• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Joe
  • Liveaboard Deals
  • Liveaboards & Destinations Lists
    • Great White Shark Tours Compared & Reviewed
    • Best Scuba Diving Africa – Top 10 Destinations
    • Best Diving Asia – Top 10 Destinations
    • Best Scuba Diving Caribbean
    • Best Scuba Diving Europe – Top Destinations Reviewed
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats For Solo Travelers
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Underwater Photography
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Whale Sharks
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Manta Rays
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Macro Diving
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Wreck Diving
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Diving With Sharks
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Advanced Divers
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Beginners
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats (Short Trips)
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats (Luxury)
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats (Low Budget)
  • Gift Ideas
    • Gifts For a Scuba Diver
    • Best Gifts For a Kayaker
  • Privacy Policy
    • Data Access Request
  • Contact Me

Joe's Scuba Shack

SCUBA DIVING GUIDE

  • Popular
    • Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
    • Best Scuba Diving Knives of 2021
    • Socorro Islands Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • Best Scuba Dive Bags
    • Best Diving French Polynesia Liveaboards
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
    • Best Scuba Diving Shorts Reviewed
    • Best Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • Best Full Face Dive Mask
    • Gold Dredging Alaska – The Walrus
    • Green Island Scuba Diving Taiwan
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving Maldives
    • Hookah Diving Equipment and Systems
  • Commercial/Shipwrecks
    • Best Underwater Metal Detector of 2021
    • Gold Dredging Alaska – The Walrus
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
  • Scuba Gear
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • BCDs
      • Best Travel BCDs
      • Best Back Inflate BCD
      • Best BCDs for Women of 2021
      • Best Scuba BCD Review – Top 11
      • What is a Scuba BCD?
    • Binoculars
      • Best Marine Binoculars of 2021
    • Cold Water Gear
      • Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
    • Compasses
      • The Best Dive Compasses Reviewed
    • Dive Bags
      • Best Scuba Dive Bag Reviews
      • Waterproof Bags
    • Dive Boots
      • Best Scuba Dive Boots
    • Dive Computers
      • Best Dive Computer for Beginners
      • Best Air Integrated Dive Computer in 2021
      • Best Freediving Watches
      • Top 8 Best Dive Computers
    • Dive Gloves
      • Best Scuba Diving Gloves of 2021
    • Dive Scooters
      • Best Underwater Scooter
      • Best Underwater Scuba Scooter – Adding Speed to the Dive
    • Dive Skins
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins of 2021
      • Best Rash Guards Men
      • Best Rash Guard Women for 2021
    • Dive Watches
      • Best Scuba Diving Watches for Women
      • The 10 Best Diving Watches
    • Dry Suits
      • Best Women’s Scuba Diving Drysuits
      • Top 10 Scuba Drysuits of 2021 Compared and Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Drysuits Buying Guide
    • Drysuit Undergarments
      • Best Drysuit Undergarments of 2021
    • Fins
      • Best Scuba Fins
      • Best Fins for Bodyboarding
      • Best Fins For Snorkeling
      • Best Freediving Fins of 2021
    • First Aid Kits
    • Freediving
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins of 2021
      • Best Freediving Watches
      • Best Freediving Masks of 2021
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
      • Best Freediving Fins of 2021
      • The Best Spearguns
      • Best Pole Spears for Spearfishing
    • Full Face Masks
      • Best Full Face Dive Mask
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
    • Gear Packages
      • Best Scuba Diving Gear Packages
    • Gifts For a Scuba Diver
    • GPS Gear
      • The Best Marine GPS
    • Hoods
      • Best 8 Scuba Diving Hoods of 2021
    • Hookah Diving
      • Best Hookah Dive Systems
      • Hookah Diving Equipment and Systems
    • Knives
      • Best Scuba Diving Knives of 2021
      • Best Titanium Dive Knives
      • Best Camping Knife
      • Best Kayak Knife Reviews
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviewed
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
    • Marine Coolers
    • Masks
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
      • Best Full Face Dive Mask
      • Best Scuba Mask for a Small Face
      • Best Spearfishing Mask
      • Best Snorkel Mask
      • Best Prescription Snorkeling Mask Review
      • Best Scuba Mask With a Purge Valve of 2020
      • Best Freediving Masks
      • Best Scuba Mask – Top 10 Reviewed and Compared
    • Rebreathers
      • Best Closed Circuit Rebreathers Described and Reviewed
    • Regulators
      • Best Budget Scuba Regulator Reviews
      • Best Cold Water Regulators
      • Best Scuba Regulator 2021
    • Safety Equipment
      • Essential Scuba Diving Safety Equipment
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Reviews
      • What is the Best SMB for Diving?
    • Scuba Gauges
      • Best Scuba Diving Gauges Reviewed and Compared
    • Scuba Shorts
      • Best Scuba Diving Shorts Reviewed
    • Slates
      • Best Scuba Diving Slates
    • Snorkeling Gear
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
      • Best Snorkel Mask in 2021
      • Best Dry Snorkel Review
    • Spearfishing
      • Best Spearfishing Mask in 2021
      • Best Pole Spears for Spearfishing
      • The Best Spearguns
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
    • Surface Marker Buoys
      • What is the Best SMB for Diving?
    • Tanks
      • The 10 Best Scuba Tanks
    • Underwater Drones
      • Best Underwater Drones For Sale
    • Underwater Lights
      • Best Underwater Strobes
      • Best Scuba Dive Lights
    • Underwater Metal Detectors
      • Best Underwater Metal Detector of 2021
    • Underwater Photography
      • What is the Best Underwater Camera Housing?
      • Best Lens for Underwater Photography
      • Best Waterproof Camera
      • Best Underwater Strobes
      • Best Scuba Diving Camera Reviews
    • Underwater Signaling Devices
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Reviews
    • VHF Marine Radios
      • Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews
    • Wetsuits
      • Women’s Wetsuits
      • Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits Reviews
      • The Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit – Features and Description
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits
      • Best Wetsuit for Kayaking
  • Scuba Basics
    • Level 3: PADI Rescue Diver Requirements & Course Description
    • Level II: Advanced Open Water Dive Course
    • Flying After Diving – What You Need to Know
    • Decompression Sickness Signs, Symptoms & Prevention
    • What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
    • Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control
    • Scuba Dive Buddy System
    • Learning to Dive – Level 1: The Open Water Diver Course
    • How to Become a Certified Diver – FAQ
    • Reasons to Become a Certified Scuba Diver
  • Liveaboards/Resorts A – I
    • Alaska
      • Scuba Diving in Anchorage Alaska
    • Arctic/Antarctic
      • Scuba Diving Antarctica & the Arctic – Liveaboards
    • Argentina
      • Scuba Diving in Argentina Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego
      • Scuba Diving in Argentina Peninsula Valdes
    • Australia
      • Scuba Diving Byron Bay Australia
      • Townsville Australia Diving
      • Scuba Diving Whitsunday Islands Australia
      • Scuba Diving Port Douglas Australia
      • Scuba Diving Cairns Australia
      • Scuba Diving Adelaide South Australia
      • Gold Coast Australia Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving Brisbane Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Melbourne Australia
      • Best Sydney Australia Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Perth Australia
      • Scuba Diving Tasmania Review
      • Scuba Diving Ningaloo Reef Western Australia Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Australia Liveaboards
    • Brazil
      • Abrolhos Scuba Diving Brazil
      • Fernando de Noronha Brazil Scuba Diving
    • Burma
      • Best Scuba Diving Burma Liveaboards
    • California
      • Scuba Diving San Clemente Island California
      • Scuba Diving Channel Islands National Park
      • Best Scuba Diving San Diego California
      • Scuba Dive Catalina Island California
      • Scuba Diving Monterey Bay California
    • Cambodia
      • Best Scuba Diving Cambodia
    • Carribbean, Bermuda & Cocos Islands
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Scuba Diving the BVI (British Virgin Islands)
      • Scuba Diving the British Virgin Islands Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the US Virgin Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Barts
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Eustatius
      • Best Scuba Diving in Saba
      • Scuba Diving St Kitts and Nevis
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Roatan Honduras
      • Best Roatan Honduras Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Haiti
      • Scuba Diving the Bahamas
      • Best Scuba Diving Bahamas Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
      • Best Scuba Diving Guadeloupe
      • Best Anguilla Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving in Antigua and Barbuda
      • Best Scuba Diving Jamaica
      • Best Scuba Diving Cuba
      • Best Scuba Diving Cuba Liveaboard – Jardines de la Reina
      • Scuba Diving the Dominican Republic
      • Best Scuba Diving Panama
      • Scuba Diving Cancun Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Rico
      • Scuba Diving St. Vincent and the Grenadines Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in St Lucia
      • Best Scuba Diving Cozumel
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Martin
      • Best Scuba Diving Turks and Caicos
      • Diving the Cayman Islands
      • Best Trinidad & Tobago Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Curacao
      • Best Scuba Diving Aruba
      • Best Bonaire Dive Vacation
      • Best Scuba Diving in Dominica
      • Los Roques Venezuela Diving
      • Best Scuba in Bermuda Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Barbados
      • Grenada Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Martinique
      • Best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Liveaboards Caribbean
    • Central America
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Socorro Islands Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Midriff Islands Sea of Cortez Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving Loreto Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Cabo Pulmo Mexico
      • Scuba Diving La Paz Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Cabo San Lucas Mexico
      • Puerto Vallarta Mexico Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Panama
      • Scuba Diving Cancun Mexico
      • Cozumel Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Roatan Honduras Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
      • Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Mexico – Guadalupe Island Shark Diving and Socorro Island Liveaboards
    • Colombia
      • Malpelo Island Diving Colombia
      • Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
        • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
    • Europe
      • Costa Brava Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving Menorca Spain
      • Scuba Diving on Mallorca Spain
      • Ibiza Scuba Diving Spain
      • Scuba Diving Lofoten Norway
      • Best Scuba Diving Sicily
      • Scuba Diving Scapa Flow Wrecks
      • Scuba Diving Sardinia Italy
      • Best Scuba Diving Greece
      • Best Scuba Diving Portugal
      • Best Scuba Diving on Cyprus
      • Montenegro Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Croatia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Crete
      • Best Malta Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Italy Tuscan Archipelago Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Isle of Man
    • Florida & Atlantic Coast
      • Scuba Diving Fort Myers Florida
      • Scuba Diving in Sarasota Florida
      • Scuba Diving Myrtle Beach (SC)
      • Scuba Diving Marathon Florida
      • Scuba Diving Islamorada Florida
      • Scuba Diving on Key West Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Key Largo Florida
      • Scuba Diving West Palm Beach Florida
      • Scuba Diving Fort Lauderdale Florida
      • Scuba Diving in Panama City Florida
      • Scuba Diving Pensacola Florida
    • Galapagos
      • Best Galapagos Islands Scuba Diving
      • Galapagos Islands Diving Liveaboards
    • Hong Kong
      • Best Scuba Diving Hong Kong
    • Indian Ocean
      • Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai South Africa
