FREEDIVING IN DAVAO REGION: Mati and Samal Dive Spots
You know how everyone talks about Bohol, Siquijor, Palawan, Camiguin, and Cebu for freediving? Well, I’ve been exploring the spots for freediving in Davao Region as well, and trust me, it’s a whole different world. It feels untouched—like I’m seeing things underwater that few people ever get to see.
Davao is huge, with five provinces, but I’ve found two places that are absolutely must-see for anyone who loves holding their breath and diving deep. They are Mati, over in Davao Oriental, and Samal Island, which is super close to Davao City.
FREEDIVING IN MATI
Mati is amazing. It sits right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, so you get this wild, raw coastline. This area is a conservation success story, home to three critical protected areas: the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Mati Protected Landscape, and the crown jewel for divers, the Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape. This conservation focus is precisely why the diving here is so exceptional.
PUJADA ISLAND - Most Beautiful Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental
Pujada Island is, without a doubt, one of my most recommended dive spots in Mati. The moment you approach this island, you understand why it holds the distinction of being named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays by the Paris-based organization Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde (The Most Beautiful Bays in the World) Club, placing it in the same league as the famed Puerto Galera Bay.
The water is crystal clear, and the whole place feels really peaceful. It’s exactly what you picture when you think of a perfect tropical dive spot. If you want those envy-inducing underwater photos, this is where you go.
How To Get To Pujada Island
Mati City is the jump-off point for the trips to the Pujada Bay islands. Since most travelers start from Davao City, here is the easiest way to get there:
Getting to Mati City, Davao Oriental
- Go to the Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City.
Choose Your Ride:
- Bus (Budget Option): Look for air-conditioned buses bound for Mati City. The fare is typically around ₱310 to ₱400. The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
- Van (Faster Option): You can also find vans (usually in front of Gaisano Mall or at the terminal), which are often faster, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours, but they are a bit more expensive (around ₱400+).
Getting from Mati City to Pujada Island
Once you arrive at the Mati City Bus Terminal, you need to head to the boat launch area.
Ride to the Port: Take a local transport—either a tricycle (or bao-bao) or a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi)—to Barangay Tamisan (Sitio Batiano or Pier One). This is the nearest and most common jump-off point for Pujada Bay.
- The ride usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the city center. Make sure to negotiate the price with the driver before you get in (a fair range is usually around ₱150–₱200, or cheaper if you are in a group).
Rent a Boat: At Barangay Tamisan, you will hire a motorized boat for your island hopping and freediving trip.
- Boat Rental: Boat rentals for an island hopping tour (which usually includes Pujada Island, Oak Island, and Waniban Island) can cost anywhere from ₱3,500 to ₱4,000 for a whole day, and this is typically good for a group of 10 to 15 people.
Tip: It’s always best to try and rent the boat ahead of time, or go early in the morning to get the best deals and avoid strong afternoon waves.
Pay the Entrance Fee: When you arrive at Pujada Island, there is a small entrance fee (usually around ₱50 to ₱75 per person) that you will need to pay to the local caretaker.
PITOGO WALL
This was my first dive spot in Mati, and I went with my local crew, Blue Home Freediving. Talk about dramatic! Pitogo Wall is literally an underwater cliff. The reef is bursting with color and corals, and you see many marine species as the wall drops off into the deep blue.
Getting here is a bit of a workout. You have to swim about 200 meters out from the beach just to reach the wall. But once you get there and look down, it’s worth the effort. It’s best if you can comfortably dive down 10 meters or more, because that’s where the wall really starts to shine!
DAHICAN BEACH
I know Dahican Beach is super famous for surfing—and you can see why, the waves are massive! We tried freediving just beyond the waves, in front of the Dahican Surf Resort. Honestly? There wasn’t much to see. Just a lot of white sand, a few small fish, and some starfish.
I wouldn’t recommend diving here. The waves are really strong, and it makes swimming out tough. Stick to the surfboards here, and dive somewhere calmer!
FREEDIVING IN SAMAL ISLAND
Samal Island is just a short trip from Davao City, and it’s a gorgeous island loaded with resorts and beautiful beaches. While I haven’t actually gotten to dive here yet, the stories I hear from other divers are incredible.
Samal is known for totally different things than Mati. It has massive beds of giant clams (the taklobo), cool underwater caves, and deep sinkholes. It sounds like an explorer’s dream!
The key to diving here is knowing the right people. You really need to connect with a local group like Glide Freediving. They know all the secret spots—where the clams are, and the safest places to enter the caves and sinkholes. I can’t wait to update this dive guide of Davao Region once I finally strap on my fins and see Samal’s deep secrets for myself! Stay tuned!
🧜♀️ Freediving in Davao Region Dive Tips
- Call the Locals. Dive with groups like Blue Home or Glide. They know the tides, the currents, and the best hidden spots for safety and fun.
- Wear Sun Protection. Always use a rashguard or long wetsuit.The sun is strong, and sometimes there are tiny stinging creatures in the water. Better safe than sorry!
- Don’t Touch! This is the golden rule, especially in protected bays like Pujada. We need to protect the corals and marine life so others can enjoy them too.
- Buddy Up. Never dive alone, always with a buddy and a buoy.The currents here can be surprising, and safety is the most important thing.
