The best dive sites in El Nido:
With unique dive sites and rich marine life, El Nido offers some of the most exciting freediving in the philippines!
The Tunnel: ready for a challenge
It is only 10m deep but runs for 40m from one side of the island to the other. In a few places the sunlight filters through making for a surreal spectacle of light and shade. Of course you don’t have to do the whole thing at once! Recommended for experienced freedivers only.
Tres Marias: bring your camera
This lonely rock is a real fish magnet. This is where you will find the greatest concentration of marine life in El Nido. You never know what you are going to encounter around the corner. Here we have been lucky to see whale sharks, mantas, and mobula rays!
Helicopter: turtles rendez vous
This picture perfect island harbors a healthy population of turtles nesting on the near by beach. The great visibility common on this island makes it a bliss to explore it’s extensive reef where you are usually welcome by a friendly team of spade fish.
Cagbagtang: an explosion of colors
If you did not know it’s there you could go right pass some of the nicest corals in El Nido. This underwater sea mount towers less than 5m below the surface. With so much life in the shallow areas, this site is ideal for beginners. Don’t forget to visit the turtle cleaning station!
Pacanayas: the ultimate coral forest
Probably the highest diversity of coral formations in El Nido. You pretty much have it all on this single reef. From the delicate structure of staghorns to massive towers of brain coral. Loose yourself as you swim through a tight school of jack fish.
Paglugaban: best kept secret
Here the limestone cliff looks even better underwater. Around the tip of the island lies a series of giant boulders over grown with corals. As you swim through this landscape you can find your self face to face with a majestic eagle ray or a rushing school of rainbow runners
Binangculan: where freedivers go to play
The huge rocks pilled on top of each other make for a maze of underwater bridges and swim through. The sheer size of the blocks is vertiginous. The fish seem to love the area too and we are sometimes welcome by curious groupers peaking out of their holes.
Entalula: freedive the wall
The drop off here consists of a 35m wall covered with sea fans and other soft coral. It is perfect for those who like to take their exploration a bit deeper. If you know where to look you can even find the electric fire clam! Ribbon tail stingrays enjoy basking on the sandy floor.
Twin rocks: all time favorite
Whether you choose to explore the shallow reef area or navigate around the rocky outcrop, you will find on the way a myriad of fish of all sizes and colors. Notable residents include a great barracuda, a giant puffer fish and an elusive moray eel.