Fun Diving around Mactan

Escondido Bay is the perfect destination for those who want to explore the hidden treasures of the underwater world in Mactan. Our dive shop offers a range of diving experiences and courses that cater to divers of all skill levels. Our handpicked dive locations offer breathtaking views and an incredible range of marine life that are sure to leave a lasting impression. From vibrant coral reefs that host an abundance of tropical fish, to majestic whale sharks and turtles, you'll have the opportunity to see it all. At Escondido Bay, we have experienced and knowledgeable instructors, divemasters and guides who ensure that your dive is both safe and enjoyable. We prioritize the safety of our guests and adhere to the highest industry standards. In addition to the diverse marine life, our dive sites also offer a variety of environments to explore. The towering walls and mysterious caves offer an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers, while the fascinating wrecks that have become artificial habitats for many species provide a unique opportunity for exploration. We also offer night diving options for those who want to explore the underwater world in a different light. Our night dives allow you to see nocturnal marine life that you wouldn't normally see during the day. If you're looking for an all-in-one diving experience, Escondido Bay has got you covered. Our packages include rental gear, boat rides, and guided dives that cater to your specific needs. Overall, Escondido Bay is a top-rated dive shop that provides a safe, fun, and unforgettable diving experience in the Philippines. Come and embark on an aquatic adventure with us and discover the beauty of the underwater world in Mactan.

The Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary with its long sandbar has shallow reefs, a sandy slope reaching from 5m down to approximately 14-20m, followed by a steep falling wall with an estimated bottom between 40-50m. The shallow reefs of Nalusuan Island are the home of an abundance of smaller fishes and colorful corals, a beautiful destination for snorkelers or divers who want to enjoy their safety stop./n/nThe sandy slope of this marine sanctuary is the habitat of all different sorts of stingrays, squids, octopuses and many more interesting sea creatures like frog fishes, from time to time we even may encounter larger ray species like the devil ray. Last but not least, one can explore the wall which hosts a lot of interesting sea creatures for those who may be fond of Macro photography. Various different species of nudibranchs, flatworms and juvenile fish hiding discreetly within the tentacles of an anemone reside here; the really patient divers might even be able to spot a pygmy seahorse within the fans along the wall. The boat ride usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the Mactan Island coast or Cordova. The island with its long sand bar is a sanctuary to all the sea creatures and to the nature lovers. You can literally reach at arm’s length the abundance of marine life

Gilutongan Island has a similar shape to a shark. It is about 630 meters long and 820 meters wide. The island is home to numerous coral reefs and sea grass meadows, partially protected by the 15 hectare Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary. It is one of the most scenic diving and snorkelling destinations we have at arm's length from Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City or Cordova. Whether one is a freshly certified or very experienced diver, with its shallow and colorful reefs as well as steep falling wall, the vast array of sea creatures and aquatic life, makes this destination worthy of exploration. The visibility reaches from 10m on bad days to literally crystal clear waters on good days. Big schools of jack fishes, barracudas, bat fishes can be seen frequently on this dive site and furthermore, Gilutongan is not shy of pelagic travellers every now and then, as well as the diversity the Philippines in general are famous for. The boat ride usually takes about 40 minutes from the Mactan Island coast or Cordova.

The Talima Marine Sanctuary is a diver's paradise, offering a diverse range of underwater habitats for visitors to explore. With shallow reefs sloping down to 18 meters and steep walls falling down to 50 meters in some areas, the sanctuary provides a unique and challenging diving experience for both beginners and experienced divers alike. At the shallow reefs, you'll be able to encounter a variety of colorful and vibrant marine life, including schools of tropical fish, diverse coral formations, and the occasional octopus. These curious creatures are known to entertain divers with their playful antics, making for an unforgettable experience. As you move deeper into the sanctuary, the walls provide a stunning and dramatic backdrop to your dive. Here, you'll be able to witness the incredible diversity of marine life that inhabits these areas. Schools of larger pelagic fish, such as barracuda and trevally, are frequently spotted here, swimming alongside more elusive and reclusive species like the shy cuttlefish. For those looking for a more immersive and exhilarating diving experience, Talima also boasts a swim-through rock structure, offering divers a unique perspective on the surrounding underwater landscape. Here, you'll be able to navigate through narrow passages and crevices, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. All in all, the Talima Marine Sanctuary provides a truly breathtaking and unforgettable diving experience, showcasing the incredible beauty and diversity of the underwater world. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, Talima is a must-visit for anyone seeking an adventure in the ocean depths.

