Dive Site: Aladin

About Aladin

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.

Dive site facts: Aladin

Depth

4–40 m

Typical dive

22 m average, 50-60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

AOW recommended (25+ dives)

Dive type

Reef, Wall

Night dive

Possible (check with operator)

Region / port

Apo Reef, Philippines

Coordinates

12.6820° N, 120.4470° E

Conditions & Currents

Aladin generally experiences mild currents, which contribute to a comfortable dive experience while still supporting nutrient flow for marine life. Divers should always attend the pre-dive briefing for real-time information on current strength and direction, as conditions can fluctuate with tides. Entry is exclusively from a boat, and both entry and exit procedures are typically planned around the prevailing currents to ensure diver safety and ease. Visibility at the site is consistently good, ranging from 10 to 25 meters, providing clear views of the extensive reef and wall structures. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, between 27°C and 30°C, negating the need for thick exposure suits. This combination of mild currents, good visibility, and warm water makes Aladin suitable for Advanced Open Water divers with some drift experience.

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Aladin typically begins with a boat entry, dropping divers near the reef crest. The dive then proceeds along a sloping reef that transitions into a captivating wall. The reference depth for the site ranges from 4 to 40 meters, allowing for exploration at various levels based on certification and experience. Divers will follow the reef's contour, often drifting gently with the mild currents along the wall, observing the diverse marine life and coral formations. The route is guided to showcase the best features of both the reef and the wall, with careful monitoring of depth and bottom time. The turn point is determined by gas consumption and no-decompression limits. The safety stop is commonly conducted in the shallower sections of the reef, usually around 5 meters, where divers can enjoy the vibrant coral gardens before ascending back to the surface for a boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Aladin offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially when capturing the expansive coral gardens and the dramatic wall drop-offs; a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for these shots. Macro photographers should also be prepared, as the vibrant coral formations likely harbor smaller critters, though specific macro subjects are not detailed in the sources. Given the good visibility and potential for varying light conditions along the wall, strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the reef. Divers should prioritize excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the fragile coral structures, especially when positioning for shots or navigating near the wall face. Always maintain a respectful distance from marine life and avoid touching the reef.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Apo 29

  Located within Apo Reef, offering reef and wall diving for advanced divers.

• Southeast Corner

  Another Apo Reef site known for wall diving and potential manta ray sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Aladin is located within the Apo Reef Natural Park, which is typically accessed via liveaboard trips or extended day trips from nearby islands. The main gateway to the Philippines for international travelers is usually Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB). From these hubs, domestic flights or ferries would be taken to reach jump-off points for Apo Reef, such as San Jose, Occidental Mindoro or Coron, Palawan. Liveaboard itineraries are a popular choice for visiting Apo Reef, often combining multiple dive sites within the park over several days. Due to its remote location as a marine protected area, specific park fees or permits may be required, which are usually handled by the liveaboard operator or local dive center. Trip lengths for Apo Reef excursions generally range from 3 to 7 days.

Safety & environment

For diving at Aladin, the nearest recompression chamber is located at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City, Metro Manila. In the event of a dive emergency requiring chamber treatment, evacuation would involve significant time and logistical coordination, likely by air or sea. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance that includes emergency evacuation and recompression treatment is strongly recommended for all divers visiting this remote site. While currents are generally mild, divers should always follow the lead of their experienced local guide, especially regarding entry and exit procedures from the boat. It is crucial to stay within certification limits, particularly given the maximum depth of 40 meters. Conservative dive planning, including monitoring gas supply and no-decompression limits, is essential for a safe dive at Aladin.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Aladin FAQ

Liveaboards diving Aladin

These liveaboards may visit Aladin on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Infiniti

Philippines

25 guests39 m

$280/day

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

$335/day

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests34.6 m

$314/day

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

$326/day

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

$250/day

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

$309/day

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38.35 m

$215/day

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$381/day

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

$398/day

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

$460/day

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests32.5 m

$421/day

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$247/day