Dive Site: Camiguin Sunken Cemetery

About Camiguin Sunken Cemetery

The Camiguin Sunken Cemetery, located near Catarman, is a unique dive site that emerged from a devastating volcanic eruption in 1871. This event caused the old capital of Camiguin, including its cemetery, to sink beneath the sea. Today, what was once a somber burial ground has blossomed into an extraordinary underwater sanctuary, recognized by a prominent white cross that stands above the water as a memorial and landmark. Beneath the surface, the site showcases a dramatic transformation, with tombstones now serving as foundations for thriving hard coral formations. This rich substrate supports an incredible diversity of marine life, making it a compelling destination for divers. The topography includes extensive coral gardens, barrel sponges, and brain corals, all flourishing in a protected environment. Divers can anticipate encounters with a high concentration of reef fish, from schools of snappers and batfish to individual parrotfish and triggerfish. The site's status as a marine sanctuary, where fishing is prohibited, contributes to the abundant and undisturbed marine ecosystem. This environment offers a rare opportunity to witness an almost endless parade of marine species in pristine condition. Diving here typically involves a mild drift along the coral-covered slopes, allowing for a relaxed exploration of the vibrant underwater landscape. The site is accessible for various certification levels, with depths suitable for Open Water divers alongside deeper zones for those with advanced certifications, promising a memorable experience for all who explore its historical depths.

Dive site facts: Camiguin Sunken Cemetery

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

50 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat entry

Level

All certification levels

Dive type

Reef, historical, drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Camiguin, Northern Mindanao

Coordinates

9.171, 124.728

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Sunken Cemetery are typically mild, making it an excellent site for drift diving. Divers can expect a gentle push along the coral gardens, allowing for a relaxed and effortless viewing of the extensive marine life and coral formations. While generally calm, local conditions can occasionally introduce slight variations, so always follow your dive guide's briefing. Visibility is usually very good, but heavy rainfall during the wet season, particularly from June to October, might temporarily reduce it. The consistent warm water temperatures mean thermal protection needs are minimal, often just a 3mm wetsuit. Entry is usually via a boat drop, followed by a comfortable drift, and exit involves surfacing near the iconic cross or at a designated pick-up point.

Marine life & sighting chances

Snapper

common

Damsel fish

common

Wrasse

common

Bannerfish

common

Butterfly fish

common

Parrotfish

common

Triggerfish

common

Grouper

common

Batfish

common

Giant Clam

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Feather Star

occasional

Angelfish

common

Clownfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Sunken Cemetery typically begins with a boat entry, often a backroll, near the iconic white cross. From there, you'll descend onto a gentle slope, immediately encountering the extensive hard coral gardens that have grown over the submerged tombstones. The dive generally follows a mild drift, allowing you to glide effortlessly over large table corals, brain corals, and barrel sponges, which provide shelter for countless reef fish. You'll progress along the coral-covered terrain, observing schools of snappers, batfish, and various colorful species. The route often curves around the site, ensuring ample time to appreciate the unique blend of historical remnants and thriving marine life. Depths typically range from 5 to 20 meters, making it accessible for most divers. Your turn point is guided by air consumption and bottom time, and the safety stop is usually conducted at 5 meters, often near the base of the white cross, offering a final panoramic view before ascending.

Underwater photography

The Sunken Cemetery offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, capture the expansive coral gardens and the surreal presence of the submerged tombstones, often with the white cross visible above water in the background; a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal here. When approaching the abundant schools of fish like snappers and batfish, move slowly and maintain good buoyancy to avoid startling them. For macro enthusiasts, explore the corals for nudibranchs, small crabs, and other intricate details. A macro lens will bring out the vibrant colors of the reef. Utilize strobes to properly illuminate subjects and restore natural colors, especially in deeper sections. Good buoyancy control is crucial to protect the delicate corals and avoid stirring up sediment, ensuring clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mantigue Island

  Known for exceptional turtle encounters and vibrant marine sanctuaries.

• Black Forest

  Features extensive black coral gardens and diverse reef fish.

• Apo Island

  Famous for its marine sanctuary, sea turtles, and volcanic bubbles.

• Jigdup Shoal

  Offers soft coral-filled walls and excellent underwater photography opportunities.

• Monad Shoal

  Renowned for thresher shark sightings, though further afield.

Getting there & logistics

To reach Camiguin, you can fly directly to Camiguin Airport (CGM) from Cebu. Alternatively, fly into Cagayan de Oro (CGY) or Cebu (CEB) and then take a combination of ferry and land transfers. From Cagayan de Oro, a common route involves a bus or taxi to Balingoan Port, followed by a ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin. From Cebu, you can take a ferry directly to Camiguin or fly to Cagayan de Oro first. Most dive operators are based around Mambajao, the provincial capital. Dive trips to the Sunken Cemetery are typically half-day excursions, often combined with another local site. No specific marine park fees are usually levied directly at the Sunken Cemetery beyond standard dive package costs.

Safety & environment

Diving in Camiguin, including the Sunken Cemetery, is generally safe due to mild currents and accessible depths. However, standard dive safety practices are essential. Always dive with a reputable operator and ensure your equipment is well-maintained. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Mandaue City, Cebu, which requires evacuation by boat and potentially further transport, highlighting the importance of comprehensive dive insurance. Divers should carry valid certification and be honest about their experience level. Listen carefully to your dive guide's briefing regarding current conditions and emergency procedures. Maintain good buoyancy to avoid contact with corals and historical structures. Be mindful of boat traffic when surfacing, especially near the white cross marker.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Camiguin Sunken Cemetery FAQ

Liveaboards diving Camiguin Sunken Cemetery

These liveaboards may visit Camiguin Sunken Cemetery 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