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Diving in Eastern Visayas

Eastern Visayas is a region that includes the islands of Leyte and Samar. This region is also known for being home to the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines. Its surrounding water is famous among diver for being filled with whale sharks, and some of the most stunning, diverse, and undiscovered diving in the Philippines. This is one of the Philippines most well-kept secrets, with very few tourists that travel in this area. All levels of divers are welcome in Eastern Visayas, as it has diverse diving destinations and sites with high biodiversity. Some of the marine species you will find include pelagics, unique and rare macro, deep walls, and healthy reefs. In some places, you will also find strong currents, perfect for drift diving. You will find most diving regions around the southern region. Make sure you visit Padre Burgos, Sogod Bay, Panoan Island, as these sites have the majority of diving operations and they are famous for its whale shark activity. You will find many options for accommodation available. from luxury dive resorts to budget options. The best way to arrive is to take a ferry from northern Cebu port. Buses and private transport connections to Southern Leyte are available at Tacloban’s airport, which is the gateway to the Eastern Visayas and the provinces of West and Eastern Samar.

Dive Sites in Eastern Visayas

Featured places to go in Eastern Visayas

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Padre Burgos

In the province of Southern Leyte you will find one of the Philippine’s most famous scuba diving destinations, Padre Burgos.

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Aquatic Life in Eastern Visayas

Whale watching and snorkeling with wild whale sharks are some of the unique and thrilling experiences you can live around the dive sites of Sogod bay. In this area, you can also see big and bright gorgonian fans, table corals and sponges, beautiful reef fish, sweet lips, frogfish, fusiliers and some hawksbill and even old green sea turtles. Pay attention and look closely to the sand to see many small pygmy seahorses. Eastern Visayas is well-known for its rich biodiversity that includes schools of Barracuda, Tuna, Snappers, lobsters, shellfish and many other different species.