| Diving Type | Wall Diving, Deep Diving, Cavern/Cave, Wreck, and Macro/Muck diving. |
|---|---|
| Level | Suitable for all levels (Beginner to Technical). |
| Depth | 5-40 m |
| Visibility | 15-30 m |
| Current | Generally mild to moderate; some sites offer excellent drift diving. |
| Water Temp | 27°C to 30°C |
| Season | Dive Season: Year-round.Best Time (Dry Season): November to May (Calm seas and sunny weather).Peak Visibility: March to May. Off-Peak: June to October (Occasional monsoon rains, but diving is usually still possible). |
| Highlight | Macro Life: A paradise for macro photographers featuring Pygmy Seahorses, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, and countless Nudibranch species. Pelagics: While primarily known for reefs, lucky divers may spot Whale Sharks, Thresher Sharks, or Eagle Rays passing along the walls. Coral Health: Dense colonies of soft corals, massive sponges, and expansive gorgonian fans decorate the vertical walls. |
General Info
Location: Mactan Island, Cebu Province, Central Visayas, Philippines.
Language: Cebuano and English are widely spoken.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP).
Local Vibe: A blend of high-end luxury resorts and authentic local diving communities.
Dive Site (Detail)
1. Marigondon Cave
Mactan’s most iconic and legendary dive site. This expansive cavern features a mouth opening at a depth of approximately 27–30 meters. Inside the cave’s dark recesses, divers can encounter the mesmerizing Flashlight Fish, which glow in the dark, alongside vibrant cup corals and colorful sponges.
2. Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary
A remarkably well-preserved marine sanctuary known for its crystal-clear, calm waters. It is an ideal spot for both scuba diving and snorkeling. The highlights include massive schools of Batfish, yellowtail snappers, and dense, sprawling thickets of staghorn coral.
3. Tambuli Airplane Wreck
This site features a small sunken airplane that serves as an artificial reef. Located near a steep wall, it is a favorite spot for underwater photography. The wreck has become a bustling habitat for reef fish and various Macro life, such as colorful Nudibranchs.
4. Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary
A small island surrounded by stunning shallow-water coral reefs. The signature experience here is a Drift Dive along the wall, where you can effortlessly glide past sea turtles, blue-spotted rays, and large schools of snappers.
5. Kontiki Reef
A popular House Reef often used for check-dives and training courses. Despite its proximity to the shore, it boasts high biodiversity with a dramatic vertical wall. It is also a prime location where divers can frequently witness a "Mini" Sardine Run.
Go There
Getting There: From Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), you can reach most dive resorts in Lapu-Lapu City within 15–30 minutes via hotel shuttle, Grab, or taxi.
Local Commute: For short distances, "Jeepneys" and "Tricycles" are available, offering a local experience.
How to Go toCebu City, Cebu Island
Flight Info.
Airlines: Major carriers include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
Direct Routes: Direct flights are available from Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 – 4 hours from Bangkok.
Overnight
Mactan offers a wide range of stay options:
Luxury Resorts: Shangri-La Mactan, Jpark Island, and Dusit Thani.
Dive Resorts: Specialized hotels located in Marigondon or Punta Engaño that offer "Stay & Dive" packages.
Budget Stays: Numerous guesthouses and Airbnb options in the Lapu-Lapu City area.
Emergency
Hospitals: Mactan Doctors' Hospital and ARC Hospital provide quality emergency care.
Hyperbaric Chamber: The nearest recompression chamber is located in Cebu City (approx. 45 minutes away), managed by the PCSSD.
