Best Diving Snorkeling Tours Philippines

The Best Diving and Snorkeling Tours Philippines: 5 Mind-Blowing Marine Adventures You’ll Brag About Forever

Introduction: The Philippines—Where the Ocean Writes Its Own Love Letters

The VIP Suite of the Ocean

Far, far away in the middle of the Sulu Sea lies Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a place so pristine and remote it makes most dive destinations look like kiddie pools.

You’ll need to hop on a live-aboard boat from Puerto Princesa, Palawan and sail for 10–12 hours just to reach it—but that’s the point. Tubbataha isn’t just a diving destination; it’s a full-blown pilgrimage for underwater fanatics.

Think of it as the Holy Grail of marine biodiversity, with towering coral walls, blue holes, and some of the cleanest reef systems in the world. This is certainly one of the best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines destinations.

Protected since 1988 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha’s isolation means it has virtually zero permanent human presence.

What you get instead is 100,000 hectares of untouched reef ecosystems and a mind-blowing list of species that include reef sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, groupers the size of small cars, and corals that glow like they’re plugged into a socket.

Why Tubbataha Reefs Is Great for Diving & Snorkeling:

• National Geographic-level biodiversity

• Guaranteed sightings of pelagic fish and apex predators

• Crystal-clear visibility up to 45 meters

Top 3 Tubbataha Reefs Diving and Snorkeling Tours:

• 7-Day Tubbataha Liveaboard Dive Safari
  → Multi-day expedition with luxurious cabins and professional dive masters.

• Eco-Conscious Tubbataha Reef Photography Cruise
  → A dream for underwater photographers and conservation nerds.

• Luxury Tubbataha Liveaboard Experience
  → Personalized dive itineraries, chef-prepared meals, and small groups.

Best Time to Visit Tubbataha Reefs:

• Mid-March to mid-June — The only months it’s legally and safely accessible

Special Tip:

• Book 9–12 months in advance. These tours sell out fast, and permits are limited.

How to Book Your Tubbataha Reefs Diving and Snorkeling Tour:

• Go through Viator, LiveAboard.com, or direct to licensed Philippine liveaboard operators. *Check out the tours on Viator below. If you are looking for the best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines then check out the links below for great tours.

• Verify Tubbataha accreditation and reef protection policies.

• Confirm dive insurance and cancellation flexibility.

Apo Island – Negros Oriental Diving and Snorkeling Tours:

The Island That Conservation Built

Off the coast of Dauin, Negros Oriental lies a volcanic island that punches way above its weight class in biodiversity: Apo Island. It’s a conservation success story—once threatened by overfishing, the local community turned things around by creating a marine sanctuary in the 1980s.

The result? One of the most alive, colorful, and turtle-packed reefs in Southeast Asia.

As your boat approaches Apo, the crystal waters transition from cobalt to turquoise, and you’ll start spotting sea turtles surfacing like lazy zen masters.

The coral gardens are so vibrant and dense, they feel like a psychedelic dreamscape—and they begin just meters from shore. You’ll find everything from neon damsels and angelfish to swaying anemones and giant clams.

Divers will love deeper sites like Coconut Point, while snorkelers can hang with turtles in waist-deep water. Apo Island is without-a-doubt one of the best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines has to offer.

Why Apo Island Is Great for Diving & Snorkeling:

• Unreal coral gardens for both snorkelers and divers

• Year-round sea turtle sightings

• Community-managed marine protection = thriving ecosystems

Top 3 Apo Island Diving & Snorkeling Tours:

• Apo Island Snorkeling Day Trip from Dumaguete
  → Includes boat transfer, snorkel gear, lunch, and guide.

• Apo Island Scuba Diving Tour (2–3 Dives)
  → Hit sites like Cogon Point and Chapel Reef.

• Apo Island + Dolphin Watching Combo
  → Early morning dolphin cruise followed by reef snorkeling.

Best Time to Visit Apo Island For Your Diving and Snorkeling Tour:

• November to May — Dry season brings glassy seas and amazing visibility.

Special Tip:

• Bring your own reef booties. The rocky entry points near the shore can be tough on bare feet.

How to Book Your Apo Island Diving and Snorkeling Tour:

• Book online or through dive shops in Dumaguete or Dauin.

• Ask if your tour supports the island’s community fund.

• Morning bookings = fewer crowds and better turtle time.

Coron Bay – Palawan Diving And Snorkeling Tours:

Ghost Ships, Blue Lakes, and Coral Gardens

Imagine diving into a real-life history book—except this one is covered in coral. Coron Bay is world-famous for its collection of World War II shipwrecks, sunk during a U.S. airstrike in 1944. These massive Japanese vessels now serve as surreal underwater museums, each teeming with life and draped in soft coral. It’s dramatic, eerie, and absolutely stunning.

But that’s not all. Above the water, you’ll find jagged limestone cliffs, cerulean freshwater lakes, and island-hopping routes that seem Photoshopped. Coron is the perfect combo of history, adventure, and reef wonder.

Coron Bay offers some of the best, maybe the best, diving and snorkeling tours Philippines. If you are into diving and snorkeling to see ship wrecks and other relics this place is right up your alley.

Why Coron Bay Is Great for Diving & Snorkeling:

• 10+ Japanese shipwrecks to explore

• Shallow reefs like Coral Garden perfect for snorkeling

• Freshwater dive at Barracuda Lake = unique thermocline experience

Top 3 Coron Bay Diving & Snorkeling Tours:

• Coron WWII Shipwreck Dive Tour
  → Two-tank guided dive through eerie, coral-covered wrecks.

