The Philippines, with its crystal-clear waters, lively marine life, and countless islands, has become a mecca for freediving enthusiasts from around the globe. This archipelagic is an underwater playground for those seeking to discover the depths on a single breath. Whether you’re an experienced freediver or a curious beginner, freediving in the Philippines promises an extraordinary experience.
This comprehensive guide will dive into the best spots for freediving, explore certification courses, and uncover why the Philippines is the ultimate destination for this exhilarating water sport.
Before we plunge into the specifics, let’s explore what makes freediving in the Philippines so special:
- Warm, tropical waters year-round
- Exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters
- Diverse marine ecosystems, from coral reefs to marine life
- Unique underwater landscapes and structures (caves, wrecks and walls)
- Abundance of freediving schools and experienced instructors
- Affordable courses and accommodation options
Top Spots for Freediving in the Philippines
1. Coron, Palawan: Wreck Diving
Freedive in Coron and submerge yourself in a remarkable underwater world filled with World War II shipwrecks. Coron, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, is a paradise for freedivers. The island offers a unique blend of freediving experiences ranging from the clearest lake in Asia to an underwater museum of shipwrecks. Coron provides a range of sites that cater to all levels.
Highlights
- Numerous shipwrecks at varying depths offer both shallow and deep dive experiences.
- Crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 40 meters, ideal for underwater exploration and creative photography.
- Opportunity to explore sites with diverse marine life and unique underwater landscapes.
Best Freediving Sites in Coron:
- Barracuda Lake:
A distinctive freediving experience in a thermocline lake, where layers of hot and cold water create an ethereal effect. The mix of temperatures and unique rock formations provide a surreal diving experience. The solo barracuda who roams the lake adds to the excitement!
- Lusong Gunboat:
Resting in shallow waters, this World War II Japanese gunboat has transformed into an artificial reef thriving with marine life. The site is perfect for beginners and intermediate freedivers who want to explore a piece of history while enjoying the beauty of the underwater world.
- Okikawa Maru:
A deep dive site for advanced freedivers, featuring the wreck of a Japanese oil tanker from World War II. The site challenges divers with its depth but rewards them with an impressive view of the massive ship and abundant marine life. The deck is between 10-16m deep.
- Kayangan Lake:
Known as the cleanest and clearest lake in Asia, Kayangan Lake offers a serene environment for freediving. Its turquoise waters are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque freediving spots in the Philippines.
2. Panglao, Bohol: Biodiversity Hotspot
Freediving in Panglao offers an exceptional experience with its rich marine biodiversity and bustling coral reefs. Panglao, located in Bohol, is known for its thriving coral reefs, tropical fish, and clear waters that make it a paradise for freedivers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to enjoy shallow reefs or an experienced diver aiming to explore deeper waters, Panglao offers a variety of sites that cater to different freediving interests.
What To Expect
- Rich Coral Gardens: Panglao is home to some of the most vibrant coral gardens in the Philippines, teeming with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. The healthy coral reefs provide an ideal setting for freedivers to experience the beauty of the Philippines’ underwater world.
- Marine Encounters: Freedivers in Panglao often encounter abundant sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water, as well as occasional sightings of reef sharks. The waters are also frequented by other fascinating marine life, such as schools of jackfish, barracudas, and even whale sharks.
- Depths Of Dive Sites: The variety of dive sites around Panglao makes it suitable for all levels, from shallow reef dives for beginners to deeper sites perfect for depth training.
Must-Visit Freediving Sites in Panglao:
- Balicasag Island:
Known for its stunning wall dives, Balicasag Island is a must-visit for freedivers. The underwater wall drops to great depths, offering a chance to spot schools of jackfish, turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life make it an ideal spot for leisure dives and advanced freediving.
- Doljo Point:
A fantastic site for depth training, Doljo Point features a gradual slope that allows freedivers to slowly descend to their desired depths. The site is less crowded than others, providing a peaceful environment for training sessions. The coral formations and variety of marine life enhance the experience.
- Napaling Reef:
Known for its vibrant reef system and occasional thresher shark sightings, Napaling Reef is an exciting freediving destination. The reef is home to various marine species, including parrotfish, angelfish, and nudibranchs. The chance to encounter thresher sharks adds an element of thrill to the dive.
