Tubbataha Reef Dubbed One Of The Best Dive Sites In The World

With almost 40,000 kilometers of coastline, its location within the “Coral Triangle,” and its relatively unspoiled seas, the Philippines should be a hot ticket destination for divers not just from the country but from around the world itself.

While the country may not be that just yet, the annual Diving and Resort Travel Show recently held at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall is certainly building up the country’s reputation as a hub for diving and marine biodiversity.

The three-day event featured a dive exhibit, seminars, and workshops by international dive experts covering topics that ranged from underwater photography to marine life education and conservation.
At the start of the three-day event, Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary Kat De Castro trumpeted the country’s resources and what else the country has to offer diving enthusiasts.

The Philippines now is becoming an emerging top diving destination. The rich and vibrant seas are now becoming a gem to divers not only in the Philippines but also in the world. We want to show what we have and what we can cater to diving enthusiasts like you. Every year we promise to wow you with how beautiful our seas are.

The Philippines is poised to be a diving hub not just in Asia, but in the world, especially with sites like this one in Cabilao. (Photo courtesy: Tim Rock)

The head of the DOT’s Market Development Group, Verna Buensucesco, affirmed this, saying that the country has garnered praise from professional writers and editorial boards. She also pointed out that two of the best 15 scuba dive sites in the world are in the Philippines – the Tubbataha reef and the Canyons of Puerto Galera. Of course, to really grow this industry, these dive sites need to be accessible, and they should have the infrastructure to house the divers and tourists they intend to attract. A quick look at the Traveloka website for Puerto Galera hotels brings up more than 50 hotels, while a search for Puerto Princesa hotels, which are good jumping-off points to get to Tubbataha, brings up more than a hundred. The DOT is committing to growing the industry even more.

Recognizing that one of our core products in tourism is diving, the Department of Tourism is continuously developing this niche market. We are also as a leader in hospitality because of our warm, welcoming, and friendly people, and I think that this is something that we bring together in the dive industry, in how we are able to service the needs of our diver friends and diver guests.

Looking for a place to stay in these areas? There’s definitely a variety of hotels that can cater to a variety of divers and other travelers. Here's a list of the accommodations you can find in Puerto Galera:

Marco Vincent Dive Resort

Infinity Resort near Aninuan Beach;

Coco Beach Island Resort in Behiya;

Sitio Dalauran’s Buri Resort and Spa;

and the Verde View Villas near Sabang Pier.

Meanwhile, divers in Puerto Princesa can check out the following properties:

Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel;

Barangay San Manuel’s Aziza Paradise;

Sunlight Guest Hotel;

Canvas Boutique Hotel;

and Sabang Beach’s Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa.

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