Diving in Sulu Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Sulu Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Sulu Sea, sea. This region features 52 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Sulu Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Sulu Sea (2)
Popular Spots in Sulu Sea (52)
Akitsushima
Akitsushima is a sunken seaplane tender located at a depth of approximately 30 meters. The wreck is cut in two, with a large entry point in the stern, allowing divers to explore the ship's machinery and gears. Marine life around the wreck includes various fish species, and it serves as an artificial reef.
AKITSUSHIMA
Akitsushima is a wreck dive site featuring a seaplane tender that was originally constructed by the Japanese. This vessel was capable of maintaining, repairing, and supplying large aircraft at remote bases. After surviving the attack in Manila Bay, it was relocated to Coron Bay for safety. The wreck is home to various marine life, including sea fans, schools of cardinalfish, lionfish, brown-banded pipefish, nudibranchs, parrotfish, wrasse, and Moorish idols, providing a rich environment for divers to explore.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz is a solitary rocky island situated in the channel that separates Busuanga and Coron Island. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 20 meters (82 feet) and is suitable for divers of all skill levels. The underwater landscape features a reef environment, providing opportunities to observe various marine life. Entry to the site is conducted by boat.
Amos Rock
Amos Rock is characterized by a notable rock formation located at a depth of 5 meters, where divers can observe schools of midnight snapper. This site serves as an alternative diving location when strong Amihan winds prevent access to eastern dive sites. Common marine life includes rainbow runners, fusiliers, angelfish, butterfly fish, and batfish. Reports of Napoleon wrasse have also been noted by divers in the area.
Anchor
The dive site known as Anchor features an underwater hill that descends to a depth of 32 meters, where a large anchor has been resting for over 50 years, surrounded by a variety of corals. Divers may encounter strong currents during certain times of the month. Marine life includes species such as snappers, trevallys, barracudas, and various pelagic fish. At the base of the hill, a distinctive tree-like sea nettle can be observed, characterized by its all-white appearance.
Apo Island - Aladin
Apo Island - Aladin is a wall dive located on the northeast side of Apo Island in Mindoro Occidental. Accessible only by boat, this site offers divers a chance to explore a vertical drop-off adorned with a variety of hard and soft corals. The marine life here includes a diverse array of pelagic species, such as reef sharks, mackerels, tunas, and turtles. Occasionally, divers may encounter manta rays or eagle rays. The site is known for its rich biodiversity and is suitable for experienced divers due to potential strong currents.
Apo Island - North (Ego Wall)
Apo Island - North, also known as Ego Wall, is situated at the northeast corner of Apo Reef. This dive site is notable for its diverse marine life, featuring both large and small species. Divers can expect to encounter schools of Midnight snapper, unicorn fish, giant trevally, fusiliers, file fish, false anemone fish, and bluefin jacks. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater offerings.
Apo Island - South (Mabuti)
Apo Island - South (Mabuti) is accessible by boat, requiring approximately 4 hours of travel from the dive centers on Negros Island. The site features a vibrant coral reef that hosts diverse marine life, including schools of fish and occasional sightings of sharks. The underwater landscape is characterized by healthy corals and unique critters, making it a notable dive location. An entrance fee is applicable for divers visiting the area.
Barracuda Deep
Barracuda Deep is recognized as one of the more challenging dive sites around the island. The dive features a wall adorned with a variety of hard and soft corals, with gorgonians reaching significant sizes. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of marine life, including trevallys, fusiliers, surgeonfish, Spanish mackerels, and unicorn fish. Additionally, sightings of eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, and barracudas are common. The dive site is accessed by boat.
Black Rock
Black Rock is recognized as one of the few cleaning stations for reef mantas in Southeast Asia, where cleaner wrasse remove dead skin from the mantas. The site features a notable rock formation at a depth of 8 meters, which is where one of the buoys is located. Divers may encounter various species including whitetip sharks, silvertip sharks, and occasional sightings of tiger sharks and whale sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Coral Garden
Coral Garden is a shallow marine area located away from Coron Town, featuring vibrant coral formations at depths of less than 2 meters. This site is recognized as a prominent snorkeling destination, showcasing a diverse array of colorful corals. Visitors may encounter various marine life, including clownfish, commonly referred to as 'Nemo'. The site is easily accessible from the shore, making it suitable for snorkelers and divers alike.
Coral Garden East
Coral Garden East offers an easy dive experience characterized by a vibrant landscape of predominantly hard corals interspersed with sandy patches. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species, including surgeonfish, triggerfish, coral trouts, and schools of fusiliers. Additionally, sightings of stingrays, moray eels, sand eels, and approximately 10 resident sea turtles are common in this area.
Coral Garden West
Coral Garden West offers an easy dive experience characterized by a vibrant landscape of predominantly hard corals interspersed with sandy patches. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including barracuda, surgeonfish, triggerfish, coral trouts, schools of fusiliers, stingrays, and both moray and sand eels. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers of all levels.
Corner
Corner is located on the southwest side of Pandan Island and features a steep slope characterized by large rocks and canyons that provide habitat for various reef fish. This site attracts larger predators, including mackerels and trevallys. Divers can observe a diverse range of corals, including large sea fans that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter. The marine life includes groupers, snapper, batfish, trumpet fish, parrot fish, triggerfish, moray eels, and fusiliers.
Cyc beach
CYC Beach is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 11.964200, 120.180000. The area is characterized by clear water, making it suitable for both snorkeling and diving. While the sand is not as fine as at other nearby beaches, the site is known for its vibrant marine life, including colorful corals and a variety of reef fish. The presence of numerous boats and beachgoers adds to the lively atmosphere of the location.
Delsan Wreck
Delsan Wreck is a notable dive site characterized by a reef top that begins at a depth of 5 meters and gradually descends to a wall reaching 23 meters. At this depth, a crevasse extends down to 40 meters, providing shelter from strong currents. Divers can observe a variety of pelagic species, including scalloped hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and schools of chevron and Forrester’s barracuda, along with dogtooth tuna measuring between 1.5 to 2 meters in length.
Dugong Watch
Dugong Watch is located on the northwest beach of Karawite Island, accessible by a two-hour drive from Coron to the village of Quezon, followed by an hour's journey to the beach. The site features a shallow coral reef at a depth of approximately 10 meters, characterized by coral sand and an abundance of aquatic plants. Local reports indicate that around 30 dugongs inhabit the waters near the island, making this location a prime spot for observing these marine mammals.
IRAKO
The Irako is a significant wreck dive site, originally a high-speed mobile refrigerator that served as a food storage facility during wartime, capable of supplying 25,000 men for two weeks. This wreck is regarded as one of the premier sites for penetration dives in the region. Marine life around the wreck includes schools of jacks, anchovies, and smaller glassfish, alongside typical reef fish and coral. The site is accessed by boat.
Irako Maru
Irako Maru is a 147-meter Japanese refrigeration ship wreck located at a depth of 40 meters in Coron Bay. The wreck is in good condition and offers opportunities for penetration, where divers can see fridges, rice boilers, and food mixers. This site is recommended for advanced divers due to its depth and complexity.
Ko-Ok
Ko-Ok is a dive site characterized by a steep wall that begins at a depth of 3 meters and descends to varying depths. The site features unique reef formations that resemble a canopy, providing habitat for a variety of marine life including snappers, sweetlips, angel fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish, fusiliers, and surgeon fish. Tiger shark encounters have also been recorded here, adding to the site's interest for divers. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Kogyo Maru
The Kogyo Maru is a sunken Japanese Navy construction supply ship located in Coron Bay at a depth of 36 meters (118 feet). The wreck is on its starboard side, with the port side accessible at around 22 meters (72 feet). It features a variety of soft and hard corals and is populated by species such as batfish, groupers, lionfish, and anemonefish.
Kogyo Maru
The Kogyo Maru, also referred to as the Ekkai Maru, is an Imperial Japanese Navy auxiliary supply ship that was targeted by US Task Force 38 on September 24, 1944. The wreck is notable for its cargo of construction materials, including a bulldozer, cement bags, and a mixer, which are still visible in the hold. Surrounding the wreck, divers can observe a variety of marine life, including groupers and barracudas, along with the typical reef fish found in the Palawan region. The site features both hard and soft corals, as well as sponges, contributing to the biodiversity of the area. The dive site is accessed by boat.
Light House - Tubbataha South Atoll
Light House at Tubbataha South Atoll features steep walls adorned with pristine coral formations. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of fish, as well as sharks and various large pelagic species. This dive site is recommended for experienced divers due to its challenging conditions.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse dive site aligns with the lighthouse and the surrounding bay headlands. This location is often influenced by currents, making it suitable for advanced divers only. The reef begins at a depth of 13 meters and gradually descends to a maximum of 45 meters, leading into sandy areas. Visibility is generally good during high tide but can become siltier at low tide. Marine life includes large sea fan corals, barracuda, and triton triggerfish, with occasional sightings of nudibranchs and frogfish. Pods of dolphins may also be observed at the surface from time to time.
Lusong Gunboat
The Lusong Gunboat is located in Coron Bay, Palawan at a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet). This WWII wreck is 25 meters (80 feet) long and features a coral-encrusted structure, home to reef fish including parrotfish, anemone fish, and cuttlefish. Suitable for both divers and snorkelers.
Malayan (Wreck)
The Malayan Wreck is located on the shallow reef top at the southwest side of Tubbataha's north atoll. This fishing vessel, which met its fate during a typhoon in the 1970s, now rests at a depth of 3 to 5 meters. Divers can find a marker float indicating the site, where they are often greeted by a school of 30 to 50 adult harlequin sweetlips. The wreck provides a unique opportunity to explore marine life in a relatively shallow environment.
Malpadon
Malpadon is located on the south side of Malpandon Island, featuring a coral reef that ranges in depth from 5 to 22 meters. This site is suitable for snorkelers, Discover Scuba Divers, and Open Water Divers. Divers can observe various marine life, including turtles and a variety of reef fish such as clownfish and angelfish. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing easy access to the underwater ecosystem.
Maniguin Lighthouse Reef
Maniguin Lighthouse Reef is situated approximately 2.5 hours by banca from Boracay Island. The site features a sandy slope that transitions into a steep drop-off reaching depths of over 65 meters. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 30 to 40 meters. The reef is home to various marine species, including red-toothed triggerfish and bannerfish, which can be observed near the edge of the drop-off. Additionally, whitetip reef sharks inhabit the crevices and overhangs at the base of the wall, providing divers with opportunities for close encounters with these species.
Morazan Maru
The Morazan Maru is a wreck of an English passenger cargo vessel that was repurposed by the Imperial Japanese Navy during wartime. It rests on its starboard side at a depth of 25 meters. The wreck features four empty cargo holds, with notable elements including two large boilers located within the engine room. This site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for Open Water divers, while advanced divers can explore the wreck's interior from bow to stern.
Nanshin Maru
Nanshin Maru is a wreck site believed to be an American civilian oil tanker, likely sunk by a typhoon after World War II. The wreck is situated upright on the sandy seabed at a depth of 32 meters, located near Black Island. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including large emperors, batfish, lionfish, and numerous species of angelfish and anemonefish.
Napoleon Corner
Napoleon Corner is located at the end of the Napoleon Wall, characterized by a rocky outcrop. The dive site has depths ranging from 30 to 45 meters and is subject to strong currents. When currents are active, divers can observe a variety of marine life including grouper, sweetlips, snappers, trevally, mackerel, and occasionally tuna.
Napoleon Wall
Napoleon Wall features a vertical drop that ranges from 28 to 38 meters, making it a notable site for divers. This location is known for its abundance of marine life, including schools of snappers, rainbow runners, and mackerels. Divers may also encounter the occasional napoleon wrasse. The site is accessed from the shore, providing a convenient entry point for divers.
Neptunes Land
Neptunes Land is characterized by a flat plateau that connects Napoleon Wall to the Coral Garden to the east. The site is known for the presence of large Neptune cups and is frequented by turtles. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including trevallys, barracuda, snappers, moray eels, and various reef fish such as butterflyfish, emperor fish, and parrot fish.
North Wall
North Wall offers a vertical drop ranging from approximately 7 to 35 meters, creating a notable diving experience. While the diversity of fish may not be as high as in other locations, the presence of overhanging corals contributes to a unique underwater environment. Divers can expect to encounter pelagic species such as tuna and mackerel, along with snappers, turtles, and various reef fish in the shallower sections of the wall.
Okikawa Maru
The Okikawa Maru is a significant wreck, classified as one of at least 19 Wartime Standard Merchant Tanker 1TL vessels. It was a crucial ship in the Japanese fleet during its service. The stern of the ship sank during an air raid, while the forecastle remained above water for a period. It ultimately sank to the seabed two weeks later during a subsequent airstrike. The wreck has since transformed into an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life, including reef fish and Jacks.
Olympia Maru
The Olympia Maru is a World War II Japanese cargo ship wreck located at a depth of up to 24 meters (79 feet) off the coast of Busunga Island. The ship, measuring 112 meters (367 feet), is covered with hard and soft coral growth and lies on its starboard side. Visibility generally ranges from 5 to 15 meters (15 - 50 feet).
Pandan South
Pandan South is characterized by a shallow reef located on the southern side of Pandan Island. This site is known for its diverse macro life, making it appealing for those interested in small coralfish and nudibranchs. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, allowing for easy access. The area is a short boat ride of approximately 10 minutes from the main diving location.
Ranger Station - Tubbataha Reef
Ranger Station at Tubbataha Reef features steep walls adorned with pristine coral formations. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of fish, along with sightings of sharks and other large pelagic species. This dive site is recommended for experienced divers due to its depth and conditions. The entry to the site is by boat.
Seafan Alley
Seafan Alley is characterized by its gorgonian fan corals, which are prominent in this northern section of the atoll. The dive site features wall drift diving, typical of the Tubbataha region. Divers can observe nurse sharks and marble rays resting on the sandy ledges within the caverns. Additionally, whitetip and grey reef sharks are often seen patrolling the area, contributing to the site's diverse marine life.
