Philippines

Turtle-rich reef walls at Balicasag, with dolphins possible from the boat near Pamilacan.

🤿 In the water: Green turtles, Jacks and barracuda, Snappers and reef fish, Nudibranchs and frogfish, Reef sharks (possible)

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Spinner dolphins (regular, from the boat), Fraser's dolphins (regular, from the boat), Risso's dolphins (occasional)

When: Feb-Apr. February to April usually brings good underwater conditions and less rain.

Rules and fees: Sea turtles are protected under Philippine wildlife law, so we watch them calmly and never touch, feed or collect anything.

A quiet island for freediving on living reefs, with turtles, giant clams and schooling barracuda.

🤿 In the water: Turtles, Giant clams, Barracuda and giant trevally, Blacktip reef sharks, Macro life

When: Nov-May. Diving is best November to May. February to April often has the clearest water.

Rules and fees: Sea turtles and other wildlife are protected under Philippine law, so we watch them calmly and never touch, feed or collect anything.

Freediving and reef days, with turtles at Apo Island and rich macro life along the Dauin coast.

🤿 In the water: Green and hawksbill turtles, Schooling jacks, Frogfish and seahorses, Nudibranchs and cuttlefish, Coral reefs

When: Dec-May. Possible all year. December to May is usually drier, but the sea can still stop boat trips.

Rules and fees: Apo Island has been a protected landscape and seascape since 1994, cared for by a local management board. Its visitor fees are set locally, so we confirm the current amount before each trip.

A remote offshore reef for experienced divers, with reef sharks, turtles and big schools of fish.

🤿 In the water: Whitetip, grey and blacktip reef sharks, Green and hawksbill turtles, Humphead wrasse and bumphead parrotfish, Jacks and barracuda, Giant clams

When: Nov-May. November to May is usually best. February to April often has the clearest water.

Rules and fees: Apo Reef is a protected natural park and a no-take zone, so nothing is fished or taken. Visitors register at the Sablayan Tourism Office, and we confirm the current park fee before each trip.

Turtles and healthy reef life around the island, with quieter corners away from the busiest beaches.

🤿 In the water: Green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles, Reef sharks, Giant trevally and barracuda, Nudibranchs and macro life, Giant clams

When: Nov-May. Diving is best from November to May. January to April is usually driest.

Rules and fees: Sea turtles are protected under Philippine wildlife law, so we give them space and never touch, feed or collect anything.

Lagoons and coral drop-offs for freediving and diving, with turtles and colourful reef life.

🤿 In the water: Sea turtles, Reef fish and nudibranchs, Moray eels, Reef sharks and rays (occasional), Coral reefs and drop-offs

When: Feb-Apr. February to April is usually the driest, calmest window in northern Palawan.

A relaxed village base for reef diving and an ocean reset, with sea turtles and macro life.

🤿 In the water: Sea turtles, Coral reef fish, Nudibranchs and cuttlefish, Reef sharks (occasional)

When: Mar-Apr. March and April sit in the dry season, which runs roughly December to May.

Rules and fees: Sea turtles are protected under Philippine wildlife law, so we give them space and never touch, feed or collect anything.

A remote, fully protected reef reached by liveaboard, with reef sharks, turtles and big schools of fish.

🤿 In the water: Grey and whitetip reef sharks, Turtles, Jacks and barracuda, Mantas and whale sharks (possible)

When: Mar-Jun. Liveaboards visit from mid-March to mid-June, in the calmer season.

Rules and fees: Tubbataha is protected by national law, so every visit needs park permission and nothing living or nonliving may be taken or disturbed. Each visitor pays a conservation fee of 5,000 pesos, and children aged 12 and under are exempt.