Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is best known for its world-famous Underground River and eco-adventures, but beneath its turquoise waters lies another wonder—vibrant marine ecosystems that make it a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned diver, or simply curious about exploring the underwater world, Puerto Princesa offers diving services that cater to all experience levels. This guide provides an in-depth look at what divers can expect, from dive shops and training programs to the top dive spots around Puerto Princesa Bay and beyond.
Why Choose Puerto Princesa for Diving?
While El Nido and Coron often steal the spotlight, Puerto Princesa has its own unique charm as a diving hub. Its strategic location along the Sulu Sea and West Philippine Sea provides access to diverse marine habitats, including coral reefs, wrecks, and even pelagic encounters. Compared to busier diving destinations, the waters here are generally less crowded, allowing for more intimate and peaceful experiences beneath the surface.
Diving in Puerto Princesa is also ideal for travelers who wish to combine city-based conveniences—hotels, restaurants, and easy airport access—with quick boat rides to nearby dive sites. This makes it perfect for short trips, families, and those looking to maximize both land and sea adventures.
Professional Dive Shops and Services
Puerto Princesa is home to several established dive centers, many of which are affiliated with international organizations such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International). These shops provide professional services including:
- Introductory Dives: Guided experiences for beginners with no prior certification.
- PADI/SSI Certification Courses: From Open Water Diver to Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and even Divemaster programs.
- Fun Dives: Single or multiple-dive packages for certified divers, often with full equipment rental included.
- Snorkeling Tours: Options for non-divers to enjoy coral reefs while companions go scuba diving.
- Equipment Rental & Sales: Full sets of diving gear, from masks to BCDs, available for rent or purchase.
- Boat Charters: For groups or advanced divers who wish to explore farther sites.
Most dive shops also maintain strict safety protocols, with well-maintained equipment, oxygen kits onboard, and licensed dive professionals who know the local waters intimately.
Top Dive Spots in Puerto Princesa
The waters around Puerto Princesa offer a variety of dive sites, each with distinct highlights. Here are some of the most popular:
1. Puerto Princesa Bay
Accessible within minutes from the city, Puerto Princesa Bay is perfect for beginners and training dives. Calm waters, sandy bottoms, and coral gardens make it a safe and enjoyable environment. It’s also common to see reef fish, lionfish, and nudibranchs here.
2. Honda Bay Reefs
Honda Bay, just northeast of the city, is famous for island-hopping tours, but divers know it as a treasure trove of marine life. Lush coral reefs host parrotfish, groupers, turtles, and occasional rays. Popular dive spots include Pandan Island, Pambato Reef, and Starfish Island.
3. Tubbataha Reefs (Liveaboard Expeditions)
For experienced divers, Puerto Princesa serves as the main gateway to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Accessible only by liveaboard vessels from March to June, Tubbataha is considered one of the best dive destinations in the world. Expect to encounter sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and pristine coral walls teeming with biodiversity.
4. Wreck Diving Sites
Though not as abundant as Coron’s WWII wrecks, Puerto Princesa has a few sunken vessels that attract marine life and adventurous divers. Some sites around Honda Bay feature small wrecks that are perfect for photography and exploration.
Marine Life You Can Expect
Divers in Puerto Princesa are often rewarded with sightings of:
- Colorful reef fish such as clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish.
- Larger species like barracudas, trevallies, and groupers.
- Occasional encounters with sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
- Macro life including seahorses, pipefish, and various nudibranchs.
This range of biodiversity makes the city an excellent choice for both wide-angle and macro underwater photography.
Diving for Beginners
First-timers need not worry—Puerto Princesa dive shops specialize in introductory programs that start with basic theory and shallow-water training. Professional instructors guide beginners every step of the way, ensuring both safety and enjoyment. Calm sites like Puerto Princesa Bay and selected Honda Bay reefs are particularly suited for learners.
Best Season to Dive
Diving is possible year-round, but the dry season from November to May offers the calmest seas and best visibility. For those aiming to visit Tubbataha, the season is strictly from March to June, when liveaboards operate. Rainy season months (June to October) may bring reduced visibility, but diving in nearby reefs is still feasible.
What to Prepare Before Diving
Before booking a dive, here are some tips to prepare:
- Certification Card: If you are already a certified diver, bring your PADI/SSI card or digital proof.
- Medical Clearance: Some dive shops may require a health declaration, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
- Eco Fees: Be prepared to pay small environmental or marine park fees that go toward reef conservation.
- Insurance: Consider dive insurance for peace of mind, especially for advanced dives.
Eco-Responsibility and Marine Protection
Puerto Princesa takes pride in its strong environmental initiatives, often referred to as the “City in a Forest.” Dive shops and local authorities actively promote eco-friendly practices, such as:
- No touching or collecting marine life.
- Proper buoyancy control to avoid damaging corals.
- Responsible waste disposal—“Leave only bubbles.”
- Supporting marine sanctuaries and local conservation programs.
By following these practices, divers help preserve the fragile ecosystems that make Palawan a world-class diving destination.
Combining Diving with Other Activities
Diving can be paired with many other adventures in Puerto Princesa. Non-diving companions can enjoy Honda Bay island-hopping, firefly watching, or city tours, while divers spend a day or two exploring the reefs. Many travelers also combine diving in Puerto Princesa with trips north to El Nido or Coron, creating a full Palawan adventure both on land and underwater.
Final Thoughts
Diving services in Puerto Princesa provide an excellent balance of accessibility, professionalism, and biodiversity. Whether you are a curious first-timer, a vacationing diver looking for fun dives, or a seasoned explorer heading to Tubbataha, Puerto Princesa has something for you. Its dive shops, local guides, and conservation efforts ensure that every underwater experience is not only memorable but also sustainable for future generations.
