SSI - Your Choice for Certification

See the top dive sites in the Philippines

With more than 7000 islands to explore and 22,500 miles of coastline, it is not surprising that the Philippines are every diver’s dream destination. Pristine coral reefs and spectacular coral gardens, large peaceful whale sharks, giant mantas, the Pacific’s crystal clear warm waters, and vast schools of fish await you in this paradise for divers. This vast archipelago is home to some of the world’s best scuba diving, making it hard to decide where to go first. Also well-known for the hospitality of its people, the Philippines are a world-class destination for diving. Choose to stay at one of the many luxury resorts throughout these islands or dive with one of the world’s best liveaboard operators to make your Philippine diving adventure one to remember.

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Discover the World’s Most Fascinating Aquatic Life

Aquatic life under our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams is amazing! From microscopic zooplankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, underwater life comes in all possible shapes and sizes. With 71% of the earth being covered with water, it is no wonder we are so fascinated with what lies beneath the surface. In fact, scientists estimate that there are nearly 1 million different species of aquatic animals. Freshwater ecosystems are home mainly to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, whereas the ocean contains a wide array of marine life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees.

Whale Shark

The whale shark is not only the largest of all sharks, but also the biggest fish in the world. It can grow up to 20 meters long, weigh 34 tons, and live for over 100 years. Its back can appear gray, brown, or blue in color and is covered with bright white stripes and spots arranged in transverse lines.

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Thresher Shark

The thresher shark has a very unusual body shape, making it easy to distinguish from other sharks. Its caudal fin is exceptionally large with a strong tail root. The upper part of the caudal fin can grow to be as long as the entire length of the shark’s body. They use this powerful fin as a weapon when hunting, using the elongated tail to hit smaller fish and stun them before eating. Experiencing this unique hunting method live is like nothing you’ve seen before while scuba diving.

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Whitetip Reef Shark

Not to be confused with its cousin, the oceanic whitetip shark, the whitetip reef shark prefers to spend most of its time resting in small caves and caverns amongst the reef. Unlike most requiem species, he does not need to swim continuously to breathe. They are similar to the nurse shark in that they can pump water over their gills to keep them freshly oxygenated, allowing whitetips the ability to lie on the ocean’s bottom or stay still, suspended in the water inside a small cave. If you are looking for them while scuba diving your best bet in finding them is to look into all of the caverns and overhangs.

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Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

With fins as wide as wings, manta rays soar along ocean currents like birds in flight, making them one of the most elegant animals of the sea. The name ‘manta’ comes from the Spanish word blanket and with a wingspan of up to nine meters, it’s easy to see how they can look like a blanket floating in the sea. Scuba diving with mantas is one of the most amazing experiences any diver can have underwater.

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Check Out the Incredible Moments Water Enthusiasts Like You Experience Every Day with SSI

Did you just complete an SSI certification? Proudly post it! Want to support your favorite SSI Training Center and promote it to the world? Post it! Did you just have an unforgettable dive experience with your SSI Professional? Post it!

We love to see the SSI family growing day by day: so upload your photo to Instagram with #wearessi or #divessi or mention @ssi_international, and it will automatically appear in the SSI Hall of Fame. We can’t wait to see your adventures today!

Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog

Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.