Diving in the Philippines in November

Conditions in November

So, you’re thinking about diving the Philippines in November? Excellent choice, my friend! This is when the islands start shaking off the tail end of the rainy season, transitioning towards the drier, calmer months that make this archipelago a diver's paradise. Generally, you can expect improving weather conditions across most of the prime diving regions. Think less rain, more sunshine, and seas that are beginning to settle down after the typhoon season. While the occasional lingering storm isn't entirely out of the question, particularly earlier in the month or in certain southern areas, the overall trend is very positive.

Water temperatures in November are delightfully warm, hovering comfortably between 26-29°C (79-84°F) throughout most of the region. This means you’ll be happily toasty in your wetsuit, even on multiple dives a day. Visibility is usually fantastic, often ranging from 20-30 meters (65-100 feet) in many spots, sometimes even more in particularly pristine areas. Currents can be a mixed bag, as always in the Philippines; some sites are renowned for their ripping drifts, while others offer more sheltered, gentle conditions. It’s always best to check with your dive operator for specific site conditions, but November generally offers a good balance, making many sites accessible and enjoyable.

Towards the end of November, you'll really feel that shift. The northeast monsoon, known locally as "Amihan," starts kicking in. This brings with it cooler, drier air, making for more pleasant topside conditions. While it can mean some slightly choppier seas on the eastern facing coasts, the western and central areas generally benefit from calmer waters during this period. For regions like Malapascua or Moalboal, dive conditions are typically excellent, with clear skies and calm seas becoming more common as the month progresses.

What you will see

November in the Philippines is a truly spectacular time for marine life encounters, offering a rich tapestry of biodiversity from the tiniest critters to majestic pelagics. This is a transitional month, meaning you often hit a sweet spot where conditions attract a wide array of species. For many, the ultimate prize is the thresher shark, and November is prime time to see them at Monad Shoal off Malapascua. These elusive, long-tailed sharks ascend from the deep to visit cleaning stations at dawn, and seeing them gracefully glide past is an unforgettable experience. While sightings are never guaranteed, November offers excellent chances.

Beyond the threshers, this month also brings increased chances of spotting other large pelagics. Keep your eyes peeled for magnificent manta rays, particularly around areas like Ticao Pass near Donsol, though their peak season is usually a bit later. Still, November offers promising early sightings as they begin to congregate. Reef sharks – including white-tip and grey reef sharks – are abundant on healthy reefs across the archipelago, and you’ll encounter them patrolling the drop-offs and feeding along the currents. Whale sharks are also present, especially in Donsol, where swimming alongside these gentle giants in a respectful, unregulated environment is a truly humbling experience. Remember, though, Donsol is more about snorkeling with them, not diving.

But it’s not all about the big stuff! The Philippines is a macro photographer's dream, and November is no exception. Bursting with vibrant coral reefs, you’ll discover an astonishing array of critters. Nudibranchs of every conceivable color and pattern are everywhere, along with camouflaged frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and elusive pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonian fans. Around Dauin (Negros Oriental) and Anilao (Batangas), the muck diving is phenomenal, revealing ornate ghost pipefish, various species of octopuses (including wonderpus and mimic octopuses if you’re lucky), and countless species of shrimp and crabs. The reefs are teeming with schooling fish, providing a constant, kaleidoscopic backdrop to your dives.

Top dive sites this month

If you're heading to the Philippines in November, you absolutely cannot miss Malapascua Island. This tiny island north of Cebu is world-famous for its consistent thresher shark sightings at Monad Shoal. The dive takes place at dawn, often in darker, deeper conditions, adding to the mystique. It's an unparalleled experience that truly sets Malapascua apart. Also in the Visayas, another must-visit is Moalboal, particularly the Sardine Run off Panagsama Beach. Every day you can dive into millions of sardines swirling in a mesmerizing bait ball, often attracting larger predators like trevally. It’s an easy shore dive and utterly spectacular.

For incredible macro and muck diving, head to Dauin on Negros Oriental. The volcanic sands here reveal a treasure trove of rare and unusual critters: frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, and a myriad of nudibranchs. The conditions are usually calm, making it perfect for photographers. Not too far away, Apo Island is a marine sanctuary renowned for its pristine coral gardens and abundant sea turtles – a true biodiversity hotspot. Lastly, consider Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea. While its season typically starts in March, some liveaboards begin exploratory trips later in November if weather conditions permit. If you can catch one of these early trips, you’ll experience one of the planet's most unspoiled reef systems, brimming with sharks, mantas, and massive schools of fish. However, this is heavily weather-dependent, so always check with your liveaboard operator closer to the time.

Practical tips for your trip

Given the lovely warm water temperatures of 26-29°C (79-84°F) in November, most divers will be perfectly comfortable in a 3mm shorty or a full 3mm wetsuit. If you tend to get cold easily or plan on doing multiple dives a day, a 5mm suit might be preferable, but for most, a 3mm will be just right. This month is generally suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced. Beginners will find plenty of calm, shallow reefs to explore, while advanced divers can tackle thrilling drift dives, deeper pelagic encounters, and specialized muck diving sites.

Liveaboard availability in November tends to be good, as it's just before peak season truly kicks in in December/January. This means you might find some more competitive pricing or last-minute deals compared to later in the year, and a wider choice of boats. However, for popular routes like Tubbataha (if available) or specific Malapascua itineraries, booking in advance is always recommended. When packing, think light and quick-drying clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a good wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent. You'll want sunglasses, a reliable power bank for electronics, and don't forget your underwater camera gear!

A critical thing to be aware of in the Philippines is local transportation and island hopping. Sometimes domestic flights can be delayed, or ferry schedules can be affected by weather, especially earlier in November if there's any lingering wet season activity. Always build in a buffer day or two between international flights and your liveaboard departure or domestic connections. Also, remember that while credit cards are accepted in major towns and resorts, cash is king in more remote areas, so have a good supply of Philippine Pesos. Finally, embrace the Filipino hospitality – the people are incredibly friendly and will make your dive trip even more memorable! Enjoy your adventure!