Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa serves as the celebrated gateway to the world-renowned Tubbataha Reefs, but its local diving offers its own distinct charm. With a handful of accessible sites concentrated around Honda Bay and the city's coastline, divers can explore a variety of underwater environments. These sites feature vibrant coral gardens sloping into sandy bottoms, small wrecks, and diverse macro life. This makes it an excellent destination for those seeking convenient day trips or looking to complete dive certifications in a beautiful tropical setting before embarking on a longer liveaboard adventure.
Diving conditions in Puerto Princesa are generally favorable, with warm tropical waters averaging 27-30°C (81-86°F) year-round and visibility that can reach up to 30 meters during the dry season. The diving here is suitable for all experience levels, from beginners enjoying calm reef dives to experienced photographers hunting for critters. Its combination of easy logistics, healthy reef ecosystems, and its crucial role as the primary jump-off point for Palawan's most epic dive expeditions makes Puerto Princesa a strategic and rewarding stop for any diver visiting the Philippines.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
The dive sites within Honda Bay are collectively the most popular in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Rather than a single site, this area offers several accessible reefs perfect for day trips from the city. Its popularity stems from calm conditions, healthy coral gardens, and abundant reef fish, making it ideal for both certified divers and students. Sites like Arreceffi Island's reef offer a classic, enjoyable dive experience representative of the local area.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
Well-known sites in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, are found in Honda Bay, offering reliable reef diving. For a less-common experience, ask local dive operators about sites in Puerto Princesa Bay itself. These can include muck diving spots with interesting critters or small, lesser-known wrecks. These "hidden gems" often depend on current conditions and the dive center's specific knowledge, providing a unique dive away from the more frequented tourist spots.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
Water temperatures when diving in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, are warm and tropical all year. You can expect temperatures ranging from 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the warmer months of March to November. During the slightly cooler season from December to February, temperatures may dip slightly to 26-28°C (79-82°F). The conditions are consistently comfortable, eliminating the need for thick wetsuits.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
The best time to dive in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to May. This period offers the calmest sea conditions, sunniest weather, and optimal underwater visibility. While diving is possible year-round, the wet season from June to October can bring rain and reduced visibility due to runoff, though diving operations usually continue.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
During the prime dive season (November to May) in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, underwater visibility is generally very good, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50-100 feet). Conditions are clearest at offshore sites. During the rainy season (June to October), visibility can be reduced, sometimes dropping to 5-10 meters, especially at sites closer to the shore due to river runoff after heavy rains.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
While Puerto Princesa, Philippines, is the departure point for Tubbataha's rich pelagic action, the local dive sites are more known for consistent reef life than large migrations. Whale sharks can occasionally be spotted, particularly between April and November, but sightings are not guaranteed. The main draw is the year-round presence of diverse reef species rather than specific seasonal events.
What marine life can I expect to see in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
In Puerto Princesa, Philippines, you can expect to see a rich variety of tropical marine life. Common sightings include sea turtles, moray eels, lionfish, anemonefish, and various nudibranchs. Schools of snapper, fusiliers, and batfish are often found around the reefs. While less common, reef sharks and rays can sometimes be spotted. It's a great destination for seeing a cross-section of classic Indo-Pacific biodiversity.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
For the warm tropical waters of Puerto Princesa, Philippines, a 3mm wetsuit, either shorty or full, is generally sufficient for most divers. Many find a rash guard and shorts to be adequate during the hottest months. A full 3mm suit is recommended not just for warmth on longer or repetitive dives, but also for protection against potential stings and scrapes.
How do I get to Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
To reach Puerto Princesa, Philippines, you will fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). There are frequent direct flights from major Philippine cities like Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). From the airport, your hotel or dive resort is just a short trip away via a tricycle (local taxi) or pre-arranged van transfer. The city is very accessible for travelers.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Puerto Princesa, Philippines?
In Puerto Princesa, Philippines, your choice depends on your goal. Choose shore-based day trips to dive the convenient local sites in Honda Bay, which is great for casual diving and courses. Book a liveaboard if your objective is to dive the world-class, remote Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. These trips depart from Puerto Princesa but are multi-day excursions to a completely different, more challenging dive region.