      • Shark Diving in Mossel Bay South Africa
      • Scuba Diving in Pondicherry India
      • Scuba Diving Goa India
      • Best Scuba Diving Maldives
      • Best Maldives Liveaboard Diving
      • Scuba Diving Cape Town South Africa
      • Scuba Diving Port Elizabeth South Africa
      • Scuba Diving South Africa Protea Banks
      • Aliwal Shoal Scuba Diving South Africa
      • Scuba Diving Sodwana Bay South Africa
      • Scuba Diving the Andaman Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving Mozambique
      • Scuba Diving Mombasa Kenya
      • Best Reunion Island Diving Reviewed
      • Best Diving Zanzibar Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving in Mauritius
      • Best Sri Lanka Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Madagascar Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Seychelles – Liveaboards
    • Indonesia
      • Scuba Diving Raja Ampat Indonesia
      • Best Raja Ampat Liveaboards
      • Best Derawan Islands Diving Liveaboards
      • Diving on Gili Islands Indonesia Reviewed
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving Northern Sulawesi and Halmahera
      • Best Diving Indonesia – Pulau Weh Diving
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Alor and Flores
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Cenderawasih Bay
      • Best Indonesia Diving – Wakatobi Liveaboard Diving
      • Best North Sulawesi Scuba Diving – Bunaken Island & Lembeh Strait Indonesia
      • Banda Sea Diving Liveaboards Indonesia
      • Best Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Bali Diving Resorts
  • Liveaboards/Resorts J – Z
    • Japan
      • Scuba Diving Okinawa Japan
    • Macronesia (Atlantic) & West Africa
      • Dakar Senegal Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving the Canary Islands
      • Scuba Diving the Azores
      • Best Scuba Diving Cape Verde Islands
      • Scuba Diving Madeira Islands Portugal
    • Malaysia
      • Kuching Diving Sarawak Malaysia
      • Langkawi Scuba Diving Malaysia
      • Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu
      • Diving Redang Island Malaysia
      • Best Diving Malaysia Labuan Wrecks
      • Best Diving Malaysia Perhentian Islands Diving
      • Tioman Island Scuba Diving
      • Best Dive Resorts Malaysia – Layang Layang Island & Lankayan Island Borneo
      • Sipadan Island Scuba Diving
    • Middle East
      • Best Scuba Diving in Israel
      • Best Red Sea Diving Eilat
      • Scuba Diving Nuweiba Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Jeddah & Yanbu Saudi Arabia
      • Best Dahab Diving Holidays
      • Best Marsa Alam Egypt Diving
      • Best Diving Sharm el Sheikh Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Hurghada Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Aqaba Jordan
      • Scuba Diving the Red Sea Liveaboards
      • Fujairah & Dubai Scuba Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving Djibouti Liveaboards
      • Best Diving in Oman – Muscat
      • Best Oman Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • New Zealand
      • Scuba Diving Bay of Islands New Zealand
      • Best Milford Sound Diving New Zealand
      • Poor Knights Islands Diving New Zealand
    • Pacific Islands
      • Scuba Diving Pohnpei Micronesia
      • Best Scuba Diving Samoa
      • Scuba Diving Easter Island Chile
      • Best Scuba Diving Molokai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Maui Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Kauai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Oahu Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Hawaii Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Palau Micronesia
      • Scuba Diving Palau Micronesia Liveaboards
      • Kosrae Scuba Diving Micronesia
      • Scuba Diving the Cook Islands
      • Best Tonga Scuba Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving New Caledonia Review
      • Scuba Diving Vanuatu Review
      • Best Yap Scuba Diving Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Guam Reviewed
      • Best Saipan Scuba Diving Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Fiji
      • Bikini Atoll & Truk Lagoon Wrecks – Liveaboards
      • Best Diving French Polynesia Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving the Solomon Islands Liveaboards
    • Pacific Northwest (North America)
      • Nanaimo Scuba Diving British Columbia
      • Scuba Diving British Columbia – Howe Sound
      • Best Scuba Diving San Juan Islands Washington
    • Papua New Guinea
      • Papua New Guinea Diving Review
      • Best Papua New Guinea Diving Liveaboards
    • Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Coron Philippines
      • Best Coron Wrecks & Apo Reef Diving Liveaboards
      • Romblon Scuba Diving Philippines Review
      • Scuba Diving Camiguin Philippines Review
      • Scuba Diving Siquijor Island Philippines Review
      • Dumaguete Philippines Scuba Diving
      • Philippines Diving Puerto Princesa Review
      • Best Diving in the Philippines Visayas Liveaboards
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anilao Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Cebu Moalboal Diving
      • Best Diving Malapascua Philippines
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anda Scuba Diving
      • El Nido Scuba Diving Philippines
      • Mactan Island Diving Philippines
      • Sogod Bay Diving Southern Leyte Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Boracay Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Galera Philippines
      • Panglao Scuba Diving Bohol Philippines
      • Scuba Diving the Philippines Subic Bay Wrecks
      • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
      • Best Liveaboard Scuba Diving Philippines Malapascua & the Visayas
    • Taiwan
      • Scuba Diving Kenting Taiwan
      • Green Island Scuba Diving Taiwan
      • Best Diving Taiwan Orchid Island
    • Thailand
      • Ko Lipe Diving Thailand
      • Scuba Diving Krabi Thailand
      • Scuba Diving in Nha Trang Vietnam
      • Scuba Diving Khao Lak Thailand
      • Chumphon Scuba Diving Thailand
      • Scuba Diving Koh Chang Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving in Pattaya Thailand
      • Best Koh Tao Thailand Diving
      • Best Phuket Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Thailand Liveaboards
    • Vietnam
  • Books & Media
    • Top 10 Best Ocean Documentaries
    • Top 10 Best Diving Movies of All Time
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Cave & Underwater Explorer Diving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Educational & Reference
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Wreck & Inspirational
