The Philippines Named World’s Leading Dive Destination 

For the sixth time, the Philippines has claimed the title of World’s Leading Dive Destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards, held in Madeira, Portugal. This win cements the country’s reputation as a paradise for underwater adventurers. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and unmatched marine biodiversity, the Philippines isn’t just a dive destination—it’s the dive destination. Let’s dive into why the Philippines keeps winning hearts (and awards).

Why the Philippines is the leading Dive Destination?

The Philippines isn’t called the “Pearl of the Orient Seas” for nothing. Made up of over 7,600 islands, the country sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle, a global hotspot for marine life. This region boasts over 600 coral species and 2,000 fish species—more than anywhere else on Earth. From tiny neon nudibranchs to majestic whale sharks, the Philippines’ waters are bursting with life.

But it’s not just about what’s under the water. The country’s dive sites are as diverse as its culture. Whether you’re exploring eerie shipwrecks, drifting through underwater caves, or floating above coral gardens, every dive feels like a new adventure. Plus, the warm hospitality of Filipinos and the affordability of diving here make it a magnet for beginners and experts alike.

Top Dive Spots That Stole the Spotlight

While every corner of the Philippines offers something special, a few iconic spots have helped secure its winning streak:

  1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Palawan)
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha is the crown jewel of Philippine diving. Located in the Sulu Sea, this marine protected area is only accessible by liveaboard boats during the March-to-June diving season. Its isolation has preserved its pristine beauty. Here, divers swim alongside sharks (reef sharks, hammerheads, and even tiger sharks), manta rays, and sea turtles. The reef’s walls drop to over 100 meters, creating a dramatic playground for advanced divers.
Apo Reef
Mpunzal, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Coron Bay (Palawan)
    History meets mystery in Coron’s underwater world. This area is famous for its WWII Japanese shipwrecks, sunk by U.S. forces in 1944. The most famous, Irako and Okikawa Maru, are now covered in corals and home to schools of barracuda and lionfish. Coron also offers stunning limestone karst formations, hidden lakes, and thermocline dives where hot and cold waters mix.
Manuae, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Apo Island (Negros Oriental)
    Apo Island is a conservation success story. Once threatened by overfishing, this tiny island is now a protected marine sanctuary. Its shallow reefs are perfect for snorkelers and new divers, with green sea turtles gliding through gardens of hard and soft corals. The island’s community-led eco-tourism model proves that protecting nature benefits everyone.
Apo Island Reef Negros
Mpunzal, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Moalboal (Cebu)
    Imagine diving through a swirling tornado of sardines—millions of them. That’s Moalboal’s famous “Sardine Run,” a year-round spectacle just meters from the shore. The nearby Pescador Island adds to the magic, with its cathedral-like coral walls and occasional thresher shark sightings.
Moalboal Cebu Corals
Per Edin, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Malapascua Island (Cebu)
    Malapascua is the only place in the world where divers can reliably see thresher sharks. These elusive creatures, with their whip-like tails, visit Monad Shoal at dawn to be cleaned by smaller fish. The island also offers macro diving, where critters like pygmy seahorses and flamboyant cuttlefish steal the show.
Malapascua Dive Reef Cebu
Matt Kieffer, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Anilao, Batangas: Just a few hours from Manila, Anilao is a hotspot for macro photography due to its rich diversity of small marine creatures. It's an ideal destination for both beginners and seasoned divers.
Anilao Batangas Reef
andre oortgijs, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Conservation: The Secret to Success

The Philippines’ repeat wins aren’t just luck—they’re the result of hard work. Coral bleaching, overfishing, and plastic pollution threaten oceans worldwide, but the Philippines has stepped up efforts to protect its underwater treasures.

  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Over 1,800 MPAs now exist nationwide, with local communities enforcing no-fishing zones. Tubbataha and Apo Island are prime examples of how MPAs revive ecosystems.
  • Eco-Friendly Tourism: Resorts and dive operators increasingly adopt sustainable practices, from banning single-use plastics to organizing reef cleanups.
  • Education: Organizations like Save Philippine Seas teach locals and tourists alike about marine conservation. Dive guides often double as educators, reminding visitors not to touch corals or harass wildlife.

“Our reefs are our legacy,” says Maria Cruz, a marine biologist working in Palawan. “When tourists come, we want them to leave not just with memories, but with a commitment to protect these spaces.”

Challenges Ahead

While the Philippines celebrates this award, challenges remain. Climate change looms large, with rising temperatures and stronger typhoons damaging reefs. Mass tourism also poses risks—overcrowded dive sites can stress marine life.

But there’s hope. The government’s Department of Tourism has pledged to promote “quality over quantity,” focusing on low-impact, high-value tourism. Meanwhile, grassroots initiatives, like coral restoration projects, are gaining momentum.

Planning Your Dive Trip

For those considering a dive trip to the Philippines, it's essential to plan ahead. The country's tropical climate means that conditions can vary, so researching the best times to visit specific dive sites is crucial. Additionally, while many dive spots are accessible year-round, some, like Tubbataha Reefs, have specific diving seasons due to weather conditions.

It's also advisable to check the latest travel guidelines and local regulations, especially concerning marine conservation rules, to ensure a responsible and enjoyable diving experience.

Tips for Responsible Diving in the Philippines

  1. Choose Eco-Certified Operators: Look for dive shops with Green Fins or PADI Eco certifications.
  2. Avoid Sunscreen Harmful to Corals: Use reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).
  3. Keep Your Distance: Never chase or touch marine life—even selfie-loving turtles!
  4. Support Local Communities: Stay in locally owned guesthouses and hire Filipino dive guides.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines’ sixth win as the World’s Leading Dive Destination isn’t just a trophy—it’s a testament to the country’s natural wonders and the people working tirelessly to protect them. For divers, this archipelago offers endless opportunities to explore, learn, and fall in love with the ocean.

So, whether you’re hovering above a WWII wreck, watching a thresher shark glide into the blue, or marveling at a kaleidoscope of reef fish, one thing’s clear: the Philippines isn’t just a destination. It’s an underwater fairy tale waiting to be discovered.

Pack your fins, respect the reefs, and dive into paradise. 🌊✨