Samal guide with a dry-season visibility baseline and calmer-sea window for the broader area.
Shallow Samal boat dive with coral patches and rocky outcrops.
Shallow Samal boat dive with coral patches and rocky outcrops.
Punta del Sol is a shallow Samal Island boat dive with a sandy bottom, scattered coral patches, and small rocky outcrops that make it easy to pair with a resort day. It suits snorkellers and first-time divers in settled water, while also giving scuba divers a low-stress reef check with lionfish, scorpionfish, octopus, clownfish, trumpetfish, and seahorses. Boat logistics and local guidance matter more than depth here, so it works best as part of a calm, well-paced Davao Gulf outing.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
2m - 18m
Depth Note
Public descriptions describe a shallow sandy site with scattered coral and rock outcrops; only the maximum depth is explicit, so the minimum is a conservative near-surface estimate.
Best Season
March through June for the steadiest water and the clearest ordinary visibility.
Typical Conditions
Shallow sandy bottom, scattered coral patches, and a relaxed Davao Gulf outing that is easiest when sea state stays settled.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Keep situational awareness around boats, use a guide, and keep the plan conservative for first-time divers or snorkellers.
Access Restrictions
Plan on boat access and coordinate with a local resort or operator. It is commonly folded into broader Samal outings rather than treated as a standalone drop-off.
Legal Notes
Follow resort and local marine-area rules around Samal Island and Davao Gulf access.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A good beginner or refresher scuba dive with shallow structure and little entry complexity once the boat is set.
Freediving
Not a freedive-first target; the site is more useful as a snorkel or easy scuba stop.
Snorkeling
One of the better uses of the site. Shallow coral patches and sandy bottom keep it approachable in calm water.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Samal guide with a dry-season visibility baseline and calmer-sea window for the broader area.
Resort/operator page with ferry and charter access, cottages, restaurant, water sports, and scuba/snorkel activity support.
Tourism blog describing Punta del Sol as a shallow spot for snorkellers and first-time divers, with clownfish, trumpetfish, and seahorses.
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