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Children’s & Fiction
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Underwater Photography & Freediving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books – Pacific Northwest Marine Life
  • Swimming
    • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
    • Best Men’s Swimming Trunks
    • Best Men’s Board Shorts
    • Best Swimming Headphones
    • The Best Swim Parka of 2021
    • The Best Swim Goggles
  • Boating
    • Boating Accessories
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviewed
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
      • Best Rain Gear for Fishing
      • Best Boat Trailer Tongue Jack Review
      • The Best Boat Trailer Winch Reviews
      • Best Bimini Tops for Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Boat Ladder Reviews
      • Best Boat Anchor Rope Reviews
      • Best Boat Anchor Review
      • Best First Aid Kits 2021
    • Binoculars
      • Best Night Vision Binoculars Review
      • Marine Binoculars
    • Canoes
      • Best Inflatable Canoe Reviews
      • Canoes
      • Best Canoe Paddles for 2021
    • Coolers
      • Soft Side Coolers
      • Marine Coolers
    • Electronics
      • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews
      • Kayak Fish Finder Review
      • The Best Marine GPS
    • Inflatable Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Inflatable Dinghy Review
      • Best Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boats
      • Inflatable Boats
    • Kayak Accessories
      • Best Kayak Knife Reviews
      • Best Kayak Rod Holders
      • Best Kayak Seats Reviews
      • Best Kayak Storage Racks
      • Best Gifts For a Kayaker
      • Kayak Compass Reviews
      • Best Kayak Anchor Systems
      • Kayak Bilge Pump Reviews
      • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Kayak Roof Rack Systems
      • What is the Best Kayak Cart?
      • Best Dry Bags Kayaking
      • Best Water Shoes Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Helmets in 2021
      • Best Wetsuit for Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Drysuit Review
      • Best Kayak Paddle Fishing
      • Best Kayak Paddles for 2021
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best Kayak Life Vests Women
      • Best Life Vest Kayaking
    • Kayaks
      • Best Motorized Kayak in 2021
      • Best Pedal Kayak Review
      • Best Kayak for Kids Reviews
      • Best Kayaks for Women in 2021
      • Best Touring Kayaks
      • Best Tandem Kayak Review
      • Best Whitewater Kayaks Beginners
      • Best Lake Kayaks of 2021
      • Best Ocean Kayaks
      • Ocean Fishing Kayak Reviews
      • Best Fishing Kayaks of 2021
      • Best Beginner Kayaks Reviews
      • Best Recreational Kayaks
      • Best Inflatable Kayaks
    • Life Jackets
      • Best Life Jackets for Jet Ski
      • Best Wakeboard Life Jacket Reviews
      • Inflatable Life Jackets Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best Kayak Life Vests Women
      • Best Life Vests Kayaking
    • Motors
      • Best Electric Trolling Motor Reviews
      • Best Small Outboard Motor Reviews
      • Best Kayak Trolling Motor Review
  • Board Sports
    • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
    • Stand Up Paddleboards
      • Best Stand Up Paddle Board Review 2021
      • Best Stand Up Paddleboard for Yoga
      • Best Paddle Boards for Surfing
      • Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2021
      • Best Fishing SUP Boards
    • SUP Accessories
      • Best SUP Paddles Review
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best SUP Roof Rack Systems
    • Best Skimboards of 2021
    • Best Wakesurf Boards
    • Body Boards
      • Best Bodyboards
      • Best Boogie Boards for Kids
      • Best Fins for Bodyboarding
    • Surfboards
      • Best Surfboards for 2021
      • Best Soft Top Surfboards in 2021
      • Best Surfboard for Beginners in 2021
      • Best Surfboards for Kids
    • Surfing Accessories
      • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
      • Best Men’s Board Shorts
      • Best Surfing Watches in 2021
      • Best Surfboard Travel Bag Review
      • Best Surfboard Racks for Cars
      • The Best Surf Booties
      • Best Rash Guards Men
      • Best Rash Guard Women for 2021
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits
  • Towables
    • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
    • What is the Best Kneeboard?
    • Best Wakeboards
    • Best Wakeboard Life Jacket Reviews
    • Water Ski Reviews
    • Best Wakesurf Boards
    • Best Towable Tubes
  • Beach
    • Best Beach Cruisers
    • Best Beach Wagons or Carts
    • Waterproof Bags
    • Best Soft Sided Coolers of 2021
    • Best Beach Coolers in 2021
    • Best Marine Coolers Review
    • Best Beach Chairs
    • Best Beach Umbrellas Review
    • Best Beach Canopy 2021
    • Best Beach Tent Review
  • Cycling
    • Best Kids Electric Scooter
    • Best Adult Electric Scooter
    • Best Folding Bikes
    • Best Cameras for Cycling
    • Best MTB Lights 2021
    • Best Hardtail Mountain Bike in 2021
    • Best Gravel Bike Under $2,000
    • Best Beginner Road Bikes
    • Best Bike Computers 2021
    • Best Comfort Bikes 2021
    • Best Children’s Mountain Bikes
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets
    • Best Mountain Bike Helmets 2021
    • Best Affordable Electric Bikes of 2021
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bikes
    • Best BMX Bikes of 2021
    • Best Mountain Bike Under $1,000 of 2021
    • Best Budget Mountain Bikes of 2021
    • Best Fat Bikes in 2021
    • Best Single Speed Bike Reviews
    • Best Beach Cruisers
  • Camping
    • Best Shower Tent for Camping
    • Best Handheld GPS in 2021
    • Best Hiking Binoculars
    • Best Watches for Hiking
    • Best Mess Kits for Camping
    • Best Hiking Shoes in 2021
    • Best Hiking Boots for 2021
    • Best Portable Showers for Camping
    • Best Backpacking Water Filters in 2021
    • Best Headlamps for 2021
    • Best Night Vision Binoculars Review
    • Best Backpacking Stove Reviews
    • Best Backpacking Tarp Shelter
    • Best Camping Knife
    • Best Backpacking Tents
    • Best Backpacking Backpacks in 2020
    • Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads in 2020
    • Best Camping Bed
    • Best Portable Toilets
    • Best Bivy Sack Review
    • Best Camping Hammock
    • Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags for 2020
    • Best Ultralight Tents
    • Best SUV Tents
    • Best 4 Season Tents
    • Best Truck Tents
    • Best 4 Person Tents
    • Best Beach Tent Review