The Baring Marine Sanctuary at Olango Island is a premier dive site in the Philippines that offers a unique and unforgettable diving experience for both beginner and experienced divers. Located near the bustling city of Cebu, the sanctuary provides a sanctuary for marine life, where visitors can witness an abundance of diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystems. Baring Marine Sanctuary offers a range of dive sites that cater to different skill levels and interests. The shallow reef areas are ideal for snorkeling and beginner divers, while the deeper areas offer challenging and exhilarating experiences for advanced and technical divers. In the heart of the sanctuary is a beautiful and diverse coral reef, teeming with colorful marine life including angelfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles. The reef is well protected and carefully managed, which has allowed it to flourish and become a haven for a variety of marine life. The abundant and thriving ecosystem is a testament to the positive impact that marine protected areas can have on the health of our oceans. One of the highlights of diving in Baring Marine Sanctuary is the chance to witness the incredible and abundant macro life. The area is known for its healthy populations of frogfish, seahorses, and other tiny creatures that can be found hiding in the coral. Divers will also be amazed by the array of vibrant and intricate soft corals that make their homes in the reef. In addition to its beautiful coral reef, Baring Marine Sanctuary is also home to a variety of wrecks and artificial reefs, making it a popular destination for wreck divers. These man-made structures have become a haven for marine life, providing a unique and fascinating dive experience. Overall, diving in Baring Marine Sanctuary at Olango Island provides a unique and unforgettable experience for both beginner and experienced divers. The rich and diverse ecosystem, combined with the carefully managed conservation efforts, make it a must-visit destination for any diver in the Philippines. So, gear up and explore the underwater wonder that awaits you at Baring Marine Sanctuary!

Kontiki Marina, located just a short boat ride from Mactan Island, is a fantastic dive site with a wide range of marine life to explore. However, in December 2021, a devastating typhoon hit the region, causing significant damage to the coral reefs. Fortunately, Protect Maribago Bay, a local environmental group, stepped in and built a coral nursery to help restore the aquatic life in the area. At Escondido Bay, we were honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the restoration efforts by assisting with the coral nursery when needed. Despite the damage caused by the typhoon, the marine life in Kontiki Marina remains abundant. In particular, a large school of sardines has made the area their home, providing a stunning sight for divers. Additionally, the dive site is home to a wide variety of crustaceans and octopuses, making it an excellent location for a night dive. At Escondido Bay, we offer diving trips to Kontiki Marina, allowing you to explore this incredible underwater world for yourself. Our experienced dive instructors will guide you through the site, pointing out the various marine species and ensuring your safety throughout the dive. Whether you're an experienced diver or just starting out, Kontiki Marina is a dive site not to be missed. And with the coral restoration efforts underway, it's a great opportunity to witness the regrowth of coral reefs and the return of marine life to the area. Book your dive trip with Escondido Bay today and experience the beauty of Kontiki Marina.

Cabilao Island is a small, yet mighty gem in the Visayan Sea, lying just west of Bohol and facing mainland Cebu. With its picturesque 8 square kilometer area and 5000 inhabitants, it’s a hidden treasure that’s definitely worth the 3-hour boat ride from Mactan. Dubbed as “The Coral Gem of the Philippines,” Cabilao Island’s stunning beauty below the surface is sure to captivate even the most seasoned of divers. Featuring 3 main dive sites, Cabilao is renowned for its impressive tectonic walls that are home to a thriving abundance of macro critters, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos. The shallow reefs are dotted with a vibrant display of hard and soft corals, and a diverse range of fish species. But, that’s not all. Cabilao Island is also a turtle paradise, with Hawksbill and Green Turtles making an appearance on almost every dive. These gentle giants can grow up to an impressive 170 cm in length, leaving you in awe of their sheer size. So, what can you expect at Cabilao’s famous dive sites? Lighthouse - With its sharp drop-off wall that plunges to a depth of 50 meters and sandy slope dotted with rocky coral patches, Lighthouse is a feast for the eyes. Home to crustaceans, octopuses, and squids, it’s an advanced dive site that’s not to be missed. Talisay - This straightforward dive site boasts a coral slope that leads to a wall teeming with fishes, turtles, and macro critters. If you’re lucky, you may even spot white tip reef sharks on the sandy slopes, and black tip reef sharks on the top of the wall. Polaris - Named after a resort facing the Cabilao reefs, Polaris features a stunning sharp wall that falls to a depth of 45-50 meters and a sandy slope that extends to 60-70 meters, making it ideal for trained technical divers. The wall is dotted with small cavern-like structures, and the shallow waters are overflowing with soft corals that provide a habitat for fish, snakes, and critters not commonly seen in the Philippines. Discover a new world of adventure and beauty at Cabilao Island.

