White Beach, Boracay - Diving Holiday Destination

White Beach, Boracay (Phillipines)

The Phillippines are a multitude of tropical & semi-tropical islands, spread in the middle of the South China Sea. Miles of stunning coral reefs – most of them still waiting to be explored. A friendly, welcoming English-speaking population, a stable economy and a democratically-elected government. With warm blue tropical waters, sandy beaches and palm trees, the Philippines deserves it's nickname Asia's Diving Capital. The islands offer idyllic weather and water temperature for divers.

Spectacular drop-offs, deep dives, caves, wrecks, and a richly varied marine life await the visitor. The variety of hard and soft corals is amazing; there are more than 500 species (the entire Caribbean only has around 60). Divers commonly see sharks, rays, moray eels, octopus, and sea snakes, along with innumerable species of fish, including groupers, jack, tuna, surgeonfish, parrot fish, sweetlips and lionfish, to name a few. Of the 100,000 known species of shellfish, over 21,000 are found here, including many that are unique to the Philippines. It's a diver's paradise!

One of the unique diving attractions in the Philippines is the availability of local dive boats or outriggers called “Bankas”. These comfortable boats are able to get into shallow areas with expert precision, in order to let you enjoy your dive experience to the fullest. Certain dive operations also operate with traditional dive boats and if neither of these options is appealing, there is always the Liveaboard to serve your diving needs.

Boracay has attained recognition for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Protected from the strong easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the northwestern tip of Panay. It is made up of three local communities: Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-manoc. Fine sand and crystal clear water stretches in seven kilometers of shoreline. However, if you need some alone time, there are also less crowded areas where one can enjoy solitude.

Boracay White Beach gives you the wonderful sensation of being lost on a tropical Island. The beach is fairly quiet, with only a few sunbathers, for those looking for tranquility.

Climate

CLIMATE: The Philippines is a tropical country with an average temperature of 32°C (80°F). March to June is hot and dry (36°C); rains and typhoons abound from July to October; November to February is pleasantly cool (around 23°C) and dry. In mountainous regions, temperatures dip to about 15°C.

Dive Facts

WATER TEMPERATURE:

December - March 21 C to 25 C

April - November 25 C to 28 C

These average temperatures allow divers to experience the underwater world in comfort in as little as a dive skin or when acclimatized, some divers prefer a full 3mm wetsuit.

Dive Attractions

See more about Boracay Dive Sites in our Dive Site Directory, and Boracay Dive Clubs in our Dive Club Directory.

Enough can't be said about the biodiversity offered in the Philippines. Like most of South East Asia and Macro/Micronesia, the Philippines can offer everything for the Underwater Naturalist to satisfy their penchant. Divers come here from all over the world for certain events such as: the Whale Shark migration in Donsol or the Hammerheads and Manta Rays during the Tubbataha High Season. Another attraction is the farmed garbage dives. These dives offer Ghost Pipefish, Frog Fish and Nudibranchs, which can be found among the debris littering certain parts of the ocean floor. Words are inadequate to describe the aquatic life including the plethora of soft and hard corals, varieties of sea cucumber sea stars and giant clams that are waiting to be discovered. The Philippines is beyond doubt a diamond to be discovered by the adventurous dive traveler.

There are a multitude of dive sites around Boracay Island for all levels of experience from Open Water thru Advanced all the way up to Technical. The barrier reefs surrounding Boracay Island are ideal for beginners to get to know the underwater world. The steep drop-offs to the north of the island and the raging drift dive in the Manoc-Manoc Channel will tempt those with more experience. For example the dive sites at Yapak 2 and Maneguin Island are famous. The steep walls and incredible marine fauna and flora at these sites will take your breath away!

Dive Sites Include:

Yapak II: Average Depth: 33m, Rating: 3stars, Experience Level: AOW, Special: The BEST! sharks, tuna, jacks, barracuda and more!!!

Yapak II Deep: Average Depth: 50m, Rating: 3stars, Experience Level: Tek, Special: See the pelagics from down below, lots of small caves and ride the bicycle!

Crocodile Island: Average Depth: 18m, Rating: 3stars, Experience Level: OW, Special: soft corals, frogfish and moray eels (best spot for night dives)

Camia 2 Wreck: Average Depth: 26m, Rating: 3stars, Experience Level: AOW + Wreck Diver Spec, Special: fish carrier vessel sunk on Jan. 8, 2001, now serving as an artificial reef with ghost pipefish

Bat Caves: Average Depth: 6m, Rating: 3stars, Experience Level: AOW, Special: Numerous tunnels to crawl and swim thru and the Indiana Jones Special: plenty of wriggly seasnakes!! Warning: do not grab, as highly venomous! Warning: this dive totally unsuitable for people with claustrophobia. Only possible to do during Habagat.

Laurel Island: Average Depth: 18m, Rating: 3stars, Experience Level: OW, Special: soft corals, small caves

Other

Capital: Manila
Languages: Phillipino and English
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)

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