Panglao Scuba Diving Bohol Philippines

1:20 pm by Joe 14 Comments

Cabilao Island Hawksbill Turtle Philippines Scuba Diving
Cabilao Island Hawksbill Turtle

Updated January 1, 2020

Are you looking for your dream dive vacation? This is the eighth in a series of reviews of the best dive resort locations around the world.  In this post, the focus will be Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines.

In addition to this series on dive resort locations, the best worldwide liveaboard dive locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards / Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving on Panglao Island before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Panglao Scuba Diving

Background – Panglao Island is located on the southern tip of Bohol Province in the Philippines.  Resort scuba diving has been steadily developing there for the last 30 years. Today there are dozens of hotels of all levels around the island, but the beautiful shoreline on the eastern side around Alona Beach is the most advanced resort area.

Panglao is in a centralized location for going to other outstanding dive destinations including Cabilao and Balicasag Islands.  In addition, excursions can be easily arranged to the Chocolate Hills and other land-based natural areas with attractions like the tarsier.

For an overview of the history, geography, and culture in Bohol, please click on this link:  Bohol Information

Undersea World – There is great biodiversity with outstanding macro life for the photographer or marine biologist, and a lot of reef fish, pelagics, and large animal life. Highlights include big schools of barracuda and jacks, white and blacktip reef sharks, hammerheads, in season, the occasional whale shark, turtles, whales, dolphins, turtles, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and many others.  See the site summaries below for more.  A lot of the dives are on walls with lots of hard and soft corals, giant fans, black coral, various sponges, tunicates, feather stars, and a huge variety of invertebrates.

Seasons and Conditions – Diving is good year-round.  It is always warm with a range of 77-95°F (25-35°C) and the water temp between 77-86°F (25-30°C).  Most people never need any thicker than a 3 mm wetsuit.  The rainiest time is from July to September, but it doesn’t often interrupt diving.  Visibility is usually from 15-30 meters (50-100 feet). When it rains, visibility decreases some.  The best time for hammerheads is from December to April.

Liveaboard cruises only touch on the Panglao Island area.  There are very limited opportunities annually to dive on Cabilao and Balicasag on liveaboards with none of them going to the main dive sites east of Panglao Island.

