Beginner Diving in The Philippines

If you’re wanting to learn to dive, look no further than the Philippines. In this awe-inspiring archipelago, diversity is king, and with more than 7,000 islands and over 100 languages spoken, there’s always something new to experience. The Visayan Islands are home to some of the country’s best beginner diving, with the gentle dive sites of the Central Visayas offering sightings of turtles and sharks. Newbies can spend time watching cheeky tarsiers in Bohol, admiring the waterfalls and lakes in Negros, and once the dive boats are out, venturing onto the empty white-sand beaches on Malapascua.

The Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain at the beginning of the nation's period of Spanish rule and was briefly under the control of the United States before gaining independence at the end of World War II. Spanish and American influences are still present today: the Philippines is one of only two Catholic countries in Asia, and English is widely spoken.

Below the surface, the reefs in the Philippines are as rich as the country's history. Sitting in the centre of the Coral Triangle - the global centre of marine biodiversity that also includes parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea - means that the Philippines has plenty to offer the discerning diver, whether experienced or a relative beginner. Our team of diving specialists know the best places for beginner diving in the Philippines, whether you'd prefer to glide along coral reefs or come close to your favourite marine life.

Malapascua

The island of Malapascua is famous among divers, and local sites close to the island are perfect for newcomers. Malapascua's waters are brimming with cool critters of every shape, size and colour: turtles can be seen cruising along the reefs, seahorses cling to the colourful corals and day trips to Gato and Kalanggaman Islands allow glimpses of white-tipped reef sharks. The island is also famous for its daily thresher shark sightings, but a thresher shark dive is (unfortunately) a little too deep for first-time divers. Don't worry - once you've learnt the ropes, it's a great dive to enjoy on your Advanced Open Water course.

Best time to dive: November - May

Bohol

Nearby Bohol also boasts some of the best beginner diving in the Philippines, with the reefs around Panglao Island and Anda being particularly impressive. Gentle coral gardens inhabited by turtles, frogfish and seahorses are perfect for padding out your logbook. During surface intervals on land, the island's famous Chocolate Hills are as bizarre as they are beautiful, and well worth a visit.

Best time to dive: November - May

Negros

Dauin and Dumaguete, on the island of Negros, are ideal for less-experienced divers. Relaxed shore dives are perfect for getting back into the water after a longer-than-expected surface interval, and are perfect for critter hunting. Frogfish, seahorses, octopus and cuttlefish will keep you company as you perfect your buoyancy from the beach before heading out to explore the resplendent reefs and colourful walls of Apo Island.

Best time to dive: December - April