The Ultimate Guide to Freediving Destinations in the Philippines

The Philippines, with its thousands of islands and warm, biodiverse waters, is a global hotspot for freediving.
Whether you are a total beginner making your first breath-hold or a competitive athlete chasing depth,
there is a perfect location for you.

quick overview

Destination	Best For	What to Expect	For Whom
Coron, Palawan	Learning & Unique Wrecks	Exceptionally calm, wind-sheltered conditions at Barracuda Lake (ideal for training). Unique geothermal thermocline (water gets hot at depth). WWII shipwrecks and crystal-clear lagoons. Dugong encounters in the North.	Beginners (ideal conditions for focus), Photographers, Wreck Enthusiasts, Divers seeking a truly unique, pool-like environment.
Panglao & Bohol	Depth Training & Infrastructure	A freediving “Mecca” with highly developed tourist and training infrastructure. Numerous top-tier freediving schools (AIDA, SSI, Molchanovs). Deep drop-offs close to shore with fixed lines up to 130m. Abundant marine life, including sardine runs and turtles.	All Levels (Beginner to Professional), Competition Trainees, those who want maximum choice in schools and comfortable amenities.
Moalboal, Cebu	Sardine Run & Shore Access	Famous for the massive Sardine Run, easily accessible straight from the coast—an incredible photo opportunity. Turtles are common. Several good freediving and scuba schools available.	All Levels, Photographers, those who want a major marine event accessible without a boat.
Siquijor	Tranquility & Deep Drop-offs	Relaxed, tranquil island vibe (attracting a younger audience). Rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs close to shore. Deep drop-offs up to 120m just 800m from the coast. Mountains and waterfalls for dry days.	All Levels (especially those looking for depth training without the Bohol crowds), Nature Lovers, Backpackers.
Dauin & Apo Island	Macro Life & Biodiversity	Renowned for macro life (critters, nudibranchs) and muck diving, making it excellent for underwater photography and combining with scuba. Close proximity to Apo Island, a marine sanctuary with a very healthy reef and high biodiversity.	Macro Enthusiasts, Scuba Divers/Snorkelers, Intermediate Freedivers (Apo Island drop-offs).
Puerto Galera & Anilao	Accessibility & Easy Commute	Very easy to reach from Manila (perfect for weekend trips). Excellent visibility, healthy reefs, and high biodiversity (especially Anilao for macro). Calm bays are perfect for line training.	Manila Locals/Weekend Tourists, Beginners (calm conditions), those combining freediving and scuba.
Camotes Islands	Competitive Training Focus	Harder to reach and less touristically known. Home to a highly professional freediving center suited for competitive training. Conditions are excellent for minimizing distractions and focusing purely on performance and development.	Competitive Freedivers, Serious Athletes, those seeking a quiet, focused training environment.
Southern Leyte	Soft Corals & Whale Sharks	Known for its healthy soft corals and rich diversity. Possible ethical encounters with whale sharks. Less developed tourism; infrastructure is minimal (rely on scuba centers or local groups).	Advanced Freedivers, Off-the-Beaten-Path Seekers, Whale Shark Enthusiasts. Not suitable for absolute beginners due to lack of dedicated schools.
Malapascua, Cebu	Thresher Sharks & Beaches	A small island with white sand beaches and a chilled, relaxed vibe. Famous for thresher shark scuba diving (though freediving is done on separate, shallower reefs). Good for combining scuba and freediving activities.	Chilled Travelers, those interested in combining scuba diving (for thresher sharks) with relaxed freediving.
Boracay	Amenities & Nightlife	The most developed tourist destination with large hotels, nightlife, and parties. Multiple freediving schools cater to all levels, offering highly convenient access to courses and amenities.	Social Travelers, those prioritizing maximum tourist infrastructure, convenience, and nightlife.
Siargao	Surfing & Backpacking	Famous for its surf culture and beautiful scenery. Features several freediving schools. A very young, backpacker-friendly crowd.	Surfers, Backpackers, those wanting to combine freediving with other water sports and a vibrant social scene.
Camiguin	Instructor Development	A beautiful volcanic island with very clear waters. Hosts a dedicated freediving academy with instructor programs.	Aspiring Instructors, Professionals seeking advanced and high-level certifications.
Donsol, Sorsogon	Ethical Whale Shark Encounters	A lesser-known tourist area focused on snorkeling and ethical freediving/snorkeling with whale sharks.	Advanced Freedivers, Ethical Wildlife Tourists.
Apo Reef	Expedition & Biodiversity	An amazing, highly biodiverse marine sanctuary reef accessible only by boat (liveaboard or day trip). Features a small shipwreck and abundant marine life.	Advanced Divers looking for remote, world-class reef exploration.
La Union & Ilocos (Northern Luzon)	Surfing & Challenging Conditions	Easily reachable from Manila. Famous for surfing. Clear waters, but often deals with currents and waves, offering a more challenging training environment. Popular with locals/weekend tourists.	Surfers, Manila Weekend Tourists, those seeking to train in challenging open-water conditions.

