Want amazing muck diving and lush coral reefs? Apo Island and the coastline of Dumaguete provide the best of both worlds at one of the Philippines’ best dive destinations
Frog fish in a paint tin, Dauin
What’s special about Dumaguete? Why would you go there for diving?
Diving Apo Island and Dumaguete is the best of both worlds: staggering abundant macro life along the Dumaguete coastline and outstanding coral reefs and wide angle vistas around nearby Apo Island. The coastline – especially the Dauin area – acts as a nursery for all manner of usually hard-to-find critters. They’re everywhere – if you’ve got a sharp-eyed guide to locate them for you. Meanwhile, just 30 minutes boat ride away, the protected reefs of Apo Island provide a complete contrast, with lush seascapes of hard and soft coral, with slopes and walls carpeted in sponges and bommies. As such, it’s the perfect diving destination for divers who like to mix it up.
Coral bommie, Apo Island
What can I expect to see diving Dumaguete?
You can arrive at Dumaguete with a critter list and expect to see at least 80% of it. Ghost pipefish, octopus, sea snakes, Frogfish big, small, painted, angry, jawfish with eggs, cardinal fish with eggs, sea horses… it’s all there. Around Apo Island itself you may see big schools of fish like barracuda and jacks, but the main attraction which is always there are the lush coral gardens.
Cardinalfish with eggs in mouth, Dauin
Dumaguete Liveaboards
Dumaguete is part of the schedule for several Philippines liveaboards:
- Atlantis Azores is the liveaboard of the Atlantis chain of diving resorts in the Philippines
- Philippines Siren is part of the luxury Siren fleet and explores Dumaguete as part of its Visayas liveaboards.
Sea snake, Dauin
Diving Resorts In Dumaguete
Follow the links to check pricing, availability and to read previous guest reviews to get a feel of the place.
- Atlantis
- Atmosphere
- Bongo Bongo Divers
- Liquid Dive Resort
- Wellbeach Dive resort
- Mike’s Dauin Dive resort
- Bahura
Coral bommie, Apo Island
How To Get To Dumaguete?
It’s relatively easy to get to Dumaguete. There are daily domestic flights from Manila to Dumaguete with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Check Skyscanner to compare prices and flight timetables. Flights are around 1 hour from Manila and transfer to the resorts is typically 45 minutes. Dumaguete itself is a fairly big city with several smaller towns like Dauin stretching along the coastline. The resorts are all on the same stretch of coastline outside Dumaguete city.
Ghost pipefish, Dauin
How Much Time Should I Spend In Apo Island and Dumaguete?
If you’re fond of macro diving, you are going to want to spend at least a week in Dumaguete. It’s a macro photographer’s paradise. If you’re more casual and not on a mission to find/photograph a specific critter, around 4 to 5 days full diving split between the Dumaguete coastline and Apo Island would be enough.
Jawfish with eggs, Dauin
When’s The Best Time Of Year To Dive Apo Island and Dumaguete?
October to May is the main season for diving Dumaguete and Apo Island. June to September is monsoon season so there can be strong winds and waves. Also be aware there are very strong currents at Full Moon – make sure your dive guide checks the current before going in.
What Should I Pack For A Dive Trip To Dumaguete?
See the Divehappy Liveaboard Packing List to help you remember to bring everything you need.
Central Philippines Dive Map
Philippines Dive Map
Other Places For Macro Photography
If you like diving to small critters you should also check out:
