Diving in Mindanao

Explore diving in Mindanao

With over 1,000 marine species and 300 coral species, Mindanao offers an unmatched diving experience. Expect to see barracuda, emperor fish, moray eels, tuna, and trevally. Unusual creatures like pygmy seahorses, lionfish, mantis shrimp, and octopus add excitement. Pelagic lovers will enjoy manta rays, eagle rays, devil rays, and sharks including hammerheads and reef sharks, especially in the southwest. Whether exploring reefs or pelagic hotspots, Mindanao’s rich biodiversity guarantees your dive log will fill fast.

When to dive in Mindanao

Thanks to its tropical climate, Mindanao is a year-round diving destination. Water temperatures hover between 80–86°F (26–30°C). The ideal diving season runs from March to September, when seas are calm and dry. Between December and February, diving is still feasible, though weather can be cooler and more unpredictable. For clear waters and smooth sailing, plan your dive trip during the dry season to fully experience Mindanao’s rich marine biodiversity.

March to September are the best months for diving. During this season, seas are calm and the weather is mostly dry. From December until February, diving is still possible, but the weather is cooler and more unpredictable.

Where to dive in Mindanao

Show areas in Mindanao

Cagayan de Oro

Book your diving in Mindanao

Common marine life sightings for Mindanao

More Information

Getting to Mindanao is easy via Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) in Davao City, the island’s primary gateway. Alternatively, you can fly into Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro. Most flights to Mindanao are domestic, connecting from major hubs like Manila and Cebu. There are also occasional international flights from Singapore to Davao. Once in Mindanao, travel between towns and dive spots is done by taxis, jeepneys, minibuses, or three-wheelers (tricycles). Whether you’re diving in Davao Gulf or exploring northern Mindanao, ground transport is simple and affordable.

Once you are in the region, you will need to rely on three-wheelers, taxis, jeepneys or minibuses to travel from point A to point B.

Time Zone

UTC+08:00

Phone

+63

Currency

PHP

Voltage

220 V

Pressure

Bar (bar)

Plug

A, B, C

Languages

Filipino

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

International airports

Francisco Bangoy Intl. (DVO)

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