Iloilo Diving

Iloilo boasts of several tourist hotspots, ranging from historical landmarks to cultural marvels, but the highlights are definitely its natural beauty spots, especially their dive sites.

Sicogon Island

Some 82 miles (137 km) from Iloilo City lies Sicogon Island, one of the fastest emerging dive sites in the entire Visayas region.

The island measures over a thousand hectares, and is noted for its white sands, palm trees and its curves which veer downwards as you get to the coastline. As you dive deep into the waters you will see that the view from underwater is just as spectacular, with numerous coral reefs and shells, crabs and shrimps all over the sandy bottoms.

Cataan Cave

Cataan Cave is situated in the small town of San Joaquin, a little over 37 miles (60 km) from the capital city.

While most of the tourists go there to visit the caves, Cataaan Cave is also one of the best places to go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are several corals, sea grass and numerous types of sea creatures, including various types of fish.

Iyang Beach

Concepcion hosts several types of beaches and dive sites, and one of the finest, and best kept secrets (so far) is Iyang Beach.

Owing to the fact that it is not as well known as the other dive sites and beaches in Iloilo, there is a good chance that you will have the island mostly to yourself. because the currents are mostly moderate, it becomes an ideal spot for even beginner or intermediate divers. You also don’t need to go in too deep before you come upon various sea shells, crabs, angel fish, lion fish and nudibranchs.

Nadsadjan Falls

A lot of the dive sites in Iloilo consists of the numerous waterfalls in the province, and one of the most famous is Nadsadjan Falls.

Nadsadjan Falls is about 23 miles (39 km) from Iloilo City. Once in the general area the visitor will see several falls, most of them over a hundred feet high. At the bottom of the falls is a body of water. For experienced divers, immersing oneself in the depth of the water with the currents of a waterfall can be an exciting and challenging experience.

Nagpana Falls

Nagpana Falls is increasingly becoming a premiere destination not just for diving aficionados but also those that would like to experience the local culture.

Nagpana Falls is very near the habitation of the Aetas, the local tribe, reside, giving tourists the chance to get a glimpse of the ways of the ancient tribes. Nagpana Falls, like the other waterfalls in Iloilo City, is an ideal diving spot.

Balbagon

Babagon, located near Carles, Iloilo, is a diving site that is
drawing raves from the ever increasing number of people who have gone there.

Balbagon is a small island filled with several palm trees, and almost completely surrounded by gorgeous white sand. As with the other diving sites around the province, the deep waters contains several coral variants, and several kinds of fish.

Danao-Danao

Situated off Concepcion Island, Danao-Danao Island is the perfect location for divers who prefer a more quiet environment.

The coastline is famous for its beach, but the dive site is no less impressive. Going scuba diving will take you to sandy bottoms filed with corals of various colors and shades, populated by streaming schools of fish including manta rays, Trigger fish, frogfish and more.

Diving in Iloilo is growing at a rapid rate and the tourists coming in are now comparable to those in the other provinces and regions. The pristine condition of these vide sites, the refreshing waters, and the diverse marine life forms have transformed Iloilo into one of the most sought after diving locations in the Philippines.