Shark Airport
Shark Airport features a sloping reef terrace located at a depth of 20 meters, where divers can observe multiple whitetip reef sharks simultaneously. This remote dive site is exclusively accessible via liveaboard boat, making it a unique location for divers seeking to encounter these sharks and potentially other shark species.
Siete Pecados
Siete Pecados is a well-known snorkeling and diving site characterized by its shallow coral reefs, which are home to a variety of colorful tropical fish. The area is designated as a protected marine sanctuary, ensuring a healthy ecosystem. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for beginners and amateur divers. Marine life is abundant, with numerous species of reef fish and vibrant corals visible in the clear waters.
South Park - Tubbataha
South Park in Tubbataha offers a dive experience characterized by steep walls adorned with pristine coral formations. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of fish, as well as sharks and various large pelagic species. This site is recommended for experienced divers due to its challenging conditions.
Southwest Wall
Southwest Wall features a steep drop-off that descends significantly, where divers can experience mild currents. This site is known for the presence of juvenile grey reef sharks, often seen in groups ranging from 20 to 50 individuals. Additionally, whitetip sharks are commonly observed in the area. The top of the reef serves as a feeding ground for resident bumphead parrotfish, which can be found in schools of 25 to 50, displaying various sizes.
Staghorn Point
Staghorn Point features a dive that begins at a depth of 7 meters, where divers can explore expansive fields of staghorn coral that extend approximately 500 meters before meeting a steep wall that descends into deeper waters. The site is home to occasional sightings of resident eagle rays. The underwater landscape is complemented by a mix of hard and soft corals, with schools of midnight snapper often blending in with larger jacks.
T-Wreck
T-Wreck features a shallow reef top at a depth of 5 meters, which serves as a feeding area for schooling bumphead parrotfish. The site is located at the northern tip of the south atoll and includes a slanting wall that descends to greater depths. Divers may also encounter reef mantas in the vicinity, as there is a known cleaning station nearby. Occasionally, whale sharks can be spotted in the area as they move through the waters.
Tangat Wreck
The Tangat Wreck is located near the southwest side of Tangat Island, Coron, Palawan, Philippines. The average depth is 10 meters (33 feet) and the maximum depth is 22 meters (72 feet). Expect mild to strong currents, and marine life including schools of angelfish and butterflyfish around the wreck, which features soft and hard corals as well as large lettuce corals.
TERU KAZE MARU
The Teru Kaze Maru is a 35-meter-long Japanese submarine hunter that sank on September 24, 1944, during a US air raid near Sangat Island. The wreck begins at a depth of 4 meters and slopes down to a maximum of 20 meters. It remains relatively intact, with several small holds available for penetration. The site is adorned with corals and is home to diverse marine life, making it an excellent location for spotting macro critters, including frequent sightings of mandarin fish.
Trevally Rock
Trevally Rock consists of a series of submerged rocks located at a depth of approximately 40 meters. This site is notable for its large schools of trevally and barracuda, which can often be observed during dives. Additionally, the area is characterized by the presence of significant gorgonian fans, adding to the underwater landscape.
Triggerfish City
Triggerfish City features a reef top that begins at a depth of 5 meters and extends westward. This area is known for the presence of red tooth triggerfish, which gather in significant numbers. Additionally, titan triggerfish can be encountered, particularly during their nesting season, when they may exhibit aggressive behavior towards divers. The reef is characterized by sparse staghorn coral, which supports a diverse range of marine life including surgeonfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, cardinal fish, fusiliers, blennies, and gobies.
Twin Peaks, Coron
Twin Peaks is a dive site located at coordinates 11.960100, 120.217500, accessible from the shore. The site features a variety of common reef fish and is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef. Visibility is generally good, making it suitable for both snorkeling and diving. While it may not be the most exceptional dive site in the area, it offers a chance to observe typical marine life, including the possibility of encountering sea turtles.
Wall Street
Wall Street is characterized by a steep wall that descends to depths of 50 to 60 meters. The top of the wall features a colorful coral garden situated at a depth of 3 to 5 meters, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The site is rich in marine life, showcasing a variety of reef fish including fusiliers, triggerfish, soldierfish, snappers, angelfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish, cardinalfish, and butterflyfish. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Washing Machine
Washing Machine is a unique dive site located in Mindoro, characterized by a series of small interlocking canyons and swim-throughs. The underwater landscape is adorned with vibrant coral formations. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including sweetlips, bannerfish, sergeant majors, and large schools of batfish. Additionally, sightings of emperors, surgeonfish, and larger pelagic species such as tuna, along with white tip and blacktip sharks, are common. The site is accessible from the shore.