A school of jackfish, Balicasag Island: Dive Site - Black Forest.
Video taken: October 2024
Dive Guide to the Philippines – Central Visayas
Welcome to the Dive Guide to the Philippines – Central Visayas, the heart of the archipelago and one of the richest marine regions within the Coral Triangle. Across Bohol, Dauin, Apo Island, Moalboal, and neighboring islands, you’ll find the country’s most rewarding mix of diving — from coral-covered slopes and island walls to gentle muck sites alive with rare critters. This is where the variety and biodiversity of the Philippines truly come together.
Having retired and now living in the Central Visayas, I’m fortunate to dive this region on a regular basis. After a 35-year break from diving — and a PADI Refresher under my belt — I went on to become a Rescue Diver and now log more than 100 dives a year across Bohol, Dauin, Apo Island, and other Visayan destinations that define what diving in the Philippines is all about.
Catch up with the Jackfish at the Black Forest dive site.
What started as a bit of curiosity has grown into a true passion — not just for diving, but for understanding and sharing what makes this region so special. If you haven’t dived in a while, or have always wanted to try, remember — it’s never too late to get started.
Table of Contents
Click a topic below to jump directly to that section of the hub-page.
1.Introduction - The Central Visayas
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Dive Central Philippines Live
Planning a dive trip? Visit my YouTube channel for real clips from Bohol, Dauin, Apo Island, Moalboal, and other dive spots across the Central Visayas — a quick look at the reefs, marine life, and what diving here truly feels like.
Watch real dive footage from sites across the central Visayas on YouTube.
Central Philippines – Diving the Visayas
The Visayas is made up of several major islands, including Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte, along with numerous smaller ones scattered throughout the region.
The islands are surrounded by some of the most accessible and diverse coral reefs in the country. With more than 100 recorded dive sites, the Visayas offers a wide range of experiences — from the northern tip of Cebu, where Malapascua is known for thresher shark encounters, to Dauin and Apo Island for rich reef and macro life. Bohol’s Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands offer great all-round diving, while those willing to travel further off the beaten track will find Southern Leyte’s Sogod Bay to be world-class, with whale shark encounters, strong currents, and dramatic wall diving.
Diving Highlights – Visayas
The map below highlights the key diving areas across the Central Philippines — from well-known hotspots to lesser-visited sites — giving a overview of what the Visayas has to offer visiting divers.
Central Philippines Interactive Map - Principle Dive Areas of the Visayas Region
Map Source: John Hawkins | Leaflet | 2025
Dive Guides & Trips – Visayas
This section draws on my experience as a local diver to help you explore the Central Philippines through detailed dive guides and multi-stop trip planners. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer journey, these resources will help you choose the best dive sites and travel routes.
Click through the guides, bookmark us, or sign up to our monthly newsletter — we regularly update the site with new dive spots, local insights, and planning tips.
From muck diving to pristine reef, find out if Negros Oriental has it all.
This peninsula is more the just the sardine run, find out what you need to know.
Central Visayas diving of the beat track, is it worth the journey - Yes its that good.
A local guide to diving Cabilao Island — how to get there, what to expect, and why it’s worth the trip.
Pamilacan Island, part of the Bohol Marine Triangle, offers some of the region’s best diving with healthy reefs and rich marine life.
Ranked among the best dive locations in the Philippines, it offers a rare balance of accessibility, biodiversity, and conservation.
The island is the gateway to the Bohol Marine Triangle and home to some of the best dive sites in the Visayas
Great diving and a genuinely good place to slow down and spend some time.
Exploring Bohol as a dive location, the Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, Anda and Cabilao, Itinerary
Underwater Videography: A Practical Approach for Everyday Divers
I don’t consider myself a photography or videography expert, but I’m a dedicated enthusiast. I’ve always enjoyed photography, and the opportunity I now have to dive has allowed me to explore underwater videography. It’s a rewarding way to capture and share what really happens beneath the surface.
Sea Anemone & Ocellaris Anemonefish, Southern Leyte: Dive Site - Medicare North.
Video taken: March 2025
Our focus here is not on high-end camera systems or professional rigs. Instead, it’s about supporting everyday divers who want to get started with underwater videography or improve the systems and techniques they already have — using practical, affordable setups that still deliver great results. Thanks to today’s advanced yet accessible technology, capturing quality underwater footage is more achievable than ever.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned diver, the right gear and a bit of knowledge can go a long way in bringing the underwater world to life. I’ve learnt from experince that keeping things simple, staying present, and being ready are the fundamentals of capturing great underwater footage.
Filming Your Dives: A Real-World Starting Point
If you want to improve your underwater shots—or just need a clear place to begin—start with our in-water guides. They’re based on real dives and focus on practical gear, simple techniques, and what actually works underwater.
The key to better photos and videos - Getting set-up with a good rig and lighting system makes the difference.
We look at real world options and what you need to know.
Light and colour underwater — what happens, and how to film it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Central Philippines one of the best places to dive?
The Central Philippines, especially the Visayas region, offers world-class diving with warm waters, diverse marine life, and over 100 dive sites. You'll find everything from coral gardens and reef walls to thresher sharks in Malapascua and whale sharks in Southern Leyte. It’s a top choice for beginners and experienced divers alike — easy to access, rich in biodiversity, and packed with rewarding dive experiences all year round.
Where are the top dive destinations in the Visayas?
Some of the best diving in the Visayas can be found around Bohol, Cebu, and Southern Leyte. Balicasag and Pamilacan offer great all-round reef diving, while Apo Island and Dauin are known for macro life. Malapascua is famous for thresher sharks, and Sogod Bay delivers walls, currents, and pelagics. With a mix of shore dives, island trips, and liveaboards, the region suits every dive style and budget.
How can everyday divers get started with underwater videography?
You don’t need a professional setup to capture stunning underwater footage. Affordable action cameras, compact lights, and a few practical tips go a long way. This site focuses on real-world advice — from gear that works in Philippine conditions to framing, lighting, and staying steady on your dive. Whether you're new to filming or want to improve, there’s support here to help bring your dive stories to life.
Know More About the Philippines
Diving is just one part of the experience for those coming to the Philippines. It’s also a remarkable place to travel, stay long-term, or even retire. If you want to understand what life here is really like — or you're simply curious about the people and culture that make the Philippines unique — take a look at our in-depth guides on living in the country and exploring Filipino society.
Filipino Society
From pre-colonial kingdoms to independence, explore the key events that shaped the Philippine nation.
What culture really means in the Philippines — not just traditions, but how people live, believe, and connect.
Living in the Philippines
Our in-depth articles helping you navigate daily life in the Philippines with clarity and confidence.
See what expats really spend in the Philippines — with real figures on housing, food, and everyday costs.
How to opening a local bank account in the Philippines — and what to expect with requirements, access, and day-to-day use.
Understand visa lengths, extensions, and key rules for long-stay visitors to the Philippines.
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