Philippines Visayas Loop: Reef, Wreck & Nudi Capital
Philippines · 4 stops · Advanced
Hit four of the Philippines' most distinct dives in one loop: the sardine tornado at Moalboal, the world's most reliable thresher sharks at Malapascua, the shallow WWII wreck fleet of Coron, and the nudibranch paradise of Anilao. A whirlwind of reefs, wrecks, and macro spread across the central Visayas.
Route at a glance
This is a 14-day Advanced route through Philippines, best travelled Nov-May. It strings together 4 destinations — typically a liveaboard, a regional circuit, or a mix of islands and reefs — so you can plan around a single trip rather than booking each site separately.
This is an advanced itinerary: expect strong currents, deeper profiles or technical considerations, so it is aimed at experienced divers happy with challenging conditions.
Why this route
- Dive with thresher sharks at sunrise on Monad Shoal
- Ride the sardine bait ball rush off Moalboal beach
- Penetrate WWII Japanese wrecks in Coron Bay
- Nudibranch and pipefish hunting in the Anilao muck
Stops
Route details
Moalboal
Wall-and-reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.. Moalboal sits in the Visayan Sea off Philippines, a wall and reef system where dives drop from shallow tops into deeper water. Dives run to 30 m with around 20 m visibility, gentle currents and sea temperatures of 27–29°C. Marine highlights include sardine tornado, turtles and frogfish. Diving is possible year-round, typically reached by shore. Best for newer divers. Open Water certification is sufficient for most sites here.
Malapascua Island
Wall-and-reef diving with a well-rounded site — a strong choice for experienced divers.. Malapascua Island sits in the Visayan Sea off Philippines, a wall and reef system where dives drop from shallow tops into deeper water. Dives run to 40 m with around 20 m visibility, moderate currents and sea temperatures of 27–29°C. Marine highlights include thresher sharks, mantas and devil rays. Best season is Nov–Jun, typically reached by boat. Built for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. With dives to 40 m, comfort at depth is recommended.
Coron Bay Wrecks
Wreck diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.. Coron Bay Wrecks lies in the Sulu Sea off Philippines and is centred on wreck dives, turning sunken vessels into reef-like habitat. Dives run to 35 m with around 15 m visibility, gentle currents and sea temperatures of 27–29°C. Marine highlights include WWII Japanese wrecks, barracuda, batfish and corals on wrecks. Best season is Nov–May, typically reached by boat. A good choice for divers with some experience. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended.
Anilao
Macro and muck diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.. Anilao in the South China Sea off Philippines is a dedicated macro and muck-diving site, where photographers search for small and unusual subjects. Dives run to 30 m with around 12 m visibility, gentle currents and sea temperatures of 27–29°C. Marine highlights include nudibranchs, frogfish, pipefish and cuttlefish. Best season is Nov–May, typically reached by shore and boat. A good choice for divers with some experience. Open Water certification is sufficient for most sites here.