Not only is Cebu one of the most economically advanced in the Philippines, but it is also has become one of the major dive site destinations as well. For divers and scuba diving enthusiasts, be sure to check out the following on your next voyage to the south.
Gato Island
If you are on Malapascua Island, it would be only a 40 minute ride by boat to get to Gato Island, one of the loveliest marine sanctuaries in Cebu.
Gato Island itself is enveloped by several large rock formations, impressive enough, but the real highlights are the assortment of reefs lying beneath the waters, and the exotic life forms living amongst them, the most notable being the whitetip reef sharks and several bamboosharks. You can also dive through a tunnel and see even more marine wonders.
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Panagsama Beach, Moalboal
Driving to the western border of Cebu lies the town of Moalbaol, which is where you can begin the journey to Pnagsama Beach, which is just some 3 miles (5 km) away.
Although this beach has been a favorite destination of tourists for more than two decades, it has not lost its appeal, and in fact more people are coming to vist every year. It is also suitable for beginners, because you only need descend a few meters down before you come upon the wall that goes for on for over 30 meters (100 ft).
Once there a vast array of coral reefs, myriad types of fish, anemones and corals will greet you. Even with the passage of time, Panagsama Beach in Cebu continues to be one of the most highly regarded dive sites in the province.
Calangaman Island
Lying between Malapascua Island in Cebu and the island province of Leyte, Calangaman Island is one of the up and coming diving
attractions in the Philippines.
The fact that it is still relatively not as well known makes it ideal for the tourist who wants some solitude and quiet. Not only is it unspoiled, but there are actually several dive sites on the island for you to choose from, each one serving up plenty of fish and corals that would make for beautiful underwater photography.
The Wall of Death
This ominously named dive site, located on the southern tip of the island, is actually one of the most beautiful, with a diversity of aquamarine life forms that few sites can match.
Due to fluctuations of the current, and also because the walls are precipitous, it is recommended that you take this dive with an experienced companion. But once you get to the lower levels, you will see some of the most wide-ranging and distinct sea creatures.
Nudibranchs, corals (soft and hard), reefs, sponges, frogfish, sting rays, mantas, eels and lionfish are just some of the colorful denizens you will come face to face with.
Sumilon Island
Cebu’s Sumilon Island is known as being one of the best maintained marine preserves in the Philippines, making it not just for tourists but also for those who wish to learn more underwater life.
The walls beneath its seas can go to lengths of over 35 meters (over 100 ft), and there is also plenty of sand around them. Among the numerous types of creatures you will see include coralfish, sharks, lionfish, various types of ribbon eels, and more. There are also several undersea caves to explore. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try diving during the night of the full moon, as it brings on stronger currents.
Shark Point
This Cebu dive site is quite near to Malapascua Island i(directly to its south side), and as the name makes clear, a great place to see thresher sharks, and more.
Beneath the waters of Shark Point is a giant plateau, going down some 60 meters (over 200 ft), but there are also a huge number of manta rays, Trigger fish and various corals and sponges. Diving at the site by night is also enjoyable.
