FREEDIVING IN MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL: Pujada Island Dive Guide, and more Dive Spots
You know how people always mention Bohol, Siquijor, Palawan, Camiguin, or Cebu when talking about freediving in the Philippines? Well, after exploring more of Davao Region, I realized there are places here that deserve way more attention too. One of them is freediving in Mati Davao Oriental, a dive destination that feels raw, less crowded, and honestly still underrated compared to the usual dive hotspots.
I didn’t expect much at first, but diving around Mati made me realize how different the underwater world here is. The reefs looked alive, visibility was beautiful during our trip, and some of the Mati Davao Oriental dive spots felt like places not many people get to experience yet. If you’re looking for a freedive destination beyond the usual tourist picks, Mati might surprise you too.
In this guide, I’m sharing my experience freediving in Mati Davao Oriental, including Pujada Island, other dive spots worth visiting, and what to expect before planning your trip.
FREEDIVING IN MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL
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. Scroll down below to know how to get to Mati from Davao City.
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 a local community in Davao, the 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!
How to Get To Mati, Davao Oriental from Davao City
Mati City is around 3 to 4 hours away from Davao City, making it possible even for a weekend trip. Since some dive schedules start early in the morning, planning your transportation ahead of time can save you from unnecessary stress. Here are your options going to Mati:
By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)
Head to Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City and look for buses bound for Mati City.
- Fare: Around ₱310–₱400 per person
- Travel Time: Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stopovers
- Best For: Budget travelers and solo backpackers
Air-conditioned buses are available and departures are frequent throughout the day.
By Van (Faster Option)
If you want to shorten travel time, vans are another option. You can usually find them near Gaisano Mall or transport terminals in Davao City.
- Fare: Around ₱400+ per person
- Travel Time: About 2.5–3 hours
- Best For: Travelers who prefer faster transfers
The ride can be less spacious than buses, but you’ll reach Mati earlier.
By Private Car (Recommended)
Personally, this is the option I’d recommend the most, especially if your itinerary includes several Mati Davao Oriental dive spots, beaches, or side trips. Having your own vehicle means you can move around at your own pace without depending on public transport schedules.
Driving to Mati from Davao City takes around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic. The roads are generally accessible, and having a car gives you flexibility to:
- Leave Davao City very early for sunrise trips or dive schedules
- Explore multiple attractions beyond diving, including beaches and viewpoints
- Stay in accommodations outside the city center without worrying about transportation
- Carry freediving gear more comfortably
If you’re traveling as a group, splitting fuel costs can sometimes make bringing a private vehicle more practical than commuting. It also makes spontaneous stops for coffee, food, or roadside viewpoints possible, which, honestly, ended up becoming part of the experience for me.
🧜♀️ Freediving in Mati, Davao Oriental Dive Tips
- Call the Locals. Dive with a group community. 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.
If you’re thinking of freediving in Samal Island next, read my guide below about freediving in Samal Island, including a weekend dive itinerary, costs, and where to book.
FREEDIVING IN SAMAL ISLAND: Weekend Fundive Itinerary, Where to Book, and Cost
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