Best for: Absolute beginners, technique refinement, underwater photography

Coron – The Perfect Learning Environment for freediving

Coron stands out as arguably the best location in the Philippines to learn freediving. Barracuda Lake offers ideal training conditions that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere: completely sheltered from wind, no waves or currents, and warm, comfortable temperatures. This controlled environment allows newcomers to fully relax and focus on mastering breathing techniques and fundamental skills without battling the elements.
The lakes surrounding Coron feature the clearest waters in Southeast Asia, with visibility that makes them exceptional for underwater photography and videography. The dramatic underwater rock formations create stunning backdrops for content creators and photographers alike.
Beyond the lakes, Coron is famous as the shipwreck capital of the Philippines. Several World War II wrecks lie at depths suitable for freediving, including the Skeleton Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat, and Lusong Gunboat. For marine life enthusiasts, the northern part of the island offers the rare opportunity to freedive and snorkel with dugongs, one of the ocean’s most gentle and endangered creatures.
What to expect: Calm, pristine conditions perfect for building confidence; limited tourist infrastructure compared to other destinations; boat trips required for shipwrecks and dugong encounters.

Best for: All levels, training depth, social diving scene

Panglao and Bohol – The Freediving Mecca

Often called “The Freedive Capital of Asia,” Panglao has earned its reputation as a freediving mecca. The island hosts multiple established freediving schools with professional instruction ranging from introduction courses to instructor training. What sets Panglao apart is its location: protected by the larger islands of Cebu and Bohol, it enjoys calm conditions nearly year-round.
One of Panglao’s greatest advantages is accessibility to depth. Unlike most locations that require boat trips, several schools here offer fixed dive lines with no depth limitations just a short swim from shore. This makes it ideal for serious depth training without the logistical complications.
The marine life is equally impressive. You’ll encounter the famous sardine run, sea turtles at multiple sites (especially Turtle Point at Balicasag Island), and dramatic wall dives. Schools of jackfish and barracuda patrol the deeper waters, typically found beyond 15 meters.
The island offers well-developed tourist infrastructure with accommodations for all budgets, numerous restaurants, and a vibrant diving community. It’s easy to meet other freedivers here and find training partners.
What to expect: Professional freediving services, easy shore access to depth, consistent conditions, bustling social scene, crowded during weekends and holidays, affordable prices.

Best for: Nature photographers, combo scuba-freediving trips, coral reef enthusiasts

Freediving Dauin – The Macro Paradise

Dauin has built its reputation on exceptional macro life and thriving coral reefs. This destination is a dream for underwater photographers interested in critters, nudibranchs, and the smaller wonders of the ocean. The biodiversity here rivals anywhere in the world, with new species regularly discovered along the muck diving sites.
While Dauin itself is excellent, its proximity to Apo Island makes it even more attractive. Apo Island is recognized as one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the Philippines, with exceptional biodiversity and protection status that has allowed the ecosystem to flourish. The island offers both shallow reef diving and deeper wall sections.
Dauin works particularly well if you’re combining freediving with scuba diving or snorkeling, as many resorts and dive centers cater to both. The relaxed pace and focus on marine life appreciation rather than depth makes this a more contemplative diving experience.
What to expect: Focus on marine life over depth; excellent for photographers; less emphasis on pure freediving training; often combined with Apo Island day trips; good variety of accommodations.

