Boasting more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers unique underwater experiences, from the famous Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the mesmerizing macro diving in Dauin. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, this country is worthy of a place on every scuba diving bucket list. There’s something for every type of diver here, whether you like wreck diving, muck diving or are even new to diving.
One of the highlights of diving in the Philippines is its incredible biodiversity. The Coral Triangle stretches across six countries in the Indo-Pacific, and the Philippines lies at the very heart of it. While diving in the Philippines, you may encounter up to 2,000 species of fish and 800 species of hard coral. But, the Philippines has it all – whether you want to swim alongside majestic whale sharks, explore historic World War II wrecks, or capture photos of rare critters.
Besides its underwater wonders, the Philippines boasts warm hospitality and affordable luxury. The country’s dive resorts offer world-class service and are often set in idyllic locations that allow divers to experience topside and underwater adventure. Below, we’ve highlighted 10 of the best dive resorts in the Philippines, according to PADI Travel reviews. Each resort offers something special, ensuring your dive vacation will be one to remember.
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay ($)
Tucked away on the peaceful shores of Sipalay, Easy Diving and Beach Resort offers an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. Known for its easygoing atmosphere, this resort is a haven for divers seeking pristine, uncrowded dive sites. The resort provides direct access to more than 30 dive sites, including colorful coral gardens, deep walls, and fascinating wrecks, all teeming with vibrant marine life.
With an experienced dive team and personalized service, Easy Diving caters to divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore Sipalay’s rich underwater ecosystems or a seasoned diver eager to visit the wreck of the SS Panay, the resort ensures a memorable experience. Between dives, guests can relax on the beautiful private beach, savor a meal at the oceanfront restaurant, or take part in eco-friendly activities, such as kayaking and island hopping.
Highlights
- Access to over 30 uncrowded dive sites, including coral gardens and wrecks.
- Direct beachfront location in a serene location.
- On-site restaurant offering sea views.
Cebu Seaview Dive Resort, Moalboal ($)
Perched on the stunning shores of Moalboal, Cebu Seaview Dive Resort offers an exceptional diving experience for those looking to explore the marine wonders of this part of the island. With the world-renowned sardine run right at your doorstep, this resort is a favorite among divers who want to witness the natural spectacle and the vibrant marine life that surrounds it. The resort’s eco-friendly approach and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for divers who seek both responsible adventure with a teaspoon of relaxation mixed in.
Cebu Seaview Dive Resort provides easy access to a range of dive sites, from the famous Pescador Island to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can expect to encounter sea turtles, colorful nudibranchs, and schools of reef fish on every dive. Recent guest, Ana Beatriz M. remarked, “You literally go out of your room to the pool, gear up and go down the stairs to the sea. You can either do shore dive (there’s a wall just a few meters from the beach so you don’t need to swim too long) or boat dive to see the sardine run (which is just mezmerizing).”
For those looking to improve their skills, the resort’s on-site dive center, Cebu Fun Divers, offers professional training courses led by a team of experienced instructors. Between dives, guests can unwind in modern, comfortable rooms with ocean views or take a refreshing dip in the resort’s infinity pool.
Highlights
- Direct access to Moalboal’s famous sardine run and Pescador Island dive sites.
- Eco-friendly resort with modern, comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views.
- On-site infinity pool and dive center offering courses for all levels.
El Galleon Dive Resort, Puerto Galera ($)
Nestled along the tranquil Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera, El Galleon Dive Resort offers a perfect combination of comfort and world-class diving. “El Galleon certainly deserve to be known for providing good service, hospitality, great food, fantastic dive planning & dive masters, friendly staff,” said PADI Travel reviewer, Honeywell K.