• Coron Super Ultimate Snorkel Tour
  → Visit Coral Garden, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons.

• Beginner Scuba Dive in Coron Bay
  → No certification needed. Includes pool intro and a real dive.

Best Time To Visit Coron Bay For Diving and Snorkeling Tours:

• October to June — Dry season offers calm water and top visibility.

Special Tip:

• Don’t miss Barracuda Lake. It’s a freshwater dive with temperature shifts that feel like stepping into bathwater.

How To Book A Coron Bay Diving & Snorkeling Tour:

• Book through Viator or local dive shops in Coron Town. You can also check out the links below for Coron Bay diving and snorkelting tours.

• Check if your operator provides full gear + marine fees.

• Verify if tours include island entrance permits.

 Balicasag Island – Bohol Diving & Snorkelting Tours:

Jackfish Tornadoes and Turtle Traffic Jams

Just a short boat ride from Panglao lies Balicasag, a small island with big marine drama. The reefs here are so rich with life, it feels like every fish in the Visayas RSVP’d to the same party. The real highlight? The famed jackfish tornado—a swirling vortex of silver swimmers that’ll have you spinning (in the best way).

Balicasag is also home to vibrant coral walls, schools of snapper, reef sharks, and sleepy turtles munching away on seagrass like underwater cows. The water is calm, clear, and generally shallow, making it ideal for both diving and snorkeling.

While Balicasag is not well-known, there is no doubt it is one of the best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines has to offer. You will not be disappointed in this diving destination.

Why Balicasag Is Great for Diving & Snorkeling:

• Swirling schools of jackfish and barracuda

• Healthy, shallow reefs

• Regular sightings of reef sharks and sea turtles

Top 3 Balicasag Island Diving and Snorkeling Tours:

• Balicasag Island Snorkeling + Dolphin Spotting
  → Morning dolphin cruise + reef snorkel combo.

• Island Hopping Tour: Balicasag + Virgin Island
  → Mix of reef action and white-sand chill time.

Best Time to Visit For Your Balicasag Diving and Snorkelting Tour:

• December to May — The calmest waters and clearest visibility.

Special Tip:

• Go as early as possible. Jackfish schools are most active in the morning.

How to Book Your Balicasag Diving and Snorkeling Tour:

• Book through Bohol dive shops or Viator tours.

• Ask if dolphin spotting is seasonal (December–March best).

• Double-check if gear and entrance fees are included.

Anilao – Batangas Diving and Snorkeling Tour

Macro Mania Just 2 Hours from Manila

If you think big fish are overrated and tiny nudibranchs are the real MVPs, Anilao is your paradise. Located just 2.5 hours from Manila, this region is a hotspot for muck diving and macro photography. It’s not flashy—there are no manta rays or wrecks—but the biodiversity is jaw-dropping.

Here, you’ll find frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, and critters so weird they look like aliens. And the best part? You can enjoy this level of underwater awesomeness without flying to some remote island.

The fact this best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines destination is not far from Manila is just a positive. This makes arrangements with flight schedules much easier.

Why Batangas Is Great for Diving & Snorkeling:

• Legendary macro life and nudibranch diversity

• 40+ dive sites, easily accessed by boat

• Great for underwater photographers and weekend warriors

Top 3 Batangas Diving and Snorkeling Tours:

• Anilao Intro to Scuba Diving Experience
  → No cert needed. Includes instructor and full gear.

• Macro Safari: Critter Photography Day Trip
  → Perfect for photographers and marine life nerds.

• Anilao Reef Snorkeling Tour
  → Short boat ride to vibrant, beginner-friendly reef sites.

Best Time to Visit Batangas:

• November to June — Dry season = better vis and more critter activity.

Special Tip:

• Avoid weekends. It’s a hotspot for Manila locals and gets crowded fast.

How to Book A Batangas Diving and Snorkeling Tour:

• Book through trusted dive resorts like Buceo Anilao or Eagle Point.

• Ask about private boats to avoid crowds.

• Check if your operator offers Nitrox or camera rentals.

Quick Recap: Best Time to Visit Each Location

How to Book the Best Diving and Snorkeling Tours Philippines Offers:

Here’s how to avoid the tourist traps and book like a boss:

• ✅ Use Trusted Platforms: Viator, LiveAboard.com, or well-reviewed local dive shops
• ✅ Read Reviews Thoroughly: Look for mentions of safety, equipment quality, and guide professionalism
• ✅ Book Early: Especially from December to May—tours fill up fast
• ✅ Ask the Right Questions: Are marine fees included? Is lunch provided? What about transport?
• ✅ Choose Eco-Conscious Operators: Look for those that promote reef-safe practices and local conservation

Conclusion: The Best Diving and Snorkeling Tours In The Philippines Are Waiting for You

There’s no better place to get salty (in a good way) than the Philippines. Whether you’re wreck diving in Coron, swimming with turtles in Apo, or chasing jackfish in Balicasag, the best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines offers will leave you awestruck, pruny, and probably booking your next trip before you’ve even dried off.

So pack your fins, charge your GoPro, and get ready to discover what lies beneath—because the real magic of the Philippines is under the surface. These are the top five best diving and snorkeling tours Philippines destinations.

The Philippines has many great destinations so don’t just take this list as the only place to visit for great diving and snorkeling tours. There are many others.