3. Moalboal, Cebu: Sardine Run and More
Moalboal, located on the southwestern coast of Cebu, is a hotspot for freedivers looking for a mix of marine encounters and scenic underwater landscapes. Known for its famous sardine run, Moalboal provides a unique freediving experience as you swim through massive schools of sardines, creating mesmerizing underwater formations. Beyond the sardine run, Moalboal offers dramatic wall dives, diverse marine life, and sites suitable for beginners and advanced freedivers.
If you’re short on time and can’t visit all the islands in this guide, make Moalboal your top choice. It’s home to some of the most iconic sites for freediving in the Philippines and is brimming with waterfalls, powdery beaches, and scenic hikes.
Key Features
- Year-Round Sardine Run: The sardine run in Moalboal is a phenomenon that occurs just a few meters off the shore, making it one of the most accessible freediving experiences in the world. Freedivers can swim through millions of sardines that swirl and dance in unison, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle.
- Dramatic Wall Dives: Moalboal is known for its stunning wall dives that plunge into deep blue waters. These walls are teeming with coral formations and provide the opportunity to encounter larger pelagic species like tuna, barracudas, and even turtles.
- Diverse Freediving Opportunities: With a range of sites that cater to different skill levels, Moalboal is suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced freedivers. Beginners can enjoy shallow dives along the reef, while advanced freedivers can explore deeper walls and more challenging currents.
Top Freediving Spots in Moalboal:
- Panagsama Beach:
The most famous spot in Moalboal, Panagsama Beach, is home to the sardine run. Just a short swim from the shore, you can find yourself surrounded by millions of sardines. This site is perfect for beginners and experienced freedivers alike, as the sardines remain close to the surface, and the shallow reef offers a safe environment for exploration.
- Pescador Island:
Located a short boat ride from Moalboal, Pescador Island is known for its deep wall dives and vibrant marine life. The walls drop to 50 meters or more, making it an ideal spot for advanced freedivers looking for depth training and the chance to encounter large pelagics.
- Sunken Island:
A more advanced freediving site, Sunken Island is famous for its strong currents and abundant marine life. This submerged seamount attracts schools of fish, making it a hotspot for predatory species like jacks and tuna. The currents and depth make it suitable for experienced freedivers seeking a more challenging dive.
Freediving Courses in the Philippines
Whether you’re looking to take your first breath hold or aiming to push your limits, the Philippines offers a range of freediving courses to suit all levels.
Freediving Course Panglao
Panglao Island (in Bohol) has several reputable freediving schools offering courses year-round. Combined with the area’s exciting marine life and healthy reefs, Panglao is an excellent place to learn freediving—get qualified while making the most of the Philippines’ underwater world!
Top Schools in Panglao:
- Freedive Academy Panglao
- Freedive Panglao
- Blue Freedom Apnea
Freediving Course: Other Locations
Coron, Palawan:
- Freediving Coron
Moalboal, Cebu:
- Freediving Planet
What To Expect From A Freediving Course In The Philippines
- Expert instruction from certified freediving instructors
- Small class sizes for personalised attention
- Theory sessions covering physiology, safety, and technique
- Pool or confined water sessions to practice skills
- Open water dives to apply learned techniques in a natural environment
- Opportunity to explore stunning dive sites while learning
Essential Tips for Freediving in the Philippines
- Always dive with a buddy and follow proper safety protocols
- Respect marine life and practice responsible freediving
- Stay hydrated and well-rested before diving
- Invest in proper freediving equipment, including a well-fitting wetsuit and long fins
- Listen to your body and never push beyond your limits
Beyond Freediving: Adventure Activities in the Philippines
While freediving is undoubtedly the star attraction, consider combining your underwater adventures with other activities:
- Island hopping to discover secluded beaches
- Snorkeling in shallow reefs
- Kayaking through mangrove forests
- Scuba diving in vibrant reefs
- Experiencing local culture and cuisine
Freediving in the Philippines offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the world’s most beautiful underwater environments on a single breath. From Coron’s wreck-laden waters to Panglao’s biodiversity hotspot, and the thrilling sardine run of Moalboal, the Philippines provides a diverse range of freediving experiences to suit all levels and interests.
Whether you’re taking your first freediving course in Panglao or pushing your limits in the deep blue of Coron, the Philippines promises an adventure that will challenge your body, calm your mind, and connect you with the mesmerizing underwater world like never before.
So take a deep breath, relax your mind, and prepare to discover the silent wonders that await beneath the surface of the Philippines’ crystal-clear waters. Are you ready to embark on your freediving journey in this tropical paradise?
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.
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