To check out Philippines liveaboard opportunities, please click here:

  • Philippines Liveaboards

For other posts about Philippine diving, check these:

  • Scuba Diving Romblon Philippines
  • Scuba Diving Camiguin Philippines Review
  • Scuba Diving Siquijor Island Philippines Review
  • Scuba Diving Dumaguete Philippines Review
  • Philippines Puerto Princesa Scuba Diving Review
  • Best Liveaboard Diving – Tubbataha Reefs National Park
  • Best Coron Wrecks & Apo Reef Liveaboards
  • Best Liveaboard Scuba Diving Philippines (Malapascua and the Visayas)
  • Best Scuba Diving Philippines Subic Bay Wrecks 
  • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Galera Philippines
  • Best Scuba Diving Holidays Boracay Philippines
  • Best Scuba Diving Philippines Sogod Bay
  • Philippines Best Diving Mactan Island
  • Best Philippines Diving Bacuit Bay El Nido
  • Best Diving Philippines Anilao Batangas
  • Best Diving Reviews Anda Bohol
  • Best Scuba Diving Resorts Malapascua
  • Best Diving Philippines Visayas Liveaboards
  • Philippines Moalboal Scuba Diving Review

Panglao Island Dive Sites

Brief Dive Site Summaries (see map below for locations)

  1. Black Forest (Balicasag Island) – steep slope starts at 5-8 meters, coral heads all along the slope, many black corals starting at 30 meters, schools of bluefin and big eye jacks, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, reef fish, bannerfish, Moorish idols, turtles
  2. Marine Sanctuary (Balicasag Island) – from 4-5 meters a steep wall descends, overhangs, ledges, caverns, big eye jacks, unicornfish, giant trevallies, great macro
  3. Rudy’s Rock (Balicasag Island) – a good place for big schools of bigeye jacks and green turtles
  4. Diver’s Heaven (Balicasag Island) – grassy reef top with turtles, from 5-8 meters a steep drop off to beyond 40 meters, large tuna, bluefin jacks, triggerfish, turtles
  5. Light House (Cabilao Island) – drops off to a plateau at 25-30 meters and drops off again from there with another wall, current can be strong, rich coral reef, pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, hammerheads and whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, big eye jacks, good muck diving, and night diving
  6. Cambaki’s Point (Cabilao Island) – in front of a small village, wall to 30 meters with a small cave, a sandy area between coral reef areas, diverse sea life, ornate pipefish
  7. South Point (Cabilao Island) – large table corals from 5-12 meters, then steep wall to 60 meters, rich with sponges, soft corals, and invertebrates, mild current
  8. Pamilacan Island – good drift diving, currents can be strong, mantas and whale sharks possible, Spanish mackerel, Napoleon wrasse, a big coral garden at 20 meters, reef to 50 meters, suitable for experienced divers
  9. Snake Island – also known as “Sunken Island” or “Cervera Shoal,” sunken plateau at 18 meters with a flat top of coral heads and barrel sponges, schools of fish start at 10 meters on the descent, current can be strong, black and white banded sea kraits, morays, giant frogfish, schools of big mouth mackerels, Spanish mackerels, surgeonfish, reef slopes from 18 meters to very deep, possibility of thresher sharks
  10. Arco Point – aka “The Hole in the Wall,” tunnel from 8 to 18 meters, many snakes, steep wall from 8-20 meters, rich coral to 30 meters, moray and snake eels in the tunnel, great macro with frogfish, Pegasus, flounders, scorpionfish, beginner to advanced level diving, some stronger current possible at the drop-offs
  11. BBC (Bohol Beach Club) – reef starts at 6-10 meters with two jeepneys, one at 8 meters and one at 10 meters, covered with soft corals, steep slopes with sea fans holding pygmy seahorses, rich macro site with dart gobies, spiny devilfish, frogfish, whiskered pipefish and more, reef continues to 25 meters, small cave with flatworms, moray and snake eels, sandy bottom at the base
  12. Cristal Coast – reef drops off to 25 meters, hard and soft corals, rich macro life, eels, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs, suitable for beginners and training
  13. Alona Beach – wall to 25 meters, many fissures, rich coral reef with anemones and small reef fish, good macro with scorpionfish, frogfish, nudibranchs, sea kraits, good night dive area
  14. Kalipayan Wreck – the reef drops off at 5 meters into a vertical wall to 22 meters, scuttled Filipino pumpboat in 33 meters on a sandy bottom below the wall, greatly disintegrated, seahorses, wonderpus octopus, and flamboyant cuttlefish are all sometimes sighted
  15. Habagat Wreck – scuttled in 2000, engine room sits at 28 meters, bow at 35 meters in the sand, interesting macro life, large lionfish, pipefish, morays, yellow trevallies, from 28 meters is a slope ascending to a wall to 5 meters, can be suitable for intermediate to advanced divers
  16. Puntod Wall – at 3-5 meters is a coral garden, 5-40 meters is a steep wall, gorgonians, coral and invertebrates, scorpionfish, ribbon eels, giant frogfish, clown frogfish, tuna, Spanish mackerel
  17. Doljo Point – from 5-6 meters wall descends to 60 meters, leather corals, sea fans, barrel sponges with giant frogfish, reef fish, angelfish, butterflyfish, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, eagle rays
  18. Momo Beach – from 3-5 meters wall extends to 40 meters, table corals on top and wall covered with hard and soft corals, diverse life, leaf fish, nudibranchs, gobies
  19. Napaling – from 3 meters wall goes down to 40 meters, fissures, holes, caverns, ledges, reef fish, anthias, Moorish idols, bannerfish, juvenile barracuda, frogfish

