elnido.gov.ph · Official
Municipal eco-tourism fee reference for El Nido conservation and site-use context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Paglugaban Island
Boat-access reef maze with swim-throughs and turtles near Miniloc.
ScubaBoat EntryIntermediate
Reef
Reached by day boat from El Nido, Paglugaban suits divers who want reef scenery, boulder passages, and usually manageable current with occasional flow at the exposed outer section.
About Paglugaban Island
Paglugaban Island is a boat-access reef and boulder dive in the Miniloc side of Bacuit Bay, known for coral gardens that build into limestone rock formations, small caverns, and playful swim-throughs beneath steep island walls. The route feels more like a maze than a single line, with sheltered sections near the reef and more open water toward the outer edge. Divers usually visit it as a day-boat site from El Nido when seas are calmer. Conditions are often manageable, but moving water can develop around the exposed corner, so good buoyancy and comfort around overhead-style passages matter. Turtles, octopus, yellow snappers, and reef fish are regular highlights, with occasional larger visitors passing the blue water side.
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Research Estimate At Paglugaban Island
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessModerate entry effort
Coral HealthMixed health
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Current StrengthModerate current
Where Is Paglugaban Island?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Paglugaban Island Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 30m
Depth Note
Public sources consistently describe a shallow start around 5-8 m, with the main reef-and-rock route extending to about 30 m and deeper water off the outer edge.
Best Season
Usually best in the drier months from November to May, with the clearest water most often reported from March to May.
Typical Conditions
Boat dive with a reef slope, coral garden, and boulder swim-throughs. Visibility is often good in calmer dry-season weather, while current is usually mild to moderate and can build around the exposed outer corner.
Safety & Access At Paglugaban Island
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Multiple swim-throughs are present; use appropriate training, buoyancy control, and maintain clear exits.
Legal Notes
Dives here operate within El Nido's protected marine area, and local conservation rules plus the municipal eco-tourism fee may apply through your operator.
Local Intel For Paglugaban Island
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Best for certified divers who enjoy reef structure and navigation around large limestone boulders, small caverns, and swim-throughs. Operators commonly dive it as a daytime boat site from El Nido, with the route adjusted to tide and current.
Paglugaban Island Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Paglugaban Island.
Current Snapshot
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🌥️Variable
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Surface / Entry
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Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
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Exposure Profile at Paglugaban Island
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Recent Logged Visits At Paglugaban Island
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Paglugaban Island
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Paglugaban Island Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Paglugaban Island Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
whc.unesco.org · Official
Protected-area context for El Nido-Taytay marine management.
www.elnidoparadise.com · Operator
Independent spot listing for access time band, site type, and depth profile in El Nido.
www.palawan-divers.org · Operator
Site layout, travel time, visibility range, seasonality, and commonly reported marine life.
www.puertoparrot.com · Directory
Independent site summary supporting swim-through terrain, open-water edge, and marine life profile.
www.tabanka-divers.com · Operator
Paglugaban terrain, sheltered profile, and current behavior around the labyrinth section.
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