Leading Scuba Diving Spots in Southeast Asia: Top 10 Highlights
Hell, yeah! Dive your way through Southeast Asia, you crazy ocean marveler! If you're looking to sink your fins into an underwater adventure like no other, this region's got your back. Buckle up, dude, cuz here's the lowdown on the best dive spots in Southeast Asia, so you can dive 'n' conquer like a boss.
So, let's dive right in, shall we?
1. Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan, Philippines
Get ready for some turtle trouble, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a diverse range of marine critters, including the elusive tiger shark and whale shark. Just remember: you can only access this beauty via liveaboard, so grab your sea legs and join the adventure!
- Dive conditions: Water temp - 80 to 86°F (26 to 30°C); visibility - 32 to 114 feet (10 to 35m); non-diving activities - snorkeling is also awesome here.
- Required skill level: Intermediate to advanced recommended, strong currents might be present at some sites.
- How to get there: Fly into Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and transfer to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPR). You'll then hop on your liveaboard and set sail to Tubbataha Paradise.
2. Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia
This world's richest coral reef area is called home by 1400 fish species and 72% of the world's known coral species. That's a lot of fishy fun waiting for you! You can explore Raja Ampat through liveaboards or dive resorts, whichever floats your boat.
- Dive conditions: Water temp - 80 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) year-round; visibility - avg. 30 to 70 feet (8 to 20m); non-diving activities - hiking, nature, and cultural tours.
- Required skill level: Intermediate to advanced recommended, strong currents may require the use of a reef hook or negative entry.
- How to get there: Start by flying into Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), then catch the 4-hour direct flight to Sorong' Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ), which serves as the departure point for most liveaboards.
3. Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
This treasure trove is the best muck diving destination in the Philippines, hosting an abundance of tiny creatures that light up your dive! The muck diving and black water diving here are second to none, and the reefs are home to turtles and large schools of fish.
- Required skill level: Anilao is beginner-friendly since most of the sites are not deep and strong currents are rarely present.
- Where to stay: Top picks include Crystal Blue Resort, which offers comfortable rooms, easy access to the dive sites, knowledgeable dive guides, and fantastic photography amenities.
- How to get there: Fly into Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), and Anilao is just a 2-3 hour ride along the coast – most resorts offer return transfers, making travel a breeze.
4. Lembeh, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Southeast Asia's muck diving capital offers diving enthusiasts a chance to discover macro species like hairy frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and mandarin fish in the very depths of the sea. And don't forget to check out that Raja Ampat epaulette shark - it sure is a sight to behold!
- Dive conditions: Water temp - 77 to 82°F (25 to 28°C); visibility - 30 feet (8m) year-round; non-diving activities - wildlife excursions and relaxing.
- Required skill level: Beginner-friendly.
- Where to stay: Find your pick from numerous dive resorts or book a spot on a liveaboard – the choice is yours!
- How to get there: Start by flying into Manado's Sam Ratulangi (MDN) airport, then take a 4-hour direct flight to Sorong' Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ). Resorts can pick you up from there.
5. Similan Islands, Thailand
Don't count the Similan Islands as a mere gem of the Andaman Sea – dive their waters and you'll never forget this amazing experience. They're famous for whale sharks and manta rays during the rainy season, and regular sightings of reef sharks and turtles year-round.
- Dive conditions: Water temp - 80 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) year-round; visibility - 150 feet (45m).
- Required diving skill level: Great for all levels, with expert divers joining land excursions to explore the islands' tropical interiors.
- Where to stay: Liveaboards offer the best option, whether you fancy a modern motor yacht or a traditional junk. Most depart from Khao Lak on the mainland, but trips can also start from Ranong and Phuket.
- How to get there: Fly into Phuket International Airport, then travel around 90 minutes by road to Khao Lak to pick up the liveaboard.
6. Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines
The Philippines' all-in-one luxury dive vacation destination offers fantastic macro photography opportunities, excellent muck diving, and great coral reefs. Just looking for whale sharks? Visit Oslob and chill with these gentle giants.
- Dive conditions: Water temp - 77 to 81°F (25 to 27°C); visibility - 40 to 50 feet (10 to 15m); non-diving activities – soak up the sun, kayaking, and try out the fantastic spa treatments available at your resort.
- Required skill level: Suitable for all divers, experienced or not. Dauin's dive sites are relatively easy to dive.
- Where to stay: Plenty of excellent luxury resorts that cater to underwater photographers are up for grabs in the Dumaguete area.
- How to get there: Fly into Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), then catch the 45-minute internal flight to Dumaguete - Sibulan Airport (DGT), and many resorts offer free return transfers to make your voyage easier.
...And 7 More Amazing Destinations to Check Out!
Don't stop diving just yet, buddy! There's still more to explore in the diving mecca that is Southeast Asia: Derawan Islands, Sipadan, Coron Bay, Bali, Komodo National Park, Puerto Galera, and Malapascua Island. Plan your dive trip now and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world!
Ready to dive deep and make some waves? Get in touch with the experts at Bluewater Travel, and they'll helps you plan the perfect dive vacation without breaking the bank. Dive Spot, anyone?
- Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan, Indonesia Delight in the sight of massive green sea turtles as you dive in the crystal clear waters of Derawan. Savor the adventure with liveaboards or dive resorts, and don't forget to mingle with the friendly quality in these parts!
- Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia Sipadan is heaven for divers, boasting thriving coral reefs and a staggering diversity of marine life. Turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks can be seen daily, making it a must-visit destination.
- Coron Bay, Palawan, Philippines Coron's clear waters teem with World War II shipwrecks, providing a unique underwater experience. The varied marine life includes manta rays, turtles, and an astonishing array of colorful fish.
- Bali, Indonesia Who knew a tropical paradise could offer such immense underwater excitement? Bali is not just about celebrating life onshore; dive into the ocean and be blown away by its mesmerizing beauty.
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia Swim among gigantic Komodo dragons during your surface breaks, or explore the park's impressive coral reefs and rich marine life. An once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits the intrepid explorer!
- Puerto Galera, Philippines A renowned beginner's haven, the waters of Puerto Galera offer abundant marine life, including blue-ribbon eels, nudibranchs, and seahorses. Relax, snorkel or dive - it's up to you!
- Malapascua Island, Cebu, Philippines Got a knack for spotting thresher sharks? Head to Malapascua, where sightings of these mysterious creatures are guaranteed. Dive with the locals and get ready to explore a magical underwater world!
