Discover scuba diving and Boracay’s colorful underwater world! Here are some things you need to know about scuba diving in Boracay.
Situated 315 kilometers south of Manila, Boracay Island is one of the most notable tourist spots in the Philippines. Thanks to its powdery white sands and crystal blue waters, it is frequently listed as one of the best beach destinations not just in Southeast Asia, but in the entire world.
But did you know that aside from its idyllic shores, Boracay also has a vibrant marine life with healthy coral reefs? The waters surrounding the island are home to a variety of tropical fish, such as parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, damselfish, and many more! Stingrays, eels, turtles, and sometimes even sea snakes can also be spotted here.
It is no wonder why scuba diving is a popular activity among Boracay tourists, too. With over 25 dive sites around the island, there is surely a dive site right for you — whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.
| Note: Most beginners take a half-day diving course to learn about the basics of scuba diving. For divers who want to get certified to dive anywhere in the world, there is also a 3 to 4-day Open Water course offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Before starting the course, you’ll have to fill out a health information sheet and make sure you don’t have a flight in the next 12 hours. |
In this article, we’ll share with you some basic information about scuba diving in Boracay. Find out the best diving sites and learn more about Boracay’s dive conditions, best times to visit, and other useful diving information.
Scuba Diving in Boracay
Before we proceed, here are some facts about scuba diving in Boracay:
Water Temperature: 28°C on average (25°C during colder months and up to 32°C during the summer)
Currents: The currents on the dive sites are mostly gentle, making them ideal for training. If you want stronger currents, dive in the straits in between the islands.
Visibility: Average visibility is around 15m to 20m. Expect poor visibility (5m-10m) from December to February. Visibility is good (up to 30m) from April to June.
Scuba Dive Sites in Boracay
Here are some of Boracay’s best dive sites:
- Hinugtan Scuba Diving Site – known for its colorful marine life and big schools of different species, making it like an underwater safari.
- Angol Point Dive Site – one of the easiest dive spots, ideal for first-time scuba divers.
- Tulubhan Reef – a shallow, quiet, and comfortable dive for beginners.
- Punta Bunga Diving Site – a scenic diving site, great for macro photography and underwater videography.
- Maniguin Island Diving Safari – not accessible, thus not flocked by tourists.
- Yapak Dive Site – deep and strong currents, thus reserved for experienced divers; has occasional sharks.
- Laguna De Boracay Dive Site – shallow and suitable for underwater photography.
- Virgin Drop Dive Site – great for technical and advanced scuba divers.
- Coral Garden – great for underwater macro photography; great training dive site.
- Crocodile Island Dive Place – one of Boracay’s main diving attractions.
- Channel Drift Diving Site – for skilled divers; also one of the very few drift diving spots in Southeast Asia.
- Camia II Shipwreck Dive Site – for experienced divers.
- Friday’s Rock Diving Spot – popular among open water divers.
- Full Moon Diving – best for full moon night dives.
How To Get to Boracay Island
The nearest airports to Boracay Island are Kalibo International Airport and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (more commonly known as Caticlan or Boracay Airport).
Kalibo International Airport (KLO) is farther from Boracay Island than Caticlan Airport (MPH). If you fly in from KLO, you’ll need to arrange transport to the jetty port that will take you to Boracay. The distance between the airport to the jetty port is around 60 kilometers. Boracay Airport, on the other hand, is only 6 kilometers away from Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, you’ll be taking a 10- to 20-minute ferry ride to Boracay island.
Best Time For Scuba Diving
As mentioned earlier, visibility from April to June is the best. Weather-wise, the best time to scuba dive depends on the monsoon. Generally, it’s ideal to dive on the west side of the island from October to May and the eastern side from June to September.
Nice To Know
- Time Zone: UTC+08:00
- Phone Code: +63
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Voltage: 230 V
- Plug: A, B, C
- Languages: Filipino, English
Where to Stay in Boracay for a Scuba Trip
Some of the best hotels in the Philippines are in Boracay. See our picks for best hotels in Boracay for effortless planning, and enjoy an amazing trip scuba diving in one of the most beautiful places on earth!