| Diving Type | Super Macro dive, Muck dive, Reef dive, Cavern / Wall dive |
|---|---|
| Level | Open Water to Advanced Open Water (certain sites, such as the Blue Hole, are recommended for Advanced Open Water and above) |
| Depth | 5–30+ meters (depending on the dive site) |
| Visibility | 10–30 meters |
| Current | Flat to moderate (None to Moderate), with stronger currents possible around the Blue Hole or channel areas. |
| Water Temp | 26–30°C |
| Season | The best time for diving in Romblon is from November to May, which is the dry season featuring calm seas, clear waters, and optimal underwater visibility. While diving is possible year-round, it is best to avoid the major monsoon season and typhoons (July to September). |
| Highlight | Macro & Super Macro Critters (Super Macro Paradise): Romblon is recognized as the "Super Macro Capital" of the Philippines. It is home to various rare nudibranch species (e.g., Cyerce nigra, Leminda severnsi), skeleton shrimp, pygmy seahorses (Denise & Bargibanti), frogfish, blue-ringed octopuses, harlequin shrimp, and ghost pipefish. Pelagics & Marine Life: Sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, schools of jackfish, and barracudas. Near the Blue Hole area, there are also occasional sightings of passing manta rays or whale sharks. |
General Info
Romblon Province is located in the heart of the Philippines, within the MIMAROPA region. It comprises major islands including Tablas, Romblon, and Sibuyan. Here, nature remains pristine and free from tourist crowds. The underwater world features unique sandy bottoms and coral heads that serve as habitats for rare and exotic macro creatures, making it a dream destination for macro photographers from all around the globe.Dive Site (Detail)
- Blue Hole (Tablas Island / Punta Gorda) Depth: 15–30+ meters | Type: Cavern / Wall / Deep Dive Highlights: The only natural underwater sinkhole in the Philippines. The hole opens at a depth of around 13–15 meters and drops vertically to about 27–30 meters, where a chamber exits out onto a steep reef wall. The surrounding area offers chances to spot sharks, sea turtles, schools of fish, and occasionally passing whale sharks or manta rays.
- The House Reef / Romblon Coast (Three P Area) Depth: 5–20 meters | Type: Muck / Macro Diving Highlights: A paradise for super macro photographers along a coastal mix of sand and coral patches. It is a haven for rare nudibranch species, pygmy seahorses, colorful shrimps, and an abundance of small critters.
- Agnay Fish Sanctuary Depth: 5–25 meters | Type: Reef / Marine Sanctuary Highlights: A protected marine area located in a sheltered bay, featuring pristine hard and soft coral reefs. It serves as a home to diverse schools of fish and small marine life.
- Alad Island Depth: 10–25+ meters | Type: Wall / Reef Dive Highlights: Situated near Romblon Island with excellent underwater visibility. Key features include vibrant coral walls, sea fans, parrotfish, and occasional pelagics.
- Bonbon Beach & Sandbar Drop-off Depth: 5–30+ meters | Type: Reef / Slope / Drop-off Highlights: A famous beach featuring a sandbar, with an underwater topography that begins as a sandy slope dotted with colorful starfish before dropping off into deeper water. Ideal for both recreational dives and skill practice sessions.
Go There
How to Go toRomblon
Because Romblon remains an unspoiled island, getting there requires a multi-step journey—a trade-off well worth it for the tranquil atmosphere and uncrowded dive sites.
Travaling from Thailand to the Philippines
Fly from Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila (MNL). From Manila, there are two main transfer options:
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Flight + Short Ferry (Most Convenient & Time-Saving):
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Route: Take a domestic flight from Manila (MNL) to Tugdan Airport (TBH) on Tablas Island.
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Transfer: Take a van or local transport from the airport to San Agustin Port (approx. 1 hour), then take a high-speed ferry or a local motorized outrigger boat (Bangka) across to Romblon Island (approx. 30–45 minutes).
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Overland + Overnight Ferry (Budget-Friendly Option):
- Route: Travel overland from Manila to Batangas Port (approx. 2–3 hours), then board an overnight ferry (such as Starlight Ferries or 2GO) directly to Romblon Island (approx. 8–10 hours aboard).
Upon arriving at Romblon Town Port, you can reach your dive resort via a local tricycle or resort-arranged transfer. For diving trips, local Bangka boats are used to reach most dive sites, taking only 5 to 30 minutes from shore.
Flight Info.
Recommended Flights from Bangkok (Sample Itinerary)
Departure
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Bangkok – Manila: Philippine Airlines / Cebu Pacific (Late night or early morning flights are recommended for seamless domestic connections)
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Manila – Tugdan (Tablas): AirSWIFT / Cebgo (Subject to seasonal flight schedules)
Return
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Tugdan (Tablas) – Manila: Cebgo / AirSWIFT
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Manila – Bangkok: Philippine Airlines / Cebu Pacific
(Note: Domestic flights to Tablas Airport may not operate daily. It is recommended to check the flight schedule in advance before planning your trip.)
Overnight
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Primary Accommodation for Divers: Mostly situated along the northern and western beaches of Romblon Island, as well as on nearby Alad Island. These are specialized dive resorts offering all-inclusive packages that combine diving, lodging, and meals (e.g., Romblon Fun Divers, The Three P Dive Resort).
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Overnight Stays in Manila: If you have a long layover between flights, it is recommended to stay at a hotel near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)—such as in the Newport City or Pasay areas—for maximum convenience and easy travel back to the airport.