Best for: Versatile divers, those seeking tranquility, nature enthusiasts

Freediving Siquijor – The Nature Lover’s Paradise

Siquijor offers something special: a laid-back island atmosphere combined with exceptional freediving versatility. The island caters to a younger, more adventurous crowd drawn by its mystical reputation, pristine nature, waterfalls, and mountains.
What makes Siquijor outstanding for freediving is the combination of shallow coastal reefs teeming with turtles and marine life, alongside dramatic drop-offs that plunge to 120 meters just 800 meters from shore. This means you can enjoy casual snorkeling and reef freediving in the morning, then head out for serious depth training in the afternoon.
The island maintains a tranquil, unhurried vibe that contrasts sharply with more touristy destinations. It’s equally appealing for scuba divers, making it perfect for groups with mixed interests. The relatively undeveloped tourism infrastructure means fewer crowds and more authentic experiences, though with fewer amenities than major hubs.
What to expect: Quiet, relaxed atmosphere; stunning natural scenery; versatile diving options; younger demographic; basic but adequate tourist facilities; good mix of shallow and deep diving.

Best for: Weekend warriors, combo scuba trips, biodiversity enthusiasts

Freediving Puerto Galera and Anilao – The Manila Gateway

Located just a few hours from Manila, Puerto Galera and Anilao serve as the primary diving destinations for the capital’s residents and visitors with limited time. Both areas are world-renowned for their coral reefs and exceptional biodiversity, with Anilao particularly famous as a muck diving paradise.
Anilao offers dramatic rock formations like Cathedral Rock and Twin Rocks Marine Sanctuary, flourishing with marine life. Puerto Galera provides similar diversity with excellent visibility and easier logistics. Both locations offer numerous dive sites ranging from shallow reefs to deeper walls.
The real advantage here is convenience and infrastructure. As established scuba diving destinations, you’ll find well-developed services, professional dive operations, and easy transportation from Manila. This makes them ideal for short trips or for combining freediving with scuba diving.
What to expect: Professional dive services; easy accessibility from Manila; weekend crowds; strong scuba diving focus with freediving as secondary; excellent visibility; good variety of accommodations and restaurants.

Best for: Advanced freedivers, adventurous travelers, whale shark encounters

Freediving Southern Leyte – The Whale Shark Province

Southern Leyte represents the more adventurous end of Philippine freediving. This region remains relatively undeveloped for tourism, offering a more authentic and challenging experience. The healthy soft coral systems and rich biodiversity reward those willing to make the journey.
The main attraction is the opportunity to encounter whale sharks in their natural habitat. Unlike feeding programs elsewhere, encounters here happen more naturally as whale sharks come to feed on plankton blooms. Early morning boat trips take you to areas where these gentle giants congregate, offering ethical interactions and incredible photo opportunities.
There are no dedicated freediving schools in Southern Leyte, but local scuba dive centers typically accommodate freedivers upon request. The freediving community here connects primarily through Facebook groups, where you can find like-minded divers and local knowledge.
What to expect: Remote location with challenging logistics; basic infrastructure; no formal freediving instruction; whale shark encounters; stunning soft corals; best suited for self-sufficient, experienced divers.

Best for: Advanced freedivers, whale shark enthusiasts

Freediving Donsol – Ethical Whale Shark Encounters

Donsol pioneered ethical whale shark tourism and remains one of the best places globally to snorkel and freedive with these magnificent creatures. The encounters here follow strict guidelines that protect both the animals and ensure sustainable tourism.
Unlike commercial operations elsewhere, Donsol’s whale shark interactions happen during the animals’ natural migration and feeding patterns. This means seasonal availability (typically December to May, with peak sightings from December to March) but more natural and respectful encounters.
The area itself is not heavily developed for tourism, which means basic amenities and a focus on the whale shark experience rather than comprehensive freediving training. This destination works best for advanced freedivers who want to add a unique wildlife encounter to their trip rather than those seeking technical training or varied dive sites.
What to expect: Seasonal whale shark encounters; ethical tourism practices; limited tourist infrastructure; focus on wildlife observation; better for experienced freedivers; less emphasis on depth or technical diving.

