Drift Diving in the Philippines

Tubbataha

Visiting Tubbataha is almost a rite of passage when it comes to diving in the Philippines. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is only open between March and June and only accessible via liveaboard - adding to its allure. Its remote location is a haven for wildlife, with turbulent currents that attract larger predators, creating perfect conditions for a thrilling drift dive.

Washing Machine is one of our top picks for drift diving in the Philippines. It's located on Tubbataha's North Atoll, which has several fantastic dive sites. Aptly named, Washing Machine is renowned for its unpredictable currents which send divers tumbling back and forth alongside schools of giant trevally, tuna and barracuda. Despite the strong currents, Washing Machine has excellent visibility and divers can often spot manta rays and even whale sharks out in the blue.

Coron

Coron's sheltered waters may be known for spectacular wreck dives, but there are a couple of spots a little further afield which are a great choice for drift diving in the Philippines.

Calumbuyan Reef, a 30-minute boat ride from Okikawa Maru (one of Coron's infamous 'Big Six' wreck dives), is an easy drift dive from the north to the south of Busuanga Island. The site is filled with large hard corals, as well as schools of colourful reef fish and the occasional turtle.

Bohol

When it comes to drift diving in the Philippines, Bohol is a great spot to visit, with several moderate to challenging drift dives.

Balicasag Island is an amazing choice, with five brilliant sites, a couple of which are usually enjoyed as drift dives. Black Forest, one of the island's most famous dives, usually has a current and is dived as a drift. It's named after the abundance of Antipathes, A.K.A black corals, found between 35-45 metres deep. The site slopes down to a depth of 40 metres, with numerous coral heads, schools of groupers and barracudas, turtles and reef fish.

Arco Point is another great spot in Bohol and is just under three miles from Alona Beach in Panglao. The spot is named after a small tunnel that begins at five metres and finishes at around 16-18 metres, according to the tide. The tunnel takes divers to a drop-off, where there is usually a mild current. Aside from being a nice little drift dive, Arco Point is a great macro spot, boasting ghost pipefish, porcelain crabs, blue ring octopuses and more.

The Philippines is a wonderful choice for a diving holiday, with some amazing spots for drift diving. If you're thinking about taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip drift diving in the Philippines, get in contact with our team today as we can help you to create your dream itinerary, taking care of all the little details.