A small island located off the eastern coast of Cebu. This dive site is known for its clear waters, healthy corals, and abundant marine life. Capitancillo is a popular destination for both recreational and technical divers, as it offers a variety of dive sites with varying depths and currents. The shallow reefs around the island are home to a wide range of fish species, including colorful clownfish, vibrant angelfish, and schools of snappers and fusiliers. One of the highlights of diving at Capitancillo is the chance to encounter larger marine life, such as turtles, barracudas, and even reef sharks. If you're lucky, you may also spot a majestic manta ray or a whale shark, which are known to visit the area occasionally. But it's not just the marine life that makes Capitancillo a must-visit dive site. The island itself is steeped in history and culture, with a lighthouse dating back to the Spanish colonial era standing tall on its highest point. Capitancillo is also a great spot for night diving, as the waters around the island come alive with crustaceans, octopuses, and other nocturnal creatures. Exploring the reef at night is a unique and unforgettable experience that every diver should try at least once. As with any dive site, it's important to dive responsibly and follow safe diving practices. Be sure to dive with a reputable dive operator who prioritizes safety and environmental conservation, and always respect the marine life and their natural habitat. So why not add Capitancillo to your diving itinerary when visiting Cebu Island? With its diverse marine life, clear waters, and rich cultural history, it's sure to be a memorable dive experience.

The Camotes Islands, located off the east coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines, are a hidden gem for divers. With its crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and diverse marine life, the Camotes Islands offer some of the best diving opportunities in the country. One of the most popular dive sites in the Camotes Islands is Poro Wall, a stunning vertical wall that drops to over 30 meters deep. This wall is covered with colorful soft corals and sponges, providing a beautiful backdrop for divers. The wall is also home to a variety of marine life, including frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and schooling fish such as jacks and snappers. Another popular dive site in the Camotes Islands is Tulang Diot, which features a beautiful coral garden and a sandy slope that drops to over 20 meters deep. This dive site is a great place to spot macro life such as nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and seahorses. Schools of barracudas and jacks can also be seen here, as well as larger marine animals such as eagle rays and turtles. For those looking for a unique diving experience, the sunken cemetery in the town of San Francisco is a must-visit site. This underwater cemetery was formed after an earthquake in the 1870s caused the cemetery to sink below sea level. Today, the site is home to a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, groupers, and schools of fish. The Camotes Islands are also a great place for night diving, with sites such as Green Lagoon offering the opportunity to see a variety of crustaceans, octopuses, and other nocturnal creatures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the Camotes Islands offer a truly unforgettable diving experience. With its stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life, this hidden gem is not to be missed.

Welcome to the enchanting world of Twin Caverns, a remarkable diving spot nestled within the breathtaking Danajon Double Barrier Reef, located off the pristine coast of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City! Dive into the depths of roughly 30 meters, and you'll encounter the awe-inspiring Twin Caverns, connected through a mesmerizing 80-meter long tunnel. This intricate labyrinth invites you to explore its wide and lively cavern structures, featuring captivating impasses, open areas, and intersections leading to intriguing dead ends. For those seeking the thrill of cave diving, Twin Caverns offers a captivating challenge, where you can navigate through these natural wonders and witness the vibrant marine life of snappers, soldierfish, and a myriad of custacians and invertebrates. If cave exploration isn't your preference, fear not! The cavern area, flooded with permanent daylight, presents an equally breathtaking experience, showcasing the beauty of nature's artistry. Surrounded by magnificent wall dive sites, the Twin Caverns at Danajon Double Barrier Reef offer a complete underwater adventure, where you'll be immersed in a stunning marine landscape teeming with diversity. At Escondido Bay, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey as we explore the wonders of Twin Caverns and the majestic Danajon Double Barrier Reef. Whether you're a cave diving enthusiast, seeking to explore caverns, or simply looking for a fun diving experience, these underwater realms have something extraordinary to offer. Embark on an extraordinary diving adventure with us and discover the mesmerizing beauty of Twin Caverns at Danajon Double Barrier Reef!

Directly off the coast of Marigondon in Lapu-Lapu City, located at roughly 37m depth within an extensive reef wall, this cave is one of the most famous local dive sites. Experienced divers can access this cave or cavern either as a shore dive, which involves roughly a 200m swim or by boat. Most parts, including the entrance to the cavern, are very wide and you can see the exit during most of the duration within the cave. Even divers without a specific cave certification can join this exciting dive. Within the cave we commonly see a multitude of stone and scorpion sishes, lionfishes and abundant species for the Macro photographer. Additionally, the rock and coral formations along with the composition of the inner structure with beautiful large sea fans make this destination particularly thrilling and fun to explore.