Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It’s almost central position in the Philippine Islands is an advantage as it makes access to other dive sites in nearby destinations easy. Subic Bay is on the north of Manila and it’s well known for having lots of World War II wrecks while Manila Channel is a suitable place to start your novice training or for relaxing after experiencing drift and more challenging dive sites in near areas see the Manila diving map for directions.

Always dive according to your level of training
Never enter the water without checking with Manila diving centers for safety, additional information, level required for each dive site and without being accompanied by a professional.
All the information provided is purely informative for our readers and shouldn't be used as is to plan your immersion.

Average annual temperature: 21 °C to 32 °C (70° F to 90 ° F).
Average Water surface temperature: From 22°C to 26°C (71° F to 78 °F).
Visibility often averaging: From 33 to 65 feet (10 to 20 meters).
Coldest Month: November to February
Warmest Month: March to June
Possible to dive all year round.

You don't need to get far from Manila to find some interesting dive sites. After about 2 hours boat ride you will reach Subic Bay; it's located on the western side of Luzon and is famous for attractive landscape as well as newly discovered corals and shipwrecked vessels. Some wrecks were built in the 60s and others were built during the Spanish colonial period in the late 1800s and have a historical background. It is widely believed that not less than 25 Japanese ships were sunk in the bay. Wooden and steel wrecks are found in its dive sites and have become shelter to many kinds of aqua life. A 60-ton, 115 feet (35 meters) cargo ship is located in 98 feet (30 meters) of water makes an interesting dive.

One of the most famous wrecks in Subic Bay is USS New York. The wreck lies in 88 feet (27 meters) of water; its hull is 393 feet (120 meters) long which makes a great swim through. It is home to many kinds of aqua life. Plenty of colorful corals and sponges are seen in all dive sites near this area and they make a perfect sanctuary to other marine life including porcupine fish, puffers, boxfish, angelfish, triggerfish, fusiliers and napoleon wrasse.

Drift diving fans will find great drift dives in Manila. Dive through high-voltage drift dives in the Canyons. These deep canyons are swarming with marine life and you can see massive schools of sweetlips, jacks, barracudas, groupers, snappers and trevallies swimming the strong current. There are also good drift and wall dive sites at a depth range of 115 feet (35 meters) near Puerto Galera.

Manila Channel can be enjoyed by all regardless of age or experience as the maximum depth is 59 feet (18 metres). There are lots of coral formations, both hard and soft coral. You can see large leathery corals and plenty of mushroom corals and bubble coral. The currents are consistent for most of the year therefore can be dive safely by all, however it can sometimes get rough. You can enjoy seeing several kinds of anemones teeming with clown fish, sea cucumbers and feather dust worms. There's also bigger marine life like napoleon wrasse, angelfish, trigger fish and fusilier.

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