Panglao Island Diving

Dive Sites in Panglao Island

Panglao Island is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine biodiversity, making it one of the Philippines’ premier dive destinations. With close proximity to Alona Beach, these dive sites offer both beginner and advanced divers exciting underwater adventures. From beautiful coral gardens to stunning wall dives, Panglao has something for every type of diver.

1. Doljo Point

  • Depth Range: 10 – 40 meters (33 – 131 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: Approximately 8 km (5 miles) or a 20-25 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: Doljo Point is known for its large gorgonian sea fans, barrel sponges, and an array of soft and hard corals. Divers will encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, and schools of jackfish and snapper. The deeper sections are frequented by pelagic species such as trevallies and barracudas.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  • Description: Doljo Point features a gently sloping reef that transitions into a steep wall. Strong currents are common here, making it a site more suited to experienced divers. The large gorgonians and stunning coral formations make this site a visual treat, especially for underwater photographers.

2. Arco Point

  • Depth Range: 5 – 25 meters (16 – 82 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 5 km (3.1 miles), 15-20 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: This site is known for its cave and tunnel system, making it home to various species of eels, including moray and ribbon eels. Scorpionfish, lionfish, and octopus are frequently spotted in the rocky crevices. The reef area is abundant with colorful nudibranchs and other macro life.
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Description: Arco Point, often called “The Hole in the Wall,” offers a thrilling swim-through experience with its cave and tunnel formations. The shallow depth and calm conditions make it a perfect site for beginner divers or those new to cave diving. The tunnels provide a great opportunity for exploration, while the surrounding reef is vibrant and full of life.

3. Alona Beach Reef

  • Depth Range: 5 – 20 meters (16 – 66 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: Directly accessible from shore
  • Marine Life: Alona Beach Reef is a fantastic spot for night diving, where divers can encounter creatures like cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and crustaceans. By day, the reef is home to a variety of reef fish, including damselfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish.
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Description: Located just off the beach, Alona Beach Reef is an easy access dive that offers excellent conditions for beginners or those looking for a relaxed dive. Night diving here is particularly rewarding due to the diversity of nocturnal marine life. This site is also popular with snorkelers due to its shallow depth.

4. Pungtud Wall (also known as Puntod Wall)

  • Depth Range: 10 – 30 meters (33 – 98 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 6 km (3.7 miles), 25-30 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: Pungtud Wall is a vibrant site teeming with soft corals, sea whips, and sponges. Divers will likely encounter nudibranchs, lionfish, and anthias. The deeper sections may reveal reef sharks, tuna, and barracudas patrolling the wall.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Description: Pungtud Wall offers a gradual drop-off that leads to a beautiful vertical wall covered with coral and sponges. This site is known for its excellent visibility and calm conditions, making it a great choice for intermediate divers. The wall is packed with marine life, offering an immersive experience for divers looking to explore both small critters and larger pelagic species.

5. Napaling Reef

  • Depth Range: 5 – 18 meters (16 – 59 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 7 km (4.3 miles), 20-25 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: Known for its healthy coral gardens, Napaling Reef is home to a wide array of reef fish, including surgeonfish, wrasses, and parrotfish. Green sea turtles are often seen feeding in the area, along with occasional sightings of eagle rays and reef sharks.
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Description: Napaling Reef is a great site for coral lovers, offering a vibrant underwater landscape filled with hard corals, table corals, and sea fans. The shallow depth makes it suitable for all skill levels, but strong currents can sometimes be present, adding a bit of challenge to the dive. It’s also a fantastic snorkeling site for non-divers.

6. Tawala Sanctuary

  • Depth Range: 5 – 20 meters (16 – 66 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: Just a short 5-minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: This protected marine sanctuary is a hotspot for macro enthusiasts. Divers will find a variety of critters here, including nudibranchs, shrimps, and frogfish. Reef fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish are also abundant.
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Description: Tawala Sanctuary is ideal for beginner divers and those interested in macro photography. The shallow depth and calm waters make it an easy and enjoyable dive. The sanctuary’s well-preserved coral formations and rich marine life make it one of Panglao’s best-kept secrets.

Panglao Island’s dive sites offer a variety of underwater experiences, from the thrilling wall dives at Doljo Point to the vibrant reefs at Alona Beach. With its diverse marine life and excellent visibility, Panglao provides both beginner and advanced divers with some of the best diving opportunities in the Philippines. Whether you’re exploring caves, coral gardens, or walls, the dive sites around Panglao promise unforgettable underwater adventures. Dive with Sierra Madre Divers for expert guidance and access to these amazing sites.