Freediving Southern leyte
Southern Leyte is a province located in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, occupying the southern portion of the island of Leyte and including the smaller Panaon Island. It is bordered by the Sogod Bay to the west and the Leyte Gulf and the Philippine Sea to the east.
how to get there
he most straightforward way to reach Southern Leyte is to fly from major hubs like Manila or Cebu to Tacloban City (TAC), the capital of Northern Leyte. From Tacloban, you can take a pre-arranged van transfer, which typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the main dive resorts in areas like Padre Burgos along Sogod Bay. Alternatively, one can take a fast ferry from Cebu City to ports like Hilongos or Maasin in Southern Leyte, followed by a local transport (e.g., tricycle or jeepney) to the final destination.
Special Features of Southern Leyte
Whale Shark Encounters (Seasonal): Southern Leyte, particularly the Pintuyan area along Sogod Bay, is famous for its seasonal whale shark sightings (generally from November to May), where these gentle giants feed on plankton close to the coast. The local approach to this interaction is highly regulated, focusing exclusively on snorkeling to minimize disturbance to the animals.
Pristine Coral Reefs and Wall Dives: The region, especially around Sogod Bay and Panaon Island, is a hidden gem known for its dramatically beautiful, intact hard coral gardens and spectacular steep drop-offs (walls). Dive sites like Napantao Marine Sanctuary are considered some of the most beautiful wall dives in Asia.
Untouched and Off the Beaten Path: Unlike some of the more heavily trafficked diving areas in the Philippines, Southern Leyte remains relatively undeveloped in terms of mass tourism, offering a tranquil, authentic, and uncrowded experience for exploring the marine environment.
Exceptional Whale Shark Snorkeling: The main draw is the opportunity for non-divers to snorkel with whale sharks in a less commercialized and more ecologically sound environment compared to other destinations.
Shallow and Healthy Reefs: The abundant hard and soft coral gardens in the numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) start in very shallow water, making them absolutely ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers to explore vibrant marine life.
Spectacular Freediving on Walls: For freedivers, the dramatic drop-offs (walls) found at sites like Napantao are perfect. They offer the opportunity to practice deep dives right next to the reef, where colorful corals, sea fans, and schools of fish can be observed at various depths, providing stunning scenery on both the descent and ascent.
Calm Bay Waters: The sheltered conditions of Sogod Bay generally provide calm waters with good visibility, creating excellent and safe conditions for both snorkeling and freediving activities throughout the year.
recommended for freedivers in Southern Leyte :
a facebook group connecting you with other
freedivers in southern leyte
What else
to do ?
Travel Tips
Southern Leyte is a gorgeous, less-traveled province in the Philippines, famous for its marine biodiversity, especially in Sogod Bay. It offers a more authentic and laid-back provincial experience.
Here are some travel tips for Southern Leyte:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Southern Leyte largely depends on your interest in whale sharks:
Peak Whale Shark Season (Snorkeling/Diving): Mid-November to early May is the best period to see the migrating whale sharks in Sogod Bay (particularly in the waters near Pintuyan).
Best General Weather/Diving: October to May generally offers the best diving conditions with good visibility and calmer seas.
Off-Season: June to October typically has excellent weather, but whale shark sightings are less frequent.
Rainy Months: January and February can experience more significant rainfall, but diving is usually still possible.
Accommodations
Southern Leyte leans heavily toward budget and specialty dive resorts, with limited true luxury options.
Budget/Mid-Range: This is the most common and accessible type of accommodation. You will find:
Guesthouses and Homestays: Especially in smaller towns, offering a local, more intimate experience.
Budget Hotels: Found primarily in the provincial capital, Maasin City, and the transport hub of Sogod (e.g., GV Hotels).
Specialty Dive Resorts: In areas like Padre Burgos and along Sogod Bay, you’ll find dedicated dive resorts (e.g., Peter’s Dive Resort, Sogod Bay Scuba Resort). These are mid-range to upscale, focused on providing dive and snorkeling packages, and are often the best-reviewed places to stay.
Luxury: True 5-star luxury resorts are rare. However, some dive resorts and boutique stays offer a high level of comfort, excellent service, and amenities like pools and beachfront access, such as the Padre Burgos Castle Resort or Kuting Reef Resort.
Restaurants
The dining scene is mostly focused on delicious, fresh, and affordable Filipino cuisine.
Local Filipino Eateries: Expect lots of family-run “carenderias” (small local eateries) and grill houses, especially in Maasin and Sogod. Seafood is abundant and exceptionally fresh.
Paluto Style: In larger establishments, particularly those focused on seafood (like Ocha Seafood & Grill), you can often select your fresh catch and have it cooked to your preference (“paluto”).
Maasin and Sogod: These two cities will have the best variety of restaurants, offering some comfort food and a few specialty dining spots. Look for places known for their ribs or those with scenic views, like Balsa Kafe in Libagon, which is located in a rice field with a mountain and bay view.
Bring Cash: Many restaurants, especially outside Maasin and Sogod, only accept cash.
How to Get Around
Traveling around Southern Leyte is an adventure best done with flexibility:
Bus/Van: For longer distances between the major towns (Maasin, Sogod, Padre Burgos), public buses and vans are the most common and affordable mode of transportation.
Motorbike Rental: For independent exploration, renting a motorbike or scooter is highly recommended. It gives you the freedom to explore waterfalls, remote beaches, and historical sites like Limasawa Island at your leisure. Rentals are available in Sogod and Limasawa.
Tricycles/Motorcycle Taxis: Best for short trips within a town or to nearby resorts. Be prepared to negotiate the fare, especially in tourist areas like Padre Burgos.
Hiring a Driver: You can hire a tricycle or multicab driver for a full-day tour to cover multiple sights if you prefer not to drive.
Recommended For
Southern Leyte is highly recommended for:
Divers and Snorkelers: This is the main draw. The Sogod Bay area is a globally renowned diving location with pristine reefs, deep canyons, walls, and the incredible opportunity to swim with whale sharks from November to May (primarily near Pintuyan).
Nature Enthusiasts: Travelers who enjoy exploring mountains, caves (Guinsuhotan Cave), waterfalls (Cagnitoan Falls, Magsuhot Park), and natural springs (Banahaw Spring).
History Buffs: A trip to Limasawa Island is essential, as it is historically believed to be the site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines.
The Off-the-Beaten-Path Traveler: If you prefer an authentic, quiet, and unspoiled destination away from mass tourism and huge crowds, Southern Leyte offers a genuine provincial experience.
Thrill Seekers: The massive Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod, the tallest in the Philippines, offers spectacular views and has previously hosted extreme activities like ziplining.