Ever since I learned how to freedive, I have been meaning to visit more dive sites in the Philippines. Along with Batangas, Moalboal Cebu, Coron Palawan, Puerto Galera, Siquijor, and Bohol, one of my list is to explore the best dive spots in Negros Oriental.
Negros Oriental especially the “City of Gentle People”, Dumaguete is not entirely new to me at all. I always see it as a laidback, familiar city yet it remains strange to me ‘cause I always seem to forget where places are even though I’ve been there a lot of times already. But, visiting the province of Negros Oriental again on different purpose feels like exploring a whole new destination.
Together with my #BoyaFam, we packed our freediving gears and travel to Dumaguete to explore the best dive spots in Negros Oriental. The breathtaking underwater landscapes of Bacong Port, Dauin, and Apo Island have made our 3-day freediving trip the best experience. We also had side excursion trips in other beautiful tourist destinations within the third district of the province and had a wonderful gastronomic adventure.
3 Best Dive Spots in Negros Oriental That You Should Visit
Negros Oriental houses Dumaguete City and this province is considered to be one of the most visited diving destinations of the Philippines. Almost all types of diving can be experienced here — scuba diving, deep sea diving, snorkeling, and freediving, which undeniably has becoming more popular nowadays. The undersea of Negros Oriental is rich with many beautiful corals and a wide variety of fishes. You can even find turtles within the shoreline.
Here are three (3) of the best dive spots in Negros Oriental that you should also see and explore especially if you’re an experienced freediver!
1. Bacong Pier/Port
This dive spot in Bacong, Dumaguete is fascinating with the stands of the pier pillars looming around you and covered in a wide variety of colourful soft corals. Bacong Port is widely known in freediving community to be one of the must-visit diving spots in the Philippines. The large pillars are naturally-decorated with corals which makes this spot breathtakingly beautiful to see. To dive in Bacong Port is a dream come true for me as an aspiring freediver. I have fallen in love with it that’s why I was sad to hear the news that it’s going to be demolished soon.
As you dive down, you’d see how amazing the pillars extended to the bottom of the ocean, which appears to be atleast 15 meters deep during our dive. The pier itself has about 1-2 meter gap beneath the surface of the water and the concrete top so you can come up for air almost anywhere safely without getting trapped underneath the pier.
2. Apo Island
Apo Island is a haven of sea turtles. Believe it or not, turtles are literally everywhere to see and experience in this island.
You don’t have to be good in diving to see a turtle in Apo Island because even if you’re just snorkeling a few meters away from the beach coastline, they are already there.
Apo Island is strictly implementing to have a guide for all the guests. They will be the one to guide you to see the turtles. Personally, I had a not-so satisfying experience in Apo Island, except for my encounter and moment with one of its turtles. So, I will be visiting again soon to be able to write a more detailed guide of Apo Island.
3. Dauin Dumagute
Where To Stay in Dauin, Negros Oriental
For you to get the most of these dive spots in Negros Oriental, I highly recommend to stay in Dauin, Dumaguete. The municipality of Dauin has a long stretch of beach coastline that is famous for its world-class diving experience because of its breathtaking underwater landscapes. The dive sites of Dauin near the resorts, are generally sandy slopes, that offer easy diving for dives of all levels.
La Tortue
We stayed in La Tortue and it is situated on the beach in Dauin. You’re a few steps away from diving, snorkeling, or just sticking your toes in the sand.
You will love La Tortue Dive Resort for its bamboo cottages with breezy rooms, delicious food, and a beach view lounges that makes it a perfect laidback staycation in Dauin, Negros Oriental. To stay in La Tortue feels like being one with nature because they have preserved its natural beauty and just added some great facilities for the guest’s convenience.
They have a fast and reliable WiFi which I love as a travel blogger who works everywhere, accommodating and friendly staff, and an in-house diving spot for those who love to dive all in a very affordable vacation.
MABUHAY Dumaguete
Although I haven’t stayed here, I am recommending Mabuhay Dumaguete because they are known to be one of the best places to visit in Negros Oriental if you like to experience and discover freediving. They have certified coaches and best trainings to teach you skills that you need to learn for safe freediving.
Check out Apnea Dumaguete for further information and inquiries if you’re interested about freediving.
How To Get To Dauin Dumaguete
By Air
- From Manila
- From Cebu
By Boat
- From Cebu
- From Dipolog
- From Dapitan
Getting Around Negros Oriental
- Private Transfer
- Rent a Motorcyle – ₱500
- Public Transportation
Recommended Tourist Spots to Visit in Negros Oriental
- Sulfur Vents
- Pulangbato Waterfalls and Cold Spring
- Red Rock Hot Spring
- Twin Lakes
- Forest Camp
Would you recommend this spot for someone visiting the country for the first time with a limited schedule? Or do you think there are ‘bigger’ attractions and cities to see as a top priority?
No, I don’t recommend this spot for someone visiting the Philippines for the first time. There are other attractions to see first, but this depends on what you want to do. Philippines is famous for white sand beaches and islands. If you want a diverse province with wide range of tourist attractions, I recommend visiting Cebu.
thank you for the advice1