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Diving in El Nido
The hub for diving in El Nido
El Nido is a tropical paradise known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the waters around El Nido offer something truly special — from coral gardens and tunnels to surprising encounters with turtles, rays, and even whale sharks. That is why you should go diving in El Nido.
Season
March-May
What’s diving in El Nido like?
Most dive sites are just a short boat ride from shore, making El Nido an easy and relaxing base for exploration. Expect calm, warm waters with good visibility and colorful reefs. The area is especially suited for beginners, fun dives, and underwater photography — but even seasoned divers won’t be disappointed.
You’ll find everything from shallow coral slopes and sandy bottoms to dramatic drop-offs and caverns. Macro lovers will enjoy the nudibranchs and seahorses, while larger marine life like turtles and barracuda cruise by on deeper sites.
Some of the famous dive sites in El Nido
South Miniloc
Colorful coral slope with big schools of snapper and sweetlips, often visited by reef fish and curious turtles.
The tunnel
Swim-through tunnel for advanced divers, with dramatic light rays at the exit and sometimes sleeping reef sharks.
Paglugaban
Wall dive near dramatic boulders with colorful fish, sea fans and sponges – a scenic spot with warm clear water.
Helicopter
Sloping reef with coral bommies, sea snakes and reef fish. Good visibility and popular for both diving and snorkeling.
Twin rocks
Two coral-covered rocks teeming with reef fish, nudibranchs and often visited by curious green sea turtles.
Entalula
Wall with hard and soft corals, moray eels, groupers, and the chance to spot cuttlefish on calm days.
Paradise
Easy site with sandy bottom, scattered corals and lots of anemones – great for first-timers and relaxed diving.
Nat Nat
Shallow site with coral heads, sand and macro life – ideal for beginners or a chilled third dive in the afternoon.
Best season for diving in El Nido
You can dive here year-round, but the best conditions are usually from March to May, when the sea is calmest and visibility is best. Rainy season runs from June to November, with rougher seas and occasional cancellations. Water temperatures range from 27–30°C (80–86°F).
Experience levels for diving in El Nido
Most dive shops in El Nido cater to all levels. You’ll find Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs, Open Water courses, and fun dives with divemasters. Some deeper sites like Dilumacad Tunnel are for Advanced Open Water divers only, but many sites are beginner-friendly.
Note: Due to their historical value, many of these sites are protected, and it is illegal to remove artifacts.
Why choose diving in El Nido?
El Nido combines beautiful scenery above and below water, with laid-back island vibes, cozy dive shops, and jaw-dropping landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who want to mix diving with island hopping, kayaking, or relaxing on white-sand beaches.
Marine life highlights
Expect to see:
🐢 Green and hawksbill turtles
🐠 Clownfish, damselfish, groupers
🪸 Soft and hard coral gardens
🦑 Cuttlefish and octopus
🦐 Nudibranchs, shrimps and other macro
🌊 Occasionally: rays, dugongs, reef sharks, and whale sharks
Discover world class diving in El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is more than just stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons – it’s also home to some of the most vibrant dive sites in the Philippines. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, the waters around Bacuit Bay offer an exciting mix of reef walls, tunnels, coral gardens, and fascinating marine life.
What makes diving in El Nido so special is the diversity you’ll find within just a short boat ride. One moment you’re exploring a deep swim-through tunnel with hidden chambers, the next you’re drifting past a coral slope surrounded by schools of snapper, sweetlips, and the occasional turtle. And because most dive sites are sheltered, conditions are usually calm and perfect for relaxed, enjoyable diving year-round.
The reefs are teeming with colorful fish, nudibranchs, sea snakes, and even macro critters hiding in the sand. While El Nido doesn’t have the wrecks that Coron is famous for or the extreme currents of Tubbataha, it offers something equally valuable: accessible, beautiful dive spots that are perfect for exploration, learning, and just falling in love with the underwater world.
Whether you’re planning a full dive holiday or just adding a few fun dives to your island adventure, El Nido should absolutely be on your scuba map.
Dive equipment
Take a look at some equipment that you might want to consider before coming to El Nido.
Wreck diving in El Nido
Discover underwater structures in El Nido, perfect for practicing wreck or deep dives.
Dive sites on the map
El Nido have many dive sites and you can find them all on the map if you follow the link.
Three great links
History of El Nido
El Nido, also known as Bacuit, has been inhabited by humans since at least 2680 BC, possibly as early as 22,000 years ago.
Underwater Wonderland
Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines is a very interesting organisation which can be useful if you like turtles.
Unesco world heritage
Did you know that this is a protected area? Read more on Unescos website.
WHY DIVING IN EL NIDO?
Why El Nido is worth the trip
El Nido is one of those rare places where nature truly steals the show. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, white sandy beaches, and warm turquoise waters, it feels like a dream made real.
Whether you’re kayaking through hidden coves, island hopping in Bacuit Bay, or simply relaxing with a cold drink as the sun sets, El Nido delivers an unforgettable tropical experience.
Beyond its beauty, El Nido offers a laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and easy access to some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the Philippines. It’s a paradise for adventurers, divers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Palawan’s diving adventures
Discover everything from dive centers to dive sites with our interactive map, list of trusted dive centers and other useful tools.
Top 4 dive centers
Top four dive centers in Palawan. We did it so you don’t have to.
Plan your trip
Create your dream journey with our carefully selected resources.
List of dive centers
Browse through dive centers and discover experts near you.
Top 10 dive sites
Discover the most breathtaking diving spots around Palawan.
Travel guide
Get tips and advice to make your diving adventure unforgettable.
Discover what divers are saying about us
Here, our customers share their real experiences from diving adventures with us in Palawan. Read genuine reviews, personal stories, and testimonials that highlight their satisfaction with our dive services, guides, and unforgettable underwater moments. Whether it’s exploring shipwrecks, meeting sea turtles, or learning to dive, you’ll find out why so many divers choose us again and again
Very nice experience with a smooth process and some useful tools.
Anna Svensson
Certified Diving Instructor
Half the fun is to plan the trip and read about all the highlights.
Mikael Eriksson
Marine biologist
When I was going to pick some great spots to go to I used the Trip planner.
Lisa Andersson
Underwater Photographer