of the sea.
Other reef systems in the Philippines include Agan-an Municipal Marine Reserve, Batanes Protected Landscape, Cabugan Municipal Marine Reserve and Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, all absolutely beautiful and teeming with life.
Exploring the Aquatic Wonders: Dive Sites in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,500 islands, is a haven for divers across the globe. With its warm, crystal-clear waters, vast coral gardens, and a remarkable diversity of marine life, it offers an underwater adventure unlike any other. In this article, we delve into the best dive sites across the Philippines, providing you with a guide to the most mesmerizing underwater experiences.
A Journey Beneath the Waves: The Philippines’ Underwater Paradise
Diving in the Philippines is not just an activity; it’s an exploration of a vibrant underwater world, home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. From the famous Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to the historic wrecks of Coron Bay, each dive site offers its unique blend of beauty and mystery.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located in the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area that boasts some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. The park is a marine sanctuary where divers can witness the splendor of pristine corals, reef sharks, manta rays, and schools of colorful fish.
Apo Reef: The Second Largest Contiguous Coral Reef in the World
Apo Reef is a natural park that features a 34-square kilometer reef teeming with marine life. Divers here can explore the vast coral formations, encounter turtles, and even spot the occasional shark in its clear blue waters.
Malapascua Island: Thresher Shark Haven
Malapascua Island, off the northern tip of Cebu, is famed for its rare thresher sharks, which can be seen in their natural habitat. Monad Shoal, an underwater plateau, serves as a cleaning station for these majestic creatures, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for divers.
Coron Bay: Wreck Diving Capital of the Philippines
Coron Bay is renowned for its World War II wreck dives. Sunken warships have created artificial reefs, now home to an abundance of sea life. Sites like Irako, Okikawa Maru, and Akitsushima are among the most fascinating wreck dives in the area.
Anilao, Batangas: Macro Paradise for Underwater Photographers
Anilao is celebrated for its macro dive sites, where photographers can capture stunning images of the tiniest creatures. The diversity of nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish make Anilao a macro photographer’s dream destination.
Dauin, Negros Oriental: Muck Diving Extraordinaire
Dauin offers a different kind of diving experience with its muck diving sites. The sandy bottoms are a habitat for unusual critters such as flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and various species of ghost pipefish.
Balicasag Island, Bohol: A Diver’s Sanctuary
Balicasag Island is a marine sanctuary with a stunning wall dive that drops to about 50 meters. The wall is covered with soft and hard corals and is frequented by schools of jackfish, barracudas, and turtles.
Pescador Island, Moalboal: The Sardine Run
Pescador Island in Moalboal is famous for its sardine run, where divers can swim amidst millions of sardines forming incredible bait balls. This natural phenomenon is a sight to behold and attracts predators such as thresher sharks and barracudas.
Conclusion
The Philippines is a treasure trove of dive sites, each with its character and allure. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, there’s a piece of this underwater paradise waiting for you. For those looking to enhance their diving journey, eGift cards for diving courses and gear are available.
