Popolcan West (Under Water Forrest)
Deep pinnacles creating a unique underwater coral forest.
Boat Access
18m Avg Depth
30m Max Depth
About this dive site
This dive site, known as Popolcan Under Water Forrest and also referred to as Popolcan West, offers a unique diving experience. Located approximately 45 minutes by Bangka boat from El Nido town, it’s not frequently visited by all dive operators. The area is characterized by deep-lying pinnacles densely covered with various soft corals and whip corals. Divers have the option of exploring a sloping wall that sometimes transitions into a shallow area suitable for easier dives, or embarking on a more adventurous route by starting at the mooring line and swimming to and from several pinnacles. Careful navigation is recommended as there are no obvious landmarks; a compass is essential due to the potential for disorientation between the coral formations. Currents can be present in the channel, and visibility may vary compared to other nearby dive locations. The maximum depth experienced during dives reaches 30 meters.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Plan Your Visit
coral reefwall diveturtledeep divesoft coralsintermediate
Marine Life
TunaSea turtleScorpionfishBoxfishPuffer fishSurgeonfishAngelfishBannerfishTriggerfishParrotfishTrumpetfishPipefishClown fishSweetlipsSnapperGrouperLionfishNudibranchsSoft coralsWhip corals
Things to Note
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Potential currents, 30m depth, and navigational challenges require some experience.
Hazards:
currentdepthnavigation
Current Strength:
Variable
Nearby Dive Sites
Explore other dive sites in the area

Philippines, Palawan, El Nido El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
Popular El Nido site known for blacktip reef sharks.

Philippines, Palawan, El Nido El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
Dramatic limestone wall, coral gardens, diverse marine life.

Philippines, Palawan, El Nido El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
Easy reef dive with sandy bottom, great for night diving.
Loading more nearby sites...
