You don’t have to be a certified diver to witness some of the Philippines’ most remarkable marine life. From snorkeling with whale sharks in Donsol to immersing in Camiguin’s technicolour coral reefs, the Philippines has some of the top snorkeling in the world!
Join us as we dive (or should I say snorkel?) into 11 of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines!
Best Snorkelling Places In The Philippines
Balicasag Island, Bohol
Bohol tempts tourists inland with its breathtaking Chocolate Hills and striking Tarsiers, but few people realise that the island is also home to rich marine life and neon-coloured reefs!
Balicasag Island, an underwater playground for ocean enthusiasts, is a short boat ride from Alona Beach. The glass-clear water is home to an expansive array of marine life, including rainbow-coloured fish and graceful turtles.Â
While diving here is spectacular, snorkelling is arguably better, as the abundant community of Green and Hawksbill turtles like to hang around the island’s shallow waters.
Mantigue Island, Camiguin
This volcanic island, nestled off the shores of Camiguin, is a passionately protected wonderland of unparalleled beauty. Striking white sand slopes gently into an azure sea with incredible visibility, contrasted against a dreamy backdrop of silhouetted mountains, making this beach a small patch of paradise.
Strap on your snorkeling gear (which can be rented from the boat departure area) and wade from the soft sand into the crystalline waters. Just a few meters from the shoreline, where the water deepens, lies an incandescent reef teeming with vibrant fish.
Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin
Tucked away on the island’s north coast lies a stony beach with a stunning view of one of Camiguin’s most iconic sites: the Sunken Cemetery. As the name suggests, the once fully functioning cemetery has submerged, now left in the hands of nature.
While the site of the cross standing tall in the water is stunning, what lies beneath the surface is truly mesmerising.Â
Move from the rocky coastline into the calm, glossy waters: Thousands of brightly coloured fish and corals await just a few meters from this iconic location. What was once a place of death has now spawned with new life and energy.
A spectacular cluster of glittering Blue-Green Chromis dominates the area. Picture glimmering cobalt fish, moving in synchronicity against an azure backdrop, twisting and turning elegantly in the current. This tranquil location is undoubtedly one of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines.
Dugongs, North Busuanga
Known as the relative of the manatee, dugongs are majestic creatures with grey, elongated bodies, flippers and a fluked tail, and a typical lifespan of over 70 years. They mainly feed on seagrass and are often spotted on sandy-bottomed floors, away from the corals.
Due to its secluded location in the country, this snorkeling site remains relatively untouched by tourists. While you may not see extensive coral reefs here, seeing these creatures face-to-face is worth the long travel time!
Lusong Gunboat Wreck, Coron
What’s a list of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines without including at least one wreck?
Coron is an eden renowned for its secluded lagoons, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. The region’s powdery white sands, palm-lined shores, and crystalline Tiffany blue waters make it a paradise on Earth, best explored through an island-hopping tour.Â
One particularly sought-after stop on these tours is the Lusong Gunboat, a sunken Japanese ship from World War II, now bountiful with aquatic life.
Perched a few meters below the surface, clearly visible to the naked eye, lays the coral-crusted Japanese warboat. Teeming with small fish and overtaken by colourful corals, the wreck is an impressive site, particularly for those comfortable with freediving to the wreck.Â
Barracuda Lake, Coron
The immaculate waters of Barracuda Lake are a testament to pristine natural beauty. However, don’t expect to have this spot all to yourself, as it is one of the most Instagrammable destinations in the country, attracting tourists from far and wide!
The scenery is similar to the famous Kayangan Lake: Towering limestone cliffs encase a body of cool, turquoise water with incredible visibility reaching up to 30 meters. A small wooden walkway weaves around the lake.Â
While you won’t come face-to-face with any colourful fish, the flawless waters have an exciting allure: a single barracuda that routinely roams the lake.
Sardine Run, Moalboal
Aside from the vibrant party scene and exhilarating canyoneering in Moalboal, the town is home to an underwater spectacle. Wading off the rocky beach of Panagsama, you will quickly find yourself surrounded by a seemingly endless cloud of shimmering sardines.
The good news is that this spectacle occurs all year round!