These are some of the most famous and popular dive sites.  Every dive shop has a number of others they can suggest.  In addition to these sites around Panglao, Cabilao, and Balicasag Islands, many shops will do trips further away up to Anda, in eastern Bohol and to Sumilon Island, Little Apo Island, Oslob or Siquijor to the west and southwest.

Panglao Island Dive Site Map Philippines Scuba Diving
Panglao Island Dive Site Map

Panglao Island Photos

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef, megafauna, and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed

Panglao Island Accommodation

Panglao Island has many hotels and resorts from the lowest price backpacker hostel to luxurious full-service resorts.  From December to April, particularly around Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Easter, it can get very busy and the prices also get jacked up a bit.  Between May and November, it is more relaxed and at times pretty slow.  At such times, discounts can be arranged.  Generally, though, the pricing is very reasonable, especially for diving and diver training.

This website is a good source for the available options and can arrange a booking.  Their rates are the lowest and it is free to cancel or change dates:

  • Panglao Island Accommodation

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Panglao Island scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Filed Under: Resort Diving

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Juvette says

    at 1:54 am

    This looks amazing!!! I have never scuba dived before, I guess it kind of freaks me out. I don’t even use a mouth piece when snorkelling. The island dive sites sounds like they have some sites to see, I love seahorses so Kalipayan Wreck might be my pick!! I would also like to check out BBC (Bohol Beach Club), there seems to be a lot of sea life happening there which I would like to see!! Thank you for the share!! P.S. The turtle is awesome!!

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 3:35 am

      Hi Juvette,

      I am glad you enjoyed the reading. Thanks for your kind comments.

      It seems you might be ready for “discover scuba diving.”  That is a very gentle experience where an instructor teaches a little diving theory, gets you used to the equipment patiently in the swimming pool and then very closely supervises you on a shallow dive in the ocean on one of the beautiful reefs nearby the hotel. It is really eye opening and wonderful.  How does that sound?  All the dive shops and resorts can organize this for you.

      If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to respond.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  2. zuchii says

    at 2:01 am

    A well detailed location/tourist site review, quite revealing and interesting.There are a lot of sites for diving here and lots of breathtaking views to have for a lifetime.

    Would appreciate if you added a price list range (might not be accurate figures) for the various sites so we can have an idea.The Philippines just got more enticing with this article.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 3:21 am

      Hi Zuchii,

      Thanks a lot for your interest and kind comments.

      Are you a licensed diver?  If not, the basic open water diver class takes about 4 days and includes some study, 5 shallow water classes to learn the skills and 4 open water dives to practice the skills and have a supervised introduction to the undersea world. The shops on Panglao Island will offer a price for this in the $350 range.  Dives for certified divers to local sites run around $30 and the more distant areas $40.  The resorts also offer room and diving packages that vary based on the resort.  You can check the resorts by going to the link toward the bottom of the post labeled “Panglao Island Accommodation.”

      If you would like further advice or information, I’d be glad to help.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  3. Cath Anon says

    at 2:05 am

    That is just magnificent.  Magnificent!  And with so many options, it’s hard to decide where to go. How can you choose?

    It amazes me how some underwater areas look like land – like the photo with the turtle … with grass growing on the sea floor!

    Diving is truly a sublime experience when one is able to do it, whenever they can.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 3:01 am

      Hi Cath Anon,

      Thanks a lot for your kind comments. It is very beautiful there with great underwater seascapes, wildlife and coral formations.

      You indicate there are so many options.  Did you go to the Panglao Island Accommodation link toward the bottom of the post?  I think maybe you did. There are a lot of resorts available.  What kind would you like, something on a budget and more casual or more high service and luxurious or something in between?  Let me know and I can suggest something that might suit you.  Please let me know.

      If you have any other questions, I’d love to hear them.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  4. Maria says

    at 2:08 am

    What a beautiful and amazing post! ! Diving is not for me but I like to see people doing it and the pictures and videos that are taken under the sea. The videos you posted are wonderful. I would like to go there… I am afraid of going under the sea. Thank you so much for this wonderful post, I loved it.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 2:49 am

      Hi Maria,

      I am glad you enjoyed my post. Thanks for the kind comments.

      It is a very beautiful place to go, even if you aren’t a diver.  The beach and resorts are very inviting. Why don’t you go to the Panglao Island Accommodation link toward the bottom of the site to check out the wonderful options.

      Snorkeling is good there or you could consider discover scuba diving where you learn a little theory and practice skills in a pool, and then do a very shallow dive in the ocean.  This is designed for people who are not avid swimmers and takes into account any fears you might have.  All of the dive shops have got very patient and capable instructors who would love to do it with you.

      If you have any questions, please let me know.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  5. Kira Price says

    at 3:19 am

    As soon I read diving is year round I immediately set out to get my passport. My friend and I absolutely love traveling and finding the best places to have safe under water fun this was really helpful! I am really glad you mentioned diver insurance too that is too great I already feel safer. Now I have to decide which hotel to go to.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 3:58 am

      Hi Kira,

      Thanks for your kind comments.

      There are a number of hotels around Panglao Island from budget backpacker types of places up to full service luxury resorts.  If you have not already gone there, please click on the link at the bottom of my post labeled “Panglao Island Accommodation.”  If you want any advice, I have personal experience with several of them.

      If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.  I invite you to browse some of the other great diving locations I review.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  6. Henry says

    at 3:37 am

    Hi! Thank you Joe! I have been following your series on the best dive resort locations around the world! It has been so cool to have found your site.

    I have always been interested in visiting the Philippines. And I have heard Panglao Island is very beautiful!  

    I have also been interested in visiting Rudy’s Rock on the Balicasag Island. You have also mentioned it here.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 3:52 am

      Hi Henry,

      Thanks for your support. I’m glad you have checked in on some of my posts.  There are a lot of great spots to go for diving around the world.

      Diving is quite good around Panglao Island and the resorts are competent with good service.  I took a dive safari to Balicasag some years back and stayed at the resort there with my divers for 4-5 days.  We dove Rudy’s Rock and all the sites there extensively. It’s a fabulous place and the resort is also very solid.  You can check them out by going to the link toward the bottom of my post labeled “Panglao Island Accommodations.”

      I hope you get a chance to check it out.  If you have any other questions or comments, please get in touch.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  7. Sondra M says

    at 3:53 am

    I wish all travel websites were as detailed as this page is.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.   Only last night, did the Philippines make my list of possible places for a vacation next year.     Your article made the Philippines sound even more appealing.   Plus, you answered a bunch of the questions I had about the best time of year to go.  

    I have never tried underwater photography YET.   After reading about these different dive spots, I think I must add it to my list of to do’s.  Granted, I have not gone scuba diving yet.  I suppose I should take my classes and get my scuba certification soon.   I saw on your about me page that you originally lived in the US.   Do you recommend the PADI or NAUI certification?  

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 4:54 am

      Hi Sondra,

      I really appreciate your enthusiasm and kind comments.

      I am a PADI instructor myself and can recommend their courses highly. NAUI also has a great reputation, but you will will find more PADI instructors and shops available.  You can find a class close to your home most likely.  I would suggest that you consider to do it at the vacation destination, in this case, Panglao.  The shops are set up with fine instructors and high grade equipment, boats and facilities and doing your training on a first rate coral reef makes the course more exciting and meaningful. The basic open water diver class takes about 4 days and includes some study, 5 shallow water classes to learn the skills and 4 open water dives to practice the skills and have a supervised introduction to the undersea world.

      In addition, for photography I suggest going to my post in the underwater photography category for reviews on a range of cameras and housings (required for the more sophisticated cameras).

      If you have any questions, please let me know.  I hope to hear that you have made a plan to become a diver.  Good luck.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Best Shower Tent for Camping
  • Best Handheld GPS in 2021
  • Best Hiking Binoculars
  • Best Watches for Hiking
  • Best Mess Kits for Camping
  • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
  • Best Men’s Swimming Trunks
  • Best Men’s Board Shorts

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Joe on Malpelo Island Diving Colombia
  • Lil'fishy on Malpelo Island Diving Colombia
  • Joe on Fernando de Noronha Brazil Scuba Diving
  • Mike on Fernando de Noronha Brazil Scuba Diving
  • Joe on Scuba Diving Easter Island Chile

Suunto D5 Computer w/Tank Pod

Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Apeks XL4+ – Great for Cold Water & Technical Diving

Brownie’s F285X Deluxe Floating Hookah Dive System – 2 Person

Diamondback Haanjo 4 Gravel Bike

Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

IST Sports WS80 3-5-7mm Men’s & Women’s Wetsuits – Good Quality & Pricing

Dräger Panorama Nova Full Face Dive Mask

Scubapro Litehawk – Top Back Inflation Travel BCD

Promate Titanium Dive Knife

Seamax Ocean 430 14′ Heavy Duty Dinghy

Minn Kota Traxxis 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor

Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit

Scubapro FS-2 Compass

Scubapro Go Travel Fins

Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS

XS Scuba Thug

Waterproof D10 Pro ISS Women’s Drysuit

Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Marine Binocular

Mares Cruise Backpack Pro

Neosport Unisex Sports Skin

Pelican 50QT Elite Marine Cooler

Coleman Instant Beach Canopy

Coleman 5 HP Easy Start Outboard Motor

Fourth Element Neoprene Dive Gloves

Ocean Kayak Malibu II Recreational Kayak

THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard

Speedo Color Block Swim Parka

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

My website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.   This is at no extra cost to you.

Joe

Copyright © 2021 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in