Dauin Coastal

Nestled along the coast of Negros Oriental in the Philippines, Dauin offers a captivating diving experience like no other. With its diverse marine ecosystem and rich biodiversity, this coastal paradise attracts divers from all around the world. Featured in the final installment of the world-renowned documentary series of the BBC channel, Planet Earth 3 hosted by Sir David Attenborough.

The frogfish that was featured in the docu-series was shot in our house reef. We took part in this magnificent event as we joined the BBC film crew to shoot the star of the show.

Check out the behind-the-scenes photos of our dives.

Planet Earth 3 Trailer

A Haven for Macro Photography

Dauin is renowned for being a hotspot for macro photography enthusiasts. The numerous dive sites around the area boast an incredible variety of small critters and fascinating underwater creatures. From colorful nudibranchs and tiny seahorses to vibrant frogfish and elusive mimic octopuses, Dauin’s underwater world is a treasure trove for macro enthusiasts looking to capture unique and mesmerizing shots.

Uncover Unique Critters

Dauin is famous for its resident critters that can be found hiding in the sandy bottoms and among the coral reefs. Look closely, and you’ll discover various species of flamboyant cuttlefish, ornate ghost pipefish, colorful mandarin fish, and even the elusive blue-ringed octopus. Dauin’s dive sites provide an exceptional opportunity to witness these incredible critters in their natural habitat.

Muck Diving Paradise

Dauin is a mecca for muck diving enthusiasts. The volcanic sand found in this region is the perfect environment for a variety of unusual and fascinating critters. Get your macro lens ready as you explore the sandy slopes and muck dive sites, where you can spot creatures such as hairy frogfish, wonderpus octopuses, mimic octopuses, and many more peculiar creatures that call Dauin home.

Dive Sites for All Skill Levels

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Dauin has dive sites that cater to all skill levels. Shallow reefs near the shoreline provide an ideal location for new divers to gain experience and confidence. Meanwