Liveaboards in the Philippines

Aladin is a prominent dive site located within the Apo Reef Natural Park in the Philippines, distinguished by its extensive reef and dramatic wall topography. As a boat dive, it offers an immersive experience into one of the country's most biodiverse marine protected areas, characterized by exceptional coral health. The site features a dynamic depth range, with the reef crest starting around 4 meters and descending along a wall to a maximum depth of 40 meters. This varied underwater landscape supports a wide array of marine species, from intricate reef fish to larger pelagic visitors, often seen cruising the deeper sections. The visibility is typically very good, enhancing the visual spectacle of the coral formations. While specific seasonal sightings of pelagic marine life are not detailed for Aladin, the Apo Reef area generally offers consistent marine biodiversity. The best conditions for diving, including calmer seas and excellent visibility, are experienced during the dry season, particularly from January to May and in December. Divers at Aladin can expect a well-structured reef dive that transitions into a thrilling wall dive. Entry is typically by boat, requiring careful coordination with the dive guide. The site is best suited for Advanced Open Water divers or those with at least 25 logged dives, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of its deeper and more exposed sections.

San Miguel Island in the Philippines is a celebrated dive destination, known for its rich marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Situated within the central Philippines, it benefits from the region's abundant biodiversity, forming part of the Coral Triangle, a global epicenter for marine species. The island provides an array of dive sites, featuring healthy coral reefs, fascinating walls, and diverse habitats that support both macro critters and larger pelagic species. The underwater topography around San Miguel Island typically includes sloping reefs descending to deeper walls, creating diverse environments for marine inhabitants. Depths generally range from shallow coral gardens suitable for less experienced divers to deeper areas accessible to advanced divers seeking more challenging profiles. The clarity of the water often provides excellent visibility, enhancing the exploration of its vibrant ecosystems. Marine life sightings are consistent throughout the year, with specific seasons potentially highlighting different species. The area is home to a wide variety of tropical fish, various coral species, and often includes encounters with sea turtles and reef sharks. Macro enthusiasts will also find an abundance of small, unique creatures among the corals. Diving at San Miguel Island is generally conducted via day boats or liveaboards, offering flexibility for divers to explore multiple sites. Conditions are typically favorable for diving for much of the year, providing opportunities for both beginner and experienced divers to enjoy its underwater wonders, with a focus on reef exploration and marine observation.

Kimud Shoal is a renowned offshore underwater plateau located near Malapascua Island in the northern Visayas, Philippines. This sunken island rises dramatically from depths exceeding 200 meters, featuring a shallower top section. It has gained international fame as a reliable location for observing thresher sharks at cleaning stations, particularly in the early morning, and is also known for seasonal sightings of large schools of hammerhead sharks. The shoal's topography includes a plateau starting at around 10 to 14 meters, sloping down to approximately 30 meters before dropping off into the deep. Divers can explore gardens of hard and soft corals, along with sponges that crown the plateau, contrasting with the dramatic overhangs on its eastern side. This unique structure attracts a diverse range of marine life, from pelagic predators to intricate macro organisms. While thresher sharks are a year-round presence, hammerhead schools are most frequently observed between December and April. The site is managed as a Marine Protected Area with specific regulations for divers, ensuring minimal disturbance to its delicate ecosystem. Due to its offshore location and the nature of pelagic encounters, dives typically involve early morning departures and require a certain level of diver experience. Access to Kimud Shoal is exclusively by boat, usually departing from Malapascua Island. Divers typically make two dives during a trip, with surface intervals spent on the boat. The site offers a compelling blend of thrilling large animal encounters and opportunities to appreciate rich reef life.

The Kyokuzan Maru is a significant Japanese auxiliary supply ship, measuring about 136 meters in length, that was sunk during a US Navy aerial attack on September 24, 1944, near Busuanga Island. It serves as a historical underwater museum, attracting advanced divers to its well-preserved structure. The wreck lies upright at a maximum depth of 42 meters, with its deck accessible between 26 and 28 meters. It is situated on the north side of Busuanga Island, specifically near the uninhabited Dimalanta Islet, giving it the alternative name 'Dimalanta Wreck.' The ship lists approximately 10 degrees to starboard, presenting an engaging and slightly angled exploration for divers. Today, the Kyokuzan Maru is adorned with a variety of marine growth, including corals, sponges, shells, and tunicates, which attract a diverse array of fish. You can expect to encounter batfish, fusiliers, and trevallies finding shelter within the wreck, alongside occasional sightings of barracuda and rays. The cargo holds still contain remnants of trucks and cars, adding to the allure for explorers. Diving this site typically involves a boat trip, often from Coron or Dimakya Island, and is generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers due to its depth and the potential for wreck penetration. The site offers a unique blend of history and thriving marine ecosystems.