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 the top 23 snorkeling spots in the Philippines!
Where is the perfect spot for snorkeling in the Philippines?
Balicasag Island in Bohol is the perfect spot to snorkel. With incredibly vibrant reefs teeming with marine life and more turtles than imaginable, fantastic visibility and beginner-friendly tide conditions, Balicasag is a must-visit destination.
Where is the prettiest place to snorkel?
The top snorkeling spots in the Philippines are:
1- Balicasag Island – Plenty of Hawksbill Turtles
2 – Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin – Technicolour reefs
3 – Sardine Run, Moalboal – A giant sardine ball
4 – Apo Island, Dumaguete – Diverse marine life
5 – Lusong Gun Boat, Coron – Shipwreck accessible by snorkeling
Why Palawan is the best snorkeling spot in the Philippines?
The remote location of Palawan has preserved its pristine waters, offering incredible visibility, healthy coral reefs and diverse marine life. Snorkelers can encounter everything from clownfish and blue-green chromis to Hawksbill turtles and reef sharks. Palawan’s diverse underwater landscapes range from coral gardens teeming with seahorses to historic shipwrecks. Lucky visitors might even spot the rare dugong.
Map Of The Top 10 Snorkeling Spots In The Philippines
Best Snorkeling Spots In The Philippines By Region
Palawan
Dugongs, North Busuanga
Nestled on the edge of the breathtaking Palawan region, the waters of Northern Busuanga offer an exciting opportunity: snorkeling with dugongs.
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
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.
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.
What’s a list of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines without including at least one wreck, eh?
3. Barracuda Lake, Coron
The immaculate waters of Barracuda Lake are a testament to pristine natural beauty. 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.
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!
4. Coron’s Siete Pecados
A short boat ride from Coron Town brings you to Siete Pecados, one of the richest snorkeling spots in the Philippines. Schools of sergeant majors, butterflyfish, and parrotfish dart between the corals, while lucky snorkelers might even spot a sea turtle gliding past. The site’s accessibility makes it suitable for beginners.
5. Tubbataha Reef (UNESCO site)
While mostly certified scuba divers visit this site, nothing stops a confident snorkeller from joining this trip. Only accessible by liveaboard, the seclusion of this world heritage site means you are guaranteed to see giant corals, sharks and other iconic species.
6. Coral Garden in Port Barton
Port Barton is often described as a quieter, more laid-back version of El Nido and its Coral Garden is a true hidden gem. With sprawling fields of soft and hard corals stretching as far as the eye can see, snorkelers can expect encounters with angelfish, Moorish idols and plenty of starfish. The peaceful, unspoiled nature of the site makes it one of the most peaceful snorkeling spots in the Philippines.
7. Kayangan Lake
Located off the coast of Coron, Kayangan Lake makes its way onto the list of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines due to its incredible scenery.
Here, 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.
Luzon
8. Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
A marine paradise tucked away in Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands National Park offers multiple snorkeling sites with exceptional biodiversity. Beneath the emerald-green waters, snorkelers will find giant clams, brain corals and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
The islands’ protected waters make it an excellent location for beginners, and with over a hundred islets to explore, you’ll never get bored!
9. Anilao, Batangas
Known as the birthplace of diving in the Philippines, Anilao’s crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity make for an unforgettable snorkeling experience.
Popular sites like Sombrero Island and Sepoc Wall feature stunning coral formations, schools of jackfish, and vibrant nudibranchs. Anilao’s proximity to Manila makes it one of the most accessible snorkeling destinations in the country.
10. Apo Reef, Palawan
Tucked within the Sulu Sea, Apo Reef is the largest coral reef system in the Philippines and a UNESCO-listed marine sanctuary. While it’s a world-renowned dive site, snorkelers can appreciate its breathtaking underwater scenery. The shallow reef flats have vibrant coral gardens, home to angelfish, butterflyfish and reef sharks.
11. Puerto Galera
Famed for its rich marine biodiversity, Puerto Galera is a snorkeling paradise just a few hours from Manila. Its clear waters are home to thriving coral reefs, teeming with colourful reef fish, sea anemones, and even the occasional octopus.
Visayas
12. Balicasag
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.
While diving here is spectacular, snorkeling is arguably better, as the abundant community of Green and Hawksbill turtles like to hang around the island’s shallow waters.
13. Sardine Run, Moalboal
Aside from the vibrant party scene and exhilarating canyoneering in Moalboal, the town is home to an underwater marvel. 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 – no wonder tourists rank the sardine run as one of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines!
14. Apo Island, Dumaguete
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.
There’s little to do on the island besides snorkeling, sunbathing and strolling the sandy shores.
15. Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor
The powdery beach of Tulapos, fringed with mangroves and turquoise waters, houses an array of corals and even the occasional turtle or shark.
Tulapos, unlike the other sites on this list, doesn’t have the best visibility.
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.
16. 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.
Tubod is home to several iconic species, including the feathered starfish, parrotfish and clownfish. Sightings of reef sharks, barracuda and turtles are not uncommon here!
17. Whale Sharks, Donsol
The charming fishing town of Donsol offers 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.
While a boat trip might take a while 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.
18. Pescador Island, Cebu
Just off the coast of Moalboal, Pescador Island is famous for its dramatic drop-offs and thriving marine life. Snorkelers are treated to a colourful underwater world filled with soft corals, lionfish, and sea turtles.
19. Pamilacan Island, Bohol
The waters surrounding the island are home to sea turtles and reef sharks. Coral gardens flourish along the shallow reefs, offering snorkelers a stunning display of marine biodiversity. With its serene atmosphere and abundant sea life, Pamilacan is an incredible tourist spot in Bohol.
20. Sogod Bay, Leyte
Sogod Bay is one of the most underrated snorkeling spots in the Philippines. This marine sanctuary is notable for its diverse coral landscapes and incredible visibility. Snorkelers here will encounter a spectacular array of tropical fish. But the real highlight? The chance to snorkel with whale sharks, which are often spotted in the area from November to May.
Mindanao
21. Mantigue Island
This volcanic island, nestled off the shores of Camiguin, is a 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.
22. 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.
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.
23.Guyam Island, Siargao
A tiny, palm-fringed paradise off the coast of Siargao, Guyam Island offers more than just a picturesque beach – it’s also a fantastic spot for snorkeling. Just beyond its rocky shoreline, snorkelers can explore shallow coral gardens teeming with starfish and urchins. The island’s clear, calm waters make it an excellent spot for beginners, and with its secluded, laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to combine snorkeling with a relaxing island escape.
Snorkeling Spots In The Philippines To Skip
Whale Sharks In Oslob & Lila
While many people may consider this one of the best snorkeling places in the Philippines, it is important to protect the environment above all else. Understanding the ethics of swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is important.
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 daily.
Things You Need To Know Before Snorkeling In The Philippines
- 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 top snorkeling spots 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.
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