Best for: Beach lovers, combo scuba-freediving trips, relaxation seekers

Freediving Malapascua – The Island Paradise

Malapascua is a small island famous for its pristine white sand beaches and incredibly relaxed atmosphere. The island is best known in the diving world for thresher shark encounters at Monad Shoal, though these require scuba diving rather than freediving due to depth and safety considerations.
For freedivers, Malapascua offers pleasant shallow reef diving and excellent snorkeling, though the freediving opportunities here are more limited compared to other destinations on this list. The real draw is the overall island experience: beautiful beaches, laid-back vibe, and good facilities.
This destination works best if you’re combining scuba diving with freediving, want a beautiful beach vacation with some underwater activities, or are looking for a relaxing island retreat after more intensive freediving elsewhere in your trip.
What to expect: Beautiful beaches; relaxed island atmosphere; limited freediving-specific opportunities; excellent scuba diving; good tourist infrastructure; social scene; better for combined activities than pure freediving focus.

Best for: Beginners wanting structure, those preferring developed infrastructure, combining nightlife with diving

Freediving Boracay – The Tourist Hub

Boracay represents the opposite end of the spectrum from remote diving destinations. This is the Philippines’ most developed tourist area, featuring large hotels, extensive nightlife, restaurants of every cuisine, and comprehensive services. If you want the comfort of well-established tourism, this is your destination.
Several freediving schools operate on Boracay, offering instruction from beginner to advanced levels. The infrastructure here means you can easily arrange courses, rent equipment, and find training partners. The waters around Boracay offer good conditions for learning, though the island’s popularity means more crowded dive sites compared to remote locations.
Boracay works well if you’re traveling with non-diving companions, want easy access to nightlife and dining, or prefer having extensive amenities and services readily available. The trade-off is less pristine conditions and authentic island experiences compared to less developed destinations.
What to expect: Full tourist infrastructure; busy beaches; excellent nightlife; multiple freediving schools; good for beginners; crowded conditions; higher prices than remote islands; easy logistics.

Best for: Instructor training, professional development, unique underwater landscapes

Freediving Camiguin – The Volcanic Island

Camiguin, a volcanic island, offers something truly unique in the freediving world. The clear waters and excellent conditions are enhanced by distinctive underwater features created by volcanic activity. The island is home to a sunken cemetery, complete with crosses and tombstones at 5-10 meters depth, submerged after a volcanic eruption in the 1870s.
What sets Camiguin apart is the presence of a freediving academy offering instructor programs. If you’re looking to pursue freediving professionally or want to become a certified instructor, this is an excellent place to train. The academy attracts serious students and creates a focused learning environment.
Beyond the instructor programs, Camiguin offers varied diving including the Mantigue Island marine sanctuary with coral gardens from 3-20 meters, dramatic drop-offs, and the unique Giant Clam Sanctuary. The island itself features waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes for surface intervals.
What to expect: Professional instructor training; serious freediving students; unique volcanic underwater features; clear waters; less party atmosphere; good for career development; moderate tourist development.

Best for: Young travelers, combining freediving and surfing, backpacker scene

Freediving Siargao – The Surfer’s Paradise

Siargao has exploded in popularity over recent years as the Philippines’ premier surfing destination. The island attracts a young, adventurous crowd drawn by world-class waves, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant backpacker social scene.
Several freediving schools have established themselves on Siargao to serve the island’s active visitor base. While not traditionally known for freediving, the clear waters and good conditions make it a viable destination for learning and fun diving. The real advantage is the ability to combine two sports: surf in the morning, freedive in the afternoon.
The island’s atmosphere is youthful and energetic, with excellent opportunities to meet fellow travelers. The infrastructure has developed rapidly to support tourism while maintaining a laid-back island vibe. This makes it ideal if you want an active vacation combining water sports with a social scene.
What to expect: Surf culture; young, active crowd; good social scene; developing freediving services; beautiful natural scenery; mix of budget and mid-range accommodations; more focus on surfing than diving.

Best for: Underwater photographers, marine life enthusiasts, all levels

Freediving Moalboal – The Sardine Run

Moalboal has become famous worldwide for one spectacular phenomenon: a massive sardine run that occurs right off the coast. An estimated one million sardines create pulsing, swirling balls of silver at various depths, from shallow snorkeling areas to deeper waters. This creates one of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring freediving experiences in the world.
The sardines are accessible directly from shore at Panagsama Beach, making them easy to reach for freedivers of any level. Early morning dives typically offer the best visibility and most dramatic encounters. Beyond the sardines, Moalboal offers walls, turtle encounters, and varied reef diving.
Several professional freediving schools operate in Moalboal, providing instruction and fun diving services. The area also works well for combining freediving with scuba diving, as many dive centers cater to both. The town has developed good tourist infrastructure without becoming overdeveloped.
What to expect: World-class sardine run; accessible from shore; good freediving schools; mix of budget and mid-range accommodations; excellent for photography; can be crowded during peak times; good social scene.

