Night Dive
Night Dive at Alona House Reef: Discover Nocturnal Marine Life
Experience the thrill of night diving at Alona House Reef, a short speedboat ride from our dive shop. As the sun sets and the ocean transforms into a different world, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter an array of nocturnal marine creatures that only emerge under the cover of darkness. From crabs and shrimps to octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid, the reef comes alive at night with unique and fascinating creatures.
Whether you’re an experienced night diver or trying it for the first time, Alona House Reef offers the perfect location for a memorable and exciting night dive. The shallow depths and easy access make it ideal for divers who want to explore the reef without venturing far from the shore.
Night Dive Overview
Our night dives are scheduled around the sunset, typically starting between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM depending on the season. The short ride from the shop to Alona House Reef means you can maximize your underwater time and spend more time enjoying the beauty of the nocturnal ocean.
- Departure: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (depending on sunset)
- Dive Site: Alona House Reef
- Duration: One night dive (approx. 60 minutes)
As with all our dives, we maintain a divemaster to diver ratio of 1:4, ensuring personalized attention and safety throughout your dive.
Night Dive Essentials
We provide all necessary equipment for the night dive, including a dive torch for lighting up the underwater world. If you do not have your own gear, rental equipment is available, and includes everything you need for a safe and enjoyable dive.
Pricing for Night Dives at Alona House Reef
Our night dive packages are designed to provide excellent value, with pricing options for divers with their own equipment as well as those needing rental gear.
With Own Equipment: ₱2,500/dive
Includes: boat, dive guide, tank, weights, local dive fees, and tax.With Rental Equipment: ₱2,750/dive
Includes: boat, dive guide, tank, weights, local dive fees, and tax. Rental equipment includes torch, BCD, regulator, mask, wetsuit, booties, and fins.
Alona House Reef: Ideal for Night Diving
Located just 1 minute by speedboat from our dive shop, Alona House Reef is the ideal site for night diving. The top of the wall/sloping reef begins at around 3 to 5 meters, with a drop-off extending down to 15 to 20 meters. This relatively shallow site offers plenty of opportunities to explore crevasses, overhangs, and holes in the reef where nocturnal marine creatures often hide during the day.
At night, the reef becomes a completely different environment, with an abundance of nocturnal species coming out to hunt and explore. The sandy slope at the bottom of the reef is home to various crabs, shrimps, and small fish, while the coral walls provide shelter for octopuses, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods.
Nocturnal Marine Life to Look Out For
Night diving offers a unique perspective on the marine environment, as many creatures that remain hidden during the day come out to feed and explore. Some of the exciting species you may encounter during your night dive include:
- Crabs and Shrimps: Watch as these small crustaceans scuttle along the sand and coral, scavenging for food.
- Octopuses: Known for their incredible ability to change color and texture, octopuses are often seen hunting at night.
- Cuttlefish: These fascinating cephalopods can be spotted as they hover over the reef, blending into their surroundings with mesmerizing color changes.
- Squid: Agile and quick, squid often make an appearance during night dives, darting through the water in search of prey.
- Moray Eels: Look in the crevasses for moray eels peeking out as they hunt in the dark.
With a little bit of luck and keen observation, you may also spot lionfish, brittle stars, and sleeping parrotfish nestled in the reef’s holes. Night dives at Alona House Reef are perfect for underwater photographers, as the nocturnal activity offers incredible opportunities for close-up shots and encounters with unique species.
Why Choose Alona House Reef for Night Diving?
- Close and Convenient: Alona House Reef is just 1 minute from our dive shop by speedboat, making it one of the most accessible night dive sites in Panglao.
- Ideal Depths: The shallow top of the reef at 3 to 5 meters and the drop-off down to 15 to 20 meters create a perfect environment for both beginner and experienced night divers.
- Nocturnal Marine Life: Discover a whole new world of nocturnal species, from crabs and shrimps to octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid.
- Great for Photographers: With plenty of macro life and active nocturnal creatures, Alona House Reef offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography.