Boracay
Famous for its stunning White Beach, Boracay is also a fantastic and accessible diving destination in the Philippines, perfect for beginners and those looking for relaxed dives. With over 10 dive sites just a short boat ride from shore, it offers a surprisingly diverse underwater world. The area is known for its healthy coral gardens, gentle slopes, and interesting macro life. It's an ideal place to get certified or take an advanced course, blending world-class topside attractions with easy-to-reach underwater adventures.
Diving conditions in Boracay are generally calm and easy, especially during the dry season from November to May. Water temperatures are consistently warm, and currents are typically mild, making it suitable for all experience levels. While it may not boast the large pelagic action of other Philippine destinations, its combination of vibrant reef fish, intriguing critters, and exceptional convenience makes Boracay a must-visit. It's the perfect destination for divers who want to pair their underwater explorations with a lively island atmosphere.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Boracay, Philippines?
Yapak is arguably the most famous dive site in Boracay, Philippines. It's a deep wall dive for advanced divers, starting around 30 meters. The main attraction is the chance to see pelagic species like grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, tuna, and trevallies cruising in the blue. The wall itself is covered in beautiful soft corals and sea fans, but the thrilling deep-water setting and potential for big fish encounters make it a must-do for experienced divers visiting the island.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Boracay, Philippines?
Well-known sites in Boracay, Philippines include Yapak for advanced divers and Crocodile Island for its rich corals and fish life. For something less crowded, Balinghai Wall offers beautiful scenery with many crevices hiding moray eels and lionfish. Camia Wreck, a deliberately sunk cargo ship, is another excellent site that's developing into a thriving artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life away from the busiest spots.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Boracay, Philippines?
The water temperature in Boracay, Philippines is warm and tropical year-round. During the Amihan (dry) season from November to May, temperatures range from 25-28°C (77-82°F). In the Habagat (wet) season from June to October, the water is slightly warmer, typically between 28-30°C (82-86°F). Conditions are comfortable for diving throughout the year with minimal thermal protection needed.
When is the best time to visit Boracay, Philippines?
The best time for diving in Boracay, Philippines is during the dry season, from November to May. This period offers the calmest sea conditions, best underwater visibility, and sunny weather. Diving primarily takes place on the west side of the island. During the wet season (June-October), winds shift, and diving operations move to the more sheltered east side, where conditions remain diveable but visibility can be reduced.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Boracay, Philippines?
During the peak dive season in Boracay, Philippines (November to May), underwater visibility is generally excellent, often ranging from 20 to 30 meters (65-100 feet). This provides clear views of the reefs and marine life. In the off-season (June to October), visibility can be more variable due to wind and rain, sometimes dropping to 5-15 meters (15-50 feet), though diving continues on the island's sheltered side.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Boracay, Philippines?
Boracay, Philippines is not known for reliable, large-scale marine migrations like whale sharks or manta rays. While rare, opportunistic sightings of reef sharks, eagle rays, or turtles can occur, especially at deeper sites like Yapak, these are not considered seasonal events. The main draw is the consistent and diverse reef life available year-round rather than specific migratory encounters.
What marine life can I expect to see in Boracay, Philippines?
In Boracay, Philippines, you can expect to see a wide variety of reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and large schools of damselfish. Common encounters include moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish, boxfish, and pufferfish. Macro enthusiasts will find nudibranchs, flatworms, and various shrimp. On deeper dives, it's possible to spot tuna, trevally, and the occasional whitetip reef shark.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Boracay, Philippines?
Given the warm water in Boracay, Philippines (25-30°C or 77-86°F), a 3mm shorty wetsuit is sufficient for most divers. Many divers are comfortable in just a rash guard and shorts. If you tend to get cold or are planning multiple or deeper dives, a 3mm full wetsuit is a good choice to ensure comfort throughout your trip.
How do I get to Boracay, Philippines?
To get to Boracay, Philippines, fly into Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan (MPH). From the airport, take a tricycle to the Caticlan Jetty Port. At the port, you will pay terminal and environmental fees before boarding a 15-minute ferry to the island. Once you arrive at Boracay's Cagban Port, e-trikes are available to take you to your hotel. An alternative is flying to Kalibo (KLO), which requires a 2-hour bus transfer to the Caticlan Jetty.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Boracay, Philippines?
You should stay on shore when diving in Boracay, Philippines. The destination is not serviced by liveaboards as all its dive sites are located very close to the island and are easily reached by short day-boat trips. The island's extensive infrastructure of resorts, restaurants, and dive centers is designed for land-based tourism, making a shore-based dive holiday the only practical and recommended option.