Must Visit Freedive Sites in the Philippines

Are you a freediving enthusiast who is planning to visit the Philippines and don't know where to start your freediving adventure? Or are you a newly spawned local freediver itching to experience the waters away from pool sessions or nearby shoreline practices?

The Philippines is made up of 7,641 islands (not 7,107 anymore). That's 7641 chances of exploring crystal clear waters, spectacular reefs and swimming with wild marine life!

You don't have to go to each island - if you're worried about having to visit all 7000 of them. I have personally freedive to most of the must visit places here, and I can honestly say, they do not disappoint.

Below is a list of the best freedive sites in the Philippines.

Apo Reef Natural Park -  Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Exploring the Shipwreck in Apo Reef
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

Stingray

Photo By: Bang Gumalo - instagram.com/banggumalo/

Blacktip Reef shark

Photo By: Bang Gumalo - instagram.com/banggumalo/

For more photos, visit: https://www.instagram.com/nicosorianoph/
FYI: No electricity and fresh water in the island
Strictly no spearfishing zone



What can you see there: Shipwreck, Black and Whitetip Reef Sharks, Baraccudas, Napolean Wrassse, Rays, Turtles and is the second largest contiguous coral reef system in the world.

>>> Contact Seazoned Philippines for tours and info <<<

Coron, Palawan

Baraccuda Lake, Siete Pecados, Cathedral Cave, Skeleton Wreck, Tangat Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck, Busuangga (for Manta and Dugong sightings)

Barracuda Lake
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

Baraccuda Lake
Photo:  instagram.com/jipny_girl/

For more photos, visit: https://www.instagram.com/nicosorianoph/

What can you see there: Barracuda, reef sharks, Dugong, Manta rays and shipwrecks

>>> Contact Seazoned Philippines for tours and info <<<

Balicasag Island and Napaling Point, Bohol

Sea Turtles as big as me in Balicasag
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

Tangnan Bohol
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

What can you see there: Turtles, Swimthroughs, School of Sardines 

FYI: Balicasag can be a bit pricey - do your research before going there to avoid unnecessary costs

>>> Contact Alexis Cliff Dive Resort for tours and info or M'Ocean Freediving for freediving lessons <<<

Panagsama, Moalboal Cebu

Sardine Run in Moalboal, Cebu
Photo By: Mirai Vanessa - instagram.com/miraidesuyo_

Sardine Run in Moalboal, Cebu
Photo By: Mirai Vanessa - instagram.com/miraidesuyo_

Turtle Silhouette in Moalboal

Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

What can you see there: Turtles, and an overwhelming amount of sardines (not yet in can)

FYI: Contact any available resorts in Moalboal for sardine and Panagsama tours

>>> Contact Niccos Place for tours and info <<<

Limasawa and Pintuyan, Southern Leyte

Wild whaleshark in Pintuyan
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

Wild whaleshark in Pintuyan
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

My whaleshark experience, and link to itinerary 

What can you see there: Marine sanctuaries and wild whalesharks

Other lesser mentioned dive sites

Capitancillo Island, Bogo City Cebu - isolated island with rich coral reefs

Badian Cebu - Plane Wreck

Aloguinsan, Cebu - untouched coral reefs and mini swimthroughs

Argao and Asturias, Cebu - spearfishing

Binukbok, Batangas - I haven't been there yet, but most people show pictures of school of jacks

Binukbok, Batangas
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

Bien Unido Bohol - St. Nino and Mother Mary underwater structures

Bien Unido, Bohol
Photo By: John Cuyos - instagram.com/_bad.jaw_/

Apo Island, Dumaguete - famous for shallow water swimming with turtles, and a side trip to Dauis for Dolphin watching.

Mati Davao - Baby dugong

Siargao - Blue Cathedral 

Enchanted River, Surigao - government has already prohibited the area for diving

Maite and Tubod Marine Sanctuary Siquijor - perfect for snorkelling and observing healthy corals as well as huge collection of fish and colorful starfish

Camiguin - Giant Clams and underwater cemetery

Giant Clams Sanctuary
Diver: @jipny_girl

Dive sites such as Tubbataha Reef and Malapascua aren't added here because ideally you go there for scuba, not freedive.

There are probably a lot more hidden gems in the southern part of the Philippines that needed to be added to this list. If you have visited one, feel free to comment below and share your experience :)