Best for: Competitive freedivers, serious depth training, focused development

Freediving Camotes Islands – The Training Ground

The Camotes Islands represent a more remote and less touristy destination, which translates into an excellent environment for serious training. The islands host a highly professional freediving center specifically geared toward competitive freediving and advanced training.
The combination of good conditions, minimal distractions, and professional coaching makes Camotes ideal if you’re looking to make significant progress in your freediving abilities. The remote location means fewer tourists and more opportunity to focus on your development without the social distractions of busier islands.
However, the limited tourist development means fewer amenities and entertainment options. This is a destination for dedicated training periods rather than casual vacation diving. The challenge of reaching the islands also deters casual tourists, creating a more serious atmosphere.
What to expect: Professional competitive training focus; remote location; limited tourist infrastructure; excellent for focused training periods; fewer distractions; requires commitment to reach; serious diving community.

Best for: Weekend trips from Manila, combining freediving and surfing, local culture

Freediving La Union (Badoc, San Fernando, Ilocos Region) – The Northern Gateway

The La Union region, particularly around San Fernando, has developed as a convenient weekend destination for Manila residents. The area is famous primarily for surfing but has seen growth in freediving offerings, with several schools catering mostly to locals and weekend tourists from the capital.
The waters here offer clear visibility but often feature current and waves, making them more challenging than sheltered locations. This can be beneficial for developing water skills and confidence in varied conditions. The region’s real advantage is accessibility: just a few hours’ drive from Manila makes it perfect for quick trips.
The area provides exposure to local Filipino culture less influenced by international tourism than island destinations. You’ll find a mix of surf schools, freediving centers, and local hospitality. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or to add to a northern Philippines itinerary.
What to expect: Easy access from Manila; surf culture; challenging water conditions; local rather than tourist-heavy scene; good for weekend trips; mix of freediving and surfing; developing infrastructure.

Best for: Advanced freedivers, liveaboard adventures, pristine reef encounters

Freediving Apo Reef – The Remote Paradise

Apo Reef stands as one of the Philippines’ most spectacular diving locations and one of the largest coral reef systems in the country. The reef sits in the middle of the ocean, accessible only by boat, typically requiring a liveaboard trip or long day expedition from Mindoro.
The remoteness has protected Apo Reef, keeping it in exceptionally healthy condition with outstanding biodiversity. The reef features dramatic walls, channels, and varied topography, plus a small shipwreck and abundant marine life including sharks, rays, turtles, and massive schools of fish. The isolation means pristine conditions rarely found elsewhere.
This destination requires advanced diving skills, good physical condition, and comfort with open ocean conditions. The logistics of reaching Apo Reef make it unsuitable for casual trips but create an adventure for experienced freedivers seeking one of the Philippines’ most pristine underwater environments.
What to expect: Remote location requiring boat access; pristine reef conditions; exceptional biodiversity; requires advanced skills; liveaboard or long day trips; limited accessibility; outstanding photo opportunities; worth the effort for experienced divers.

IN SHORT

Choosing Your Perfect Destination

For beginners: Coron, Panglao, Boracay, or Moalboal offer the best combination of instruction quality, safe conditions, and infrastructure.
For advanced freedivers: Southern Leyte, Camotes, Apo Reef, or Camiguin provide professional training and challenging conditions.
For photographers: Coron, Dauin, Moalboal, and Apo Reef offer the most spectacular underwater scenes.
For convenience: Puerto Galera, Anilao, and La Union are easily accessible from Manila for short trips.
For nature lovers: Siquijor, Camiguin, and Siargao combine excellent diving with stunning landscapes.
For social scene: Panglao, Boracay, and Siargao offer the most opportunities to meet fellow divers and travelers.
Whatever your freediving goals, the Philippines’ incredible diversity ensures you’ll find your perfect underwater paradise somewhere among its thousands of islands.