The resort is a favorite among divers due to its easy access to some of the area’s dive sites, which include colorful coral reefs, deep walls, and abundant marine life. With more than 30 dive sites nearby, you’ll have the opportunity to see a wide range of marine creatures, from schools of jackfish and barracudas to pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
El Galleon’s on-site dive center, Asia Divers, is renowned for its professional and friendly staff who cater to divers of all levels. Whether you’re taking your first steps in diving or exploring advanced deep sites, the team ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. After a day of diving, you can relax in the pool, indulge in delicious meals at the beachfront restaurant, or take in the beautiful sunset views.
Highlights
- Convenient access by boat to over 30 diverse dive sites in Puerto Galera.
- Professional dive center with courses for all levels, including professional levels.
- Restaurant and poolside bar with stunning ocean views.
Mike’s Dauin Beach Resort, Dauin & Dumaguete ($)
Mike’s Dauin Beach Resort is situated along the scenic coast of Dauin, a destination renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity. In addition to the great shore diving in the area, the resort is just a short boat ride from Apo Island, one of the Philippines’ most famous marine sanctuaries. Here, you can dive with sea turtles and explore vibrant coral gardens. Mike’s Dauin Beach Resort offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite among divers seeking adventure and tranquility.
The dive center at the resort is well-equipped and offers a range of dive packages, including trips to the renowned muck diving sites of Dauin and Dumaguete. The resort’s dive guides are highly knowledgeable about the local marine life and will ensure you get the most out of every dive, whether it’s a shore dive or boat dive. After diving, you can unwind at the beachfront bar or take a dip in the pool.
Highlights
- Proximity to Apo Island and Dauin’s famous muck diving sites.
- Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
- Beachfront bar and swimming pool for post-dive relaxation.
Submariner Dive Resort, El Nido ($)
The Submariner Dive Resort provides guests with everything they need for a memorable diving vacation — all at a budget-friendly price. Whether it’s the stunning views from a rooftop communal space or its modern rooms, which can accommodate both small and large groups, all of your needs will be covered at this top-rated resort.
The hotel’s prime location in the heart of El Nido puts water access only seconds away from the on-site dive center. That means that after enjoying a scrumptious breakfast at the restaurant, guests can quickly head out and take in El Nido’s varied marine life offerings. Common encounters in the area include eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, dolphins, seahorses and turtles.
Finally, once diving is done for the day, guests can relax, recuperate and decompress at the resort’s cafe, restaurant, and bars.
Highlights
- A rooftop restaurant offers outstanding panoramas of the bay.
- A range of room sizes means larger groups can be accommodated.
- Quick and convenient access to the area’s nearby dive sites.
Buena Vida Resort and Spa, Malapascua Island ($$)
Located on the picturesque island of Malapascua, Buena Vida Resort and Spa is a serene getaway perfect for divers looking to explore the island’s famous underwater treasures. Just a short boat ride from the resort, you can experience the thrill of diving with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, a site that draws divers from around the world. In addition to its proximity to thrilling dive sites, Buena Vida offers a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere.
The on-site dive center provides expert-guided tours to the best dive spots around Malapascua, including Gato Island, where divers can spot whitetip reef sharks, and the coral-covered wreck of the Doña Marilyn. According to PADI Travel guest, Laura K., “Sea Explorers were top notch – one of the best dive centers we’ve ever dove with, super staff, awesome rental kit, and amazing facilities!”
After a day of underwater exploration, guests can unwind at the resort’s spa, enjoying a range of wellness treatments designed to soothe and refresh. The resort’s lush gardens and spacious rooms further enhance the tranquil, nature-filled ambiance.
Highlights
- Home to the most spacious and professionally operated spa on Malapascua Island.
- Expert dive guides leading trips to Malapascua’s top dive sites, including Monad Shoal, Gato Island and the Doña Marilyn wreck.
- Free WiFi, gym and fitness center.
Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort, Dauin ($$)
Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort offers divers a luxurious escape paired with access to some of the best muck diving in the Philippines. Just steps away from the resort lies an array of fantastic dive sites, where you can spot rare critters like flamboyant cuttlefish and a variety of nudibranchs. Additionally, the resort is a short boat ride from Apo Island, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and resident sea turtles.
Pura Vida’s on-site dive center, Sea Explorers, is known for its high-quality service and knowledgeable guides who specialize in critter spotting. Whether you’re an underwater photographer or simply a lover of marine biodiversity, you’ll be well taken care of. After a diving, unwind at the resort’s beach, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a massage at the on-site Vida Spa, offering holistic treatments that enhance your post-dive relaxation.
Highlights
- On-site Vida Spa offering a variety of wellness treatments.
- Restaurant and bar with stunning views of the ocean.
- Unique atmosphere full of thatched-roof buildings, tropical gardens and palm trees.
Magic Oceans Dive Resort, Bohol ($$$)
A scenic resort, Magic Oceans Dive Resort is a diver’s paradise in Bohol, offering access to pristine dive sites along the untouched Anda coastline. Known for its biodiversity, the area is home to beautiful coral gardens, steep walls, and diverse marine life, from tiny nudibranchs to larger pelagic species, like barracudas and reef sharks. Magic Oceans, which is away from the crowds, provides a peaceful retreat where divers can enjoy world-class diving in a relaxed and tranquil setting.
The resort’s on-site dive center is fully equipped for all your diving needs, with experienced guides ready to show you the best of Bohol’s underwater treasures. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, you’ll appreciate the personalized service and small group sizes.
Highlights
- Off-the-beaten path location along the Anda coast.
- Personalized dive experiences with small group sizes and experienced guides.
- Relaxing oceanfront restaurant and poolside bar for post-dive downtime.
Sangat Island Dive Resort, Coron ($$$)
Sangat Island Dive Resort is an idyllic destination. It boasts a remote location with a white sand beachfront, towering limestone cliffs and majestic coconut palms. The property has 21 native-style rooms and is completely off the grid, making it a great choice for eco-conscious dive travelers.
One of the major benefits of the resort’s location is its proximity to the area’s dive sites. In addition to the protected house reef, divers can find 11 of Coron‘s famous WWII wrecks within minutes. There are also numerous other dive sites nearby. Visibility regularly reaches around 30 meters (100 feet) and commonly encountered marine life includes clown fish, lionfish and crocodile fish. Barracuda Lake, a unique water body with fresh water at the surface and salt water on the bottom, is also easy to visit.
Plus, the on-site dive site is highly reviewed by PADI Travel guests. Sandra H. told us, “The staff were happy to tailor our dive trip to our wants and needs and were always obliging, friendly and professional.”
Highlights
- Off-the-grid resort, generating its own electricity through solar power.
- Numerous WWII wrecks within minutes by boat.
- Located on a 300-meter (1000-foot) stretch of white sandy beach.
Atmosphere Resort & Spa, Dauin ($$$)
The most luxurious resort on our list, Atmosphere Resort & Spa offers an exceptional experience for divers seeking world-class muck diving. As if to prove this point, Michelle L. wrote in her review on PADI Travel, “We couldn’t have asked for a better place to relax, eat great food, make new friends and do some fantastic diving. The level of diving expertise was second to none.”
Yet, Atmosphere Resort & Spa offers much more than just diving. With an award-winning spa, yoga classes, and fine dining, it’s the ideal retreat for divers looking to relax and rejuvenate between dives. The resort’s dive center is professionally run and provides a range of PADI courses, making it a great option for both novice and experienced divers. After diving, indulge in gourmet cuisine, or simply soak in the resort’s peaceful ambiance surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Highlights
- Award-winning spa and yoga classes for ultimate relaxation.
- Luxurious accommodations with top-tier amenities and fine dining.
- Outside warrior gym with TRX and personal training.
Ready for the Dive Vacation of Your Dreams?
With so many memorable diving destinations to choose from, the Philippines really does have something for every diver. To discover all 25 of the dive resorts in the Philippines listed on PADI Travel, click below. Alternatively, get in touch with the experts PADI Travel for advice on the right choice for you.
