diveunion.com.ph · Operator
La Union operator page with central shop location, parking, road and speedboat transport, and Research Reef on the site list.
Dive Spot Guide•
RESEARCH REEF
Boat reef with caves, weak currents, and rich fish life
Scuba DivingBoatIntermediate
CaveDeepReef
Short boat trip to a popular La Union reef with caves, weak currents, and a deeper southern section.
About RESEARCH REEF
Research Reef is a popular La Union boat dive with a north-south reef line, shallow coral fingers, and cave sections on the western face. The site mixes open reef, swim-through style terrain, and a deeper southern reach that keeps the dive varied without making the main plan complicated. It suits divers who want a short boat transfer and a more interesting reef than a simple flat slope.
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Research Estimate At RESEARCH REEF
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralMixed health
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentNo current
Where Is RESEARCH REEF?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
RESEARCH REEF Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
3m - 25m
Depth Note
The reef starts shallow and runs down to about 25 m, with western caves and a deeper southern section beyond the main line.
Best Season
November to May
Typical Conditions
Weak currents, workable visibility, and a short boat transfer; the site is most comfortable when the sea is settled.
Safety & Access At RESEARCH REEF
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Treat the cave sections as swim-throughs, keep buoyancy tight, and stay within training and gas limits if you head toward the deeper southern side.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; local banca transfers are the normal way in from the La Union coast.
Legal Notes
A marine park fee applies per person per day.
Local Intel For RESEARCH REEF
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as a guided boat reef dive with cave sections, reef fingers, and a deeper southern area.
Freediving
Not a freedive-first site; the tunnels and deeper sections make scuba the better fit.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling only makes sense on the shallow top, not in the cave and deeper reef sections.
RESEARCH REEF Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at RESEARCH REEF.
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
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Sunset
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Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
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Swell
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Exposure Profile at RESEARCH REEF
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at RESEARCH REEF
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At RESEARCH REEF
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 RESEARCH REEF
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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RESEARCH REEF Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
RESEARCH REEF Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
launion.gov.ph · Official Tourism
Official provincial page noting Research Reef as a favorite dive spot and describing Bauang as a calm-water coastal dive area.
www.asiadivesite.com · Directory
Directory entry with the popular-visited callout, short boat ride, 3-25 m depth, 15 m+ visibility, weak currents, and November-to-May season.
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