Sunlight reflects off this impressive shoal as the sardines dance in the current – no wonder tourists rank the sardine run as one of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines!
Apo Island, Dumaguete
Southeast Asia is brimming with breathtaking snorkeling spots, and Dumaguete‘s Apo Island arguably tops the list with its sandy shores, magnificent visibility, and impressive diversity of marine life.
The radiant reef is home to approximately 1000 species, including vivid reef fish and friendly sea turtles.Â
There’s little to do on the island besides snorkeling, sunbathing, and strolling the sandy shores, but that’s the true beauty of a trip here: a secluded paradise with a dazzling underwater world.
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor
Head to the powdery beach of Tulapos, fringed with mangroves and turquoise waters, to see an array of corals and even the occasional turtle or shark.Â
Tulapos, unlike the other sites on this list, doesn’t have the best visibility.Â
Nonetheless, visitors are drawn to this part of Siquijor due to the shoal of barracudas in the area. These long, thin creatures move in a tight pact, elegantly gliding through the sanctuary.Â
Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor
Tubod Marine Sanctuary is a prime destination for shark enthusiasts. While the initial thought of snorkeling with these sharp-toothed creatures might be terrifying, understanding the harmless nature of reef sharks should put you at ease.
The sandy white beach, backed by arching palm trees and small huts, has an underwater paradise merely a few meters away from the beach. Healthy corals line the seabed, home to several iconic species, including the feathered starfish, parrotfish and clownfish. Sightings of reef sharks, barracuda and turtles are not uncommon here!
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly snorkeling site, with no boat ride, and calm ocean conditions, Tubod is the one!
Whale Sharks, Donsol
Head to the charming fishing town of Donsol for an unforgettable encounter with Whale Sharks – one of the most remarkable bucket-list experiences.
Easing yourself into the deep waters just meters away from these gentle giants is a thrilling and humbling adventure. The best time to witness them is between December and May when an abundant supply of plankton draws them to the bay.
Donsol offers a serene and authentic experience, a stark contrast to the crowded scenes in Oslob, Cebu. While a boat trip might take the better part of a day to locate these magnificent creatures, the sight of them in their natural habitat, shared with only a handful of other snorkelers, is nothing short of magical.
Unethical Philippines Snorkeling Places To Skip:
Snorkeling With Whale Sharks In Oslob
You may be curious why this article actively speaks up against the Whale Shark experience in Oslob. There is a growing opinion that the experience is highly unethical and not as enjoyable as social media makes it seem.Â
A Few Quick Facts
- WWF, Greenpeace, and National Geographic have voiced their concerns about the practices here
- Regulations aren’t enforced and tourists often touch the whale sharks
- The experience is crowded, with up to 40 boats in the water per day.
While many people may consider this one of the best snorkeling places in the Philippines, it is important to prioritise the environment above all else.
You can read more about it here:
Snorkeling Tips & Rules
- Avoid Sea Snakes: If you see a white and black-banded sea snake, swim away calmly. These snakes are highly venomous.
- Respect Coral and Marine Life: Never touch coral or marine life, as it can spread disease and cause harm to delicate ecosystems.
- Observe Without Disturbing: Don't crowd around or chase turtles and other marine animals. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing them stress.
- Protect Corals: Never stand on corals, as they are fragile and can easily break.
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin without harming marine life.
- Choose Suitable Sites: If you're not a strong swimmer, select snorkeling sites with calm waters and no strong currents.
- Wear a Rash Vest: Protect yourself from sunburn and potential stings by wearing a rash vest in the ocean.
Snorkeling Equipment
If you are serious about snorkeling, you should invest in some good equipment. Explore our favourite items below:
All my underwater footage comes from my GoPro: it’s the perfect (resilient and lightweight) device for any backpacker!
Gopro | Insta 360 | Waterproof Phone Case | Dry Bag | Snorkel | Water Shoes
More Water Sports & Activities
You can never spend enough time in the ocean! If you want to diversify your Philippines snorkeling trip and spend time doing other activities, here are some ideas:
Do you have any sites to add to our list of the Best Snorkeling Places In The Philippines? Let us know in the comments!
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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