When is the best time to see thresher sharks in Malapascua?

Thresher sharks are present year-round at Kimud Shoal. Dawn dives (5-6am) give the highest sighting rates, typically above 90%. Visibility is best from March to June, but sharks are there every day of the year.

What certification do I need to dive with thresher sharks?

The cleaning station at Kimud Shoal is at 20-25 metres depth. PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) is recommended. If you only have Open Water, we can upgrade you with an Advanced course on-site in two days.

How do I get to Malapascua Island?

Fly to Cebu, then take a 3-4 hour drive north to Maya port, followed by a 30-minute boat crossing. PDT arranges all transfers as part of your package.

What other marine life can I see at Malapascua?

Beyond thresher sharks, Malapascua offers mandarin fish at sunset, pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and beautiful coral gardens. The Lighthouse dive site is one of the best muck dives in the Visayas.

Is the sardine run in Moalboal seasonal?

No. The sardine school at Panagsama Beach is resident year-round. You can snorkel or dive with millions of sardines any day of the year, right from the shore.

Can I snorkel in Moalboal without a dive certification?

Yes. The sardine run, sea turtles, and house reef are all accessible by snorkelling. No certification needed. Pescador Island boat trips also include snorkelling options.

What is the Cathedral Cave at Pescador Island?

The Cathedral is an underwater cave formation inside Pescador Island with a chimney that lets light filter down from above. It is one of the most photographed dive sites in the Visayas and accessible to Advanced Open Water divers.

Do I need to know how to dive to swim with whale sharks in Oslob?

No. The whale shark interaction in Oslob is done by snorkelling in shallow water. No diving certification is required. Non-swimmers can also watch from the boat.

How long does the whale shark encounter last?

Each session is approximately 30 minutes in the water. The whole visit including briefing and boat transfer takes about 1-2 hours. Early morning visits (6-7am) are recommended for fewer crowds.

Are whale sharks in Oslob available year-round?

Yes. Unlike Donsol where whale sharks are seasonal, the Oslob whale sharks are present every day of the year. The interaction site operates daily from around 6am to midday.

What makes Dauin muck diving special?

Dauin's volcanic black sand creates a unique habitat for rare critters found nowhere else in the region. Expect blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, painted frogfish, and dozens of nudibranch species. It is considered one of the top muck diving destinations in the world.

Can I see turtles at Apo Island?

Yes. Apo Island's marine sanctuary is home to a large population of green sea turtles. Sightings are virtually guaranteed on every dive, and snorkellers can also see them in the shallow reef areas.

What is the difference between Donsol and Oslob for whale sharks?

Donsol offers wild, free-swimming whale shark encounters with no feeding involved. Oslob whale sharks are fed to keep them in one place. Donsol is seasonal (November to June) while Oslob operates year-round. Donsol is snorkel-only with stricter environmental guidelines.

When is manta ray season at Ticao Island near Donsol?

Manta rays are typically present at Ticao Island cleaning stations from November through May, with peak sightings from January to April. Ticao is a short boat ride from Donsol and can be combined with whale shark snorkelling.

How many days should I spend in Donsol?

We recommend 3-4 days minimum. This gives you two mornings for whale shark encounters, a day trip to Ticao Island for manta rays, and an evening firefly river tour. Longer stays allow for repeat encounters and relaxation.

What is included in a Philippines dive package?

Our packages typically include airport transfers, accommodation, daily diving (boat and shore dives), equipment rental, and meals. Specific inclusions vary by package level. We offer budget, standard, and premium options for each destination.

When is the best time to dive in the Philippines?

The Philippines offers year-round diving. The dry season (November to May) generally has the best visibility and calmest seas. Whale sharks in Donsol peak from February to April. Thresher sharks at Malapascua are year-round. Each destination has its own peak season.

What dive certification do I need for Philippines diving?

Most dive sites require PADI Open Water or equivalent certification. The thresher shark dive at Malapascua is at around 20-25 metres so Advanced Open Water is recommended. Non-divers can take PADI courses starting from Discover Scuba Diving (1 day) up to full Open Water certification (3-4 days).

Can I swim with whale sharks in the Philippines?

Yes. In Oslob, Cebu, whale shark encounters run daily year-round. In Donsol, Sorsogon, wild whale shark season runs from November to June, with peak sightings from February to April. No diving certification is needed as encounters are snorkelling-based.

Do I need to be an experienced diver?

Not at all. We cater to all levels from complete beginners to technical divers. Non-divers can learn to dive with PADI courses at any of our destinations. Many of our best experiences, including whale sharks and sardine runs, are accessible by snorkelling.

Can I visit multiple dive destinations in one trip?

Yes. Our multi-destination packages are our most popular option. Common combinations include Malapascua plus Moalboal, or Malapascua plus Donsol. We handle all inter-island transfers so you just enjoy the diving.

Philippines Diving Season: When to Go and Where

Andrea
Jan 1
2 min read

One of the most common questions we get from divers planning a Philippines trip is: when should I go? The answer depends on where you want to dive, what you want to see, and how comfortable you are with varied conditions. The Philippines spans 1,850 kilometres from north to south, meaning different regions have quite different weather patterns — and different peak diving seasons. Here’s a region-by-region breakdown to help you plan.

The Philippines: Two Seasons, Not Four

The Philippines has two primary seasons: the dry season (roughly November to May, known locally as the Amihan season) and the wet season (June to October, the Habagat or southwest monsoon). The dry season brings clear skies, calmer seas, and better visibility at most dive sites. The wet season brings rain, rougher conditions in some areas, and occasional typhoons — but also some excellent diving opportunities in sheltered spots, and significantly lower prices.

Malapascua and Northern Cebu: Year-Round

Malapascua is one of the few Philippines destinations that dives well year-round. The thresher sharks show up at Kimud Shoal regardless of the season. Visibility is generally good, though slightly better from January to May. The post-typhoon period (November to December) can occasionally bring rougher conditions, but most dive operators run trips throughout. If thresher sharks are your priority, there’s no bad time to visit.

Tubbataha Reef: March to June Only

Tubbataha Reef is strictly seasonal. The park opens in mid-March and closes in mid-June. Outside this window the Sulu Sea crossing is too rough for safe liveaboard passage. Within the season, April and May tend to offer the calmest conditions and the highest shark activity. If Tubbataha is on your list, plan at least 12 months ahead — liveaboard berths for April and May go quickly.

Palawan (Coron and El Nido): November to May

Coron and El Nido in northern Palawan are best visited between November and May. Coron’s wreck diving is excellent in these months — clear water and calm seas make the World War II wrecks in Coron Bay particularly special. The wet season (June to October) can bring rough seas that make inter-island transfers difficult and the wrecks less accessible. December to February is peak season, with the best conditions but the highest prices and most visitors.

Apo Island and Southern Negros: Year-Round, Best November to June

Apo Island’s marine sanctuary dives well year-round, but the best conditions are typically between November and June. Visibility is highest from February to May. The turtle population is resident and can be encountered any month. The wet season does occasionally bring reduced visibility and surface chop, but the protected nature of the dive sites means conditions rarely get truly difficult.

The Verdict: When is the Best Time to Dive the Philippines?

If you can only go once and want the broadest range of options, January to May is the sweet spot. Conditions are good across most of the archipelago, Tubbataha is open, and you can combine multiple regions in one trip. For budget-conscious divers willing to work around weather, June to October offers excellent value with fewer crowds at Malapascua, Apo Island, and Moalboal. Wherever you want to go and whatever your budget, Philippines Dive and Travel can build a bespoke itinerary around your schedule — get in touch to start planning.