Philippines’ Best Diving Spot and Other Must-Visit Underwater Destinations

If you've ever wanted to explore a world where time slows down and gravity feels optional, scuba diving is your ticket to an otherworldly adventure. While snorkelling offers a glimpse of the magic below, diving pulls you deeper into a realm of vibrant coral gardens, mysterious shipwrecks, and marine creatures straight out of a dream.

Image credit: Graham Henderson from Pexels

And guess what? You don’t need to be a pro to start—earning a PADI Open Water Certification is easier than you think and can be done anywhere in the world, including the Philippines. If you're ready to take the plunge, here are seven incredible diving destinations that promise unforgettable underwater experiences. The only question is: which one will you visit first?

Also read: 10 Must-Visit Snorkelling Spots in the Philippines

Swim with dugongs and explore WWII wrecks in the Philippines

World War II Shipwrecks | Pirates Coron Official Website

No need to travel far—the Philippines is a diver’s paradise. With over 7,000 islands, it offers some of the best diving experiences in the world. If you’ve always wanted to see a dugong up close, head to Calauit and Dimipac Islands near Coron. These gentle sea cows graze on lush seagrass beds, sharing their home with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

For history enthusiasts, Coron Bay is a must-visit. This underwater graveyard of World War II Japanese shipwrecks has evolved into a thriving marine sanctuary. Picture yourself gliding through a sunken battleship, its rusted hull draped in vibrant corals, while schools of fish weave through the remnants of history. It’s a breathtaking fusion of past and present, where nature reclaims the echoes of war.

Discover Cyprus’ hidden caves and caverns

Image credit: Cyprus Diving Adventures Official Website

Cyprus is a playground for cave divers, with crystal-clear waters and fascinating rock formations. Cape Greco offers an ethereal experience as shafts of light illuminate underwater tunnels, revealing moray eels and octopus hiding in the crevices.

For a history-infused dive, Amphorae Cave showcases 2,000-year-old relics from ancient trade routes, while Cyclops Cave is steeped in Greek mythology.

Explore England’s lakes and their hidden surprises

Image credit: Vobster Official Website

Think lakes are boring? Think again. England’s freshwater dive sites are full of unexpected treasures. At Vobster Quay in Somerset, you can swim through the fuselage of a Royal Navy Commando Sea King helicopter and explore a sunken 50-foot-long shipwreck. Andark Lake in Southampton even has a jet ski wreck and a 17th-century barge waiting to be explored.

Dive into New Zealand’s underwater pinnacles

Image credit: New Zealand Official Website

New Zealand’s North Island is home to some of the most dramatic underwater landscapes, with towering pinnacles, arches, and volcanic formations. Poor Knights Islands is a world-renowned dive spot where you can glide through the Blue Maomao Arch, surrounded by shimmering schools of fish.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, White Island’s geothermal seabed offers a surreal experience, as bubbles escape from the earth’s crust, creating a truly otherworldly effect.

Meet dugongs and discover coral gardens in Egypt

Image credit: The Red Sea Tribe Official Facebook Page

Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the most resilient coral ecosystems on the planet, with thriving reefs covering almost 100,000 acres. But the real stars of the show are the elusive dugongs, peacefully grazing on seagrass beds.

The Red Sea is also home to vibrant coral walls and fish in every colour imaginable, making it a dream destination for divers of all levels.

Glide through the Maldives’ seagrass meadows

Maldives | PADI Official Website

Beyond its overwater villas, the Maldives hides a secret beneath its turquoise waters—lush seagrass meadows teeming with life. These ecosystems are essential for marine biodiversity, providing a nursery for juvenile fish, rays, and endangered sea turtles.

With calm, shallow waters, this is a perfect dive spot for beginners who want a peaceful yet mesmerising experience. Plus, seagrass meadows play a crucial role in protecting the Maldives from erosion, making every dive a lesson in conservation.

Wreck diving adventures in Malta

Image credit: Welcome Center Malta Official Website

For those who love shipwrecks, Malta is the ultimate playground. Its crystal-clear waters make wreck diving accessible year-round. Explore the HMS Maori, a WWII destroyer resting at just 52 feet, or venture deeper to the massive Um El Faroud oil tanker at 118 feet. If you’re after something photogenic, the Karwela Ferry boasts an eerie yet stunning staircase, perfect for underwater photography.

Also read: 20 Fun Things to Do All Around Palawan, Philippines!

Final thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to sunken ships, vibrant coral gardens, or the chance to swim alongside dugongs, these seven diving spots promise an adventure like no other. And the best part? You don’t have to travel far—some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater experiences are waiting for you right here in the Philippines. So, ready to dive in?