As a recreational freediver who enjoys exploring different islands around the Philippines, freediving in Limasawa Island has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Aside from its important role in Philippine history, the island has become increasingly popular within the local freediving community because of its beautiful port dive and a crack that regularly appears on my social media feed.
I finally had the chance to visit during the last week of July 2026. While the weather didn’t allow us to experience every dive site, the trip still gave me a good glimpse of why so many freedivers keep recommending this island.
If you’re planning a dive trip soon, here’s everything you need to know before going freediving in Limasawa Island.
Quick Facts About Freediving in Limasawa Island
Limasawa Island, located off the southern tip of Southern Leyte, is slowly becoming one of the Philippines’ most talked-about freediving destinations. Unlike commercial dive hotspots, the island still feels peaceful and uncrowded.
If you’re after the famous Magallanes Port, the Limasawa crack, or the marine sanctuaries around the island, Limasawa offers something for both beginner and experienced freedivers.
- Location – Province of Southern Leyte
- Destination Type – Island
- Dive Spot Types – Port, Reef, Crack
- Dive Style – Shore Dive & Boat Dive
- Difficulty – Beginner to Advanced
- Visibility – Moderate to Exellent
- Sites Average Depth – 8-15meters
- Best Season to Dive – March to May
4 Best Freediving Spots in Limasawa Island
If you’ve spent enough time in the local freediving community, chances are you’ve already seen photos and videos from Limasawa’s famous port dive. That’s also what convinced us to finally visit. Although we weren’t able to dive every site because of Habagat, these are the four dive spots in Limasawa Island worth checking out.
Magallanes Port
If there’s one dive site that made freediving in Limasawa Island famous, it’s definitely Magallanes Port. This active port serves as the island’s main arrival point. Since it’s a shore dive, it’s also one of the easiest spots to access.
- Depth: 8–10 meters (depending on tide)
- Type: Port Dive
- Shore Dive
- Visibility: Moderate to Clear
- Marine Life: Sea turtles, reef fish, soft corals
- Best Time: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
This was my fourth port dive after experiencing Bacong Port and Tampi Port in Dumaguete, and Hijo Port in Tagum. Even so, Magallanes Port easily became one of my favorites.
We dove here twice during our stay. The first dive was a bit gloomy because of the overcast weather, but when we came back the next morning, we had the entire port to ourselves.
The visibility was immaculate the second time around, and seeing the sunlight stream through the port pillars made the dive even more surreal.
Sadly, my vertigo kicked in again, so I had to end my session earlier than I wanted
Limasawa Crack
The Limasawa Crack, locally referred to by some freedivers as the ‘Biyak ni Volta’ and is similar to the Napaling Crack in Panglao, Bohol, is another dive site that many visitors specifically come here for.
Unlike Magallanes Port, this requires a boat dive. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to dive here because sea conditions weren’t ideal during our visit. Habagat season can be unpredictable, so this is definitely one of those dives that’s weather-dependent.
I am definitely coming back for this.
Ojaja Marine Sanctuary
Ojaja Marine Sanctuary is one of the healthy reef systems around Limasawa Island and is often included in boat dive itineraries.
This is another spot we had to skip because of the weather, but it’s commonly recommended for its coral gardens, reef fish, and generally clear visibility during calmer months.
Piranha Grounds
Located directly in front of PinkApple & Natalie’s Beach House in Cabulihan, Piranha Grounds is another popular snorkeling and freediving site. Sadly, this was another dive site we had to miss because of rough sea conditions.
Hopefully next time.
Where to Book Freediving in Limasawa island
As freediving in Limasawa Island continues to grow in popularity, several local communities now organize fundives and boat dives around the island.
Piranha Freedivers is one of the most booked freediving communities based on Limasawa Island. They organize Magallanes Port shore dives, boat dives, guided fundives, gear rentals, and intro to freediving.
If you’re looking for another option to book a fun dive in Limasawa Island or Padre Burgos, you can reach out to:
However, if you’re new to this hobby, I also have an ultimate freediving guide for beginners that covers everything you need before your intro lessons.
Sample 3 Nights 4 Days Freediving Itinerary in Limasawa Island
Because of the long journey going to Limasawa Island, I highly recommend staying at least 3 nights and 4 days. This gives you enough flexibility in case the weather affects your dive schedule.
Day 1 — Travel Day
I highly recommend treating this as a dedicated travel day instead of squeezing a dive immediately after arriving due to the long travel time to Limasawa Island.
We traveled from Panglao, and it was a 12-hour trip, hopping into multiple types of transportation, and here’s what the trip looks like from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- TukTuk Panglao to Dao Terminal Tagbilaran
- Van Tagbilaran to Ubay Bohol
- Fastcraft Ubay Bohol to Bato Leyte
- Private Van Bato Terminal to Padre Burgos Port
- Small Boat Padre Burgos Port to Limasawa Island
For other travel routes going to Limasawa, depending on the nearest on where you’re from, here’s a complete travel guide to Limasawa Island.
Day 2 — Shore Dive
- 6:00 AM — Meet at Magallanes Port
- Fundive at Magallanes Port
- Breakfast
- Dive at Piranha Grounds (if conditions allow)
- Return to accommodation
- Lunch
- Explore the island by motorcycle
- Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lagoon resort
- Dinner
Day 3 — Boat Dive
- 6:00 AM — Meet for boat dive
- Dive in the Limasawa Crack and Ojaja Marine Sanctuary (if weather and time permit)
- Return to homestay accommodation
- Brunch
- Isla tour in the afternoon
- Dinner
Day 3 — Departure Day
Again, another dedicated day for your return home. Make sure to get on board the first boat trip to Padre Burgos port. The usual trip schedule in the morning for bigger boats:
- 5:30 AM – Evershine 1
- 6:00 AM – Indoraptor
- 6:30 AM – Evershine 2
This sample 4 Days and 3 Nights dive itinerary in Limasawa Island is a chill and easy dive days without squeezing everything within a day, while also enjoying the island.
Read the detailed day-to-day itinerary in my Limasawa Island complete travel guide.
How Much Does Freediving in Limasawa Island Cost?
One of the most common questions I get is how much to budget for freediving in Limasawa Island. While your total expenses will depend on where you’re flying from and your travel style, here’s a rough estimate.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flight/Land Fares | ₱8,000–₱10,000 |
| Accommodation | ₱500–₱1,800/night per room based on 2 occupancy |
| Fundive Package | ₱2,000–₱3,000/head |
| Gear Rental | ₱500–₱1,500 |
| Motorcycle Rental | ₱600–₱700/day |
| Food | ₱3,000–₱5,000 |
| Environmental Fees | ₱200–₱400 |
The cost varies if you’re traveling solo or with a group. A complete travel budget, including tours, is in my Limasawa Island travel guide.
Travel Tips for Freediving in Limasawa Island
I visited during the last week of July 2026, right in the middle of Habagat season. I still enjoyed the trip, since I’m with my good friends from the freediving community, but I’d definitely recommend visiting during the dry months if your goal is to experience every dive site.
Here are a few tips based on my experience.
- Allocate separate arrival and departure days because travel takes longer than most Philippine island destinations.
- Stay near Magallanes Port if your main goal is freediving.
- Renting freediving gear on the island can save you from carrying bulky equipment during multiple transfers.
- Always respect marine life and avoid touching corals.
- Pack light. You’ll thank yourself after hours of buses, ferries, and motorcycles.
- Keep your itinerary flexible since the weather can easily affect boat dives.
Is Freediving in Limasawa Island Worth It?
Absolutely. Freediving in Limasawa Island is worth experiencing at least once.
The Magallanes Port dive alone already makes the trip memorable, and if the weather cooperates, the surrounding reefs and boat dives make the experience even better.
That said, I’d encourage you not to make the trip purely about freediving.
Take time to explore the island itself. Visit the historical landmarks, ride around the quiet roads, relax by the lagoon, and appreciate the slower pace of life here. I think that’s what makes Limasawa memorable beyond what’s underwater.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freediving in Limasawa Island
Is there dive gear rental in Limasawa Island?
Yes. Both Piranha Freedivers and Igat Freediving offer freediving gear rentals in Limasawa Island.
Considering the long journey and multiple transfers before reaching the island, renting your gear can save you the hassle of carrying bulky equipment throughout the trip. Unless you’re particular about using your own setup, I honestly think it’s worth the extra cost for the convenience.
Is there an Intro to Freediving course in Limasawa Island?
Yes. If you’re interested in trying freediving for the first time, Piranha Freedivers has certified instructors who offer Intro to Freediving sessions. If you’re planning to get certified, Kisig PH also offers the Molchanovs Certification.
But, if your main goal is to maximize your time exploring Limasawa Island, I’d personally recommend taking your intro course or certification at a reputable dive school closer to home before your trip. That way, you can spend more of your time in Limasawa simply enjoying the dives instead of dedicating two or three days to training.
How many days should I stay in Limasawa Island for freediving?
If the weather is on your side, it’s possible to dive the island’s main sites—including Magallanes Port and Limasawa Crack—within a single day.
However, I highly recommend staying for 3 nights and 4 days. Getting to Limasawa Island already takes a full day of travel, and weather can sometimes affect boat dives, especially during the Habagat season. Staying longer gives you flexibility, allows you to explore the island at a slower pace, and lets you experience more than just the underwater attractions.
How do I get to Limasawa Island?
There are several ways to reach Limasawa Island, but regardless of where you’re coming from, all roads eventually lead to Maasin City, Southern Leyte, where you’ll take a ride to Padre Burgos port.
Since the route varies depending on whether you’re traveling from Manila, Cebu, Davao, or other parts of the Philippines,
I’ve written a detailed step-by-step guide covering transportation options, ferry schedules, travel time, and costs in my Ultimate Limasawa Island Travel Guide.
What's the best time for freediving in Limasawa Island?
The best months for freediving in Limasawa Island are generally March to May, when the sea is calmer and visibility is usually at its best.
I visited during the last week of July, right in the middle of the Habagat season. While we still enjoyed diving at Magallanes Port, rougher sea conditions prevented us from visiting some of the island’s boat dive sites.
If you’re hoping to experience all of Limasawa’s dive spots, I’d recommend planning your trip during the dry season whenever possible.
I’m really glad I finally crossed freediving in Limasawa Island off my bucket list.
Magallanes Port definitely lived up to the hype, but I’d also say to manage your expectations if you’ve already explored many of the country’s top freediving destinations. Every dive site has its own character, and the island is worth appreciating for what it is.
I love the whole experience.
The long journey. The simplicity of the island. The beautiful sunset morning. The feeling of being somewhere that still hasn’t been overtaken by mass tourism.
That’s what I’ll remember most about Limasawa.
And, I hope it stays that way.
