When you think diving, you immediately think of the Philippines. Home to over 3,172 marine and 351 freshwater species and over 7,640 islands, diving in the Philippines is going to provide you with an experience unlike any other. But if that hasn’t convinced you just yet, the country recently bagged the World’s Leading Dive Destination Award from the World Travel Awards 2020 and the Best Overseas Diving Award in the Marine Diving Awards 2020, solidifying the fact that the Philippines is truly the ultimate diving heaven.
With hundreds of great diving spots to choose from, it’s no surprise that divers have been flocking here for so long to experience what the country has to offer. So, grab your gear and head on over to this beautiful country to discover just what lies beyond the water’s surface. Check out five of our top diving spots in the Philippines:
1. Anilao
Tourist Travel Information: Currently Anilao is not accepting international travellers however for local travellers, they will be required to get a swab test or antigen test 72 hours prior to entry into the island. A negative test result and booking confirmation must be presented at the checkpoints upon entry. All activities – on land and underwater – must be pre-booked. To learn more about the health and safety protocols in place in Anilao, visit https://philippines.travel/safetrip
2. El Nido
Tourist Travel Information: Travellers entering will have to register for a QR-coded tourist ID online via www.elnidotourism.ph and present a confirmed travel itinerary as well as a negative swab test result. Documents have to be shown at the checkpoint before entry to El Nido. To learn more about the health and safety protocols in place in El Nido, visit https://philippines.travel/safetrip
3. Bohol
Tourist Travel Information: For divers travelling to Bohol from within the Philippines, individuals of all ages from General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) may engage in recreational diving. To learn more about the health and safety protocols in place in Bohol, visit https://philippines.travel/safetrip
4. Malapascua
Tourist Travel Information: Malapascua has reopened the island in December 2020 and has seen a steady flow of tourists arriving onto the island. A handful of dive operators have completed the necessary requirements that allow for them to operate during the new norm. Tests are not required for arrival on the island but a booking confirmation from a dedicated resort must be shown before entry is allowed. To learn more about the health and safety protocols in place in Malapascua, visit https://philippines.travel/safetrip
5. Boracay
Tourist Travel Information: Before arriving at Boracay, travellers will have to do an online Health Declaration Card (HDC) and it attach it to their RT-PCR Negative Result, confirmed flight and booking details and valid ID to the designated email and once it is approved, travellers will receive a Tourist QR Cod. Upon entry into Boracay, a copy of your HDC and negative result must be shown at the border. To learn more about the health and safety protocols in place in Boracay, visit https://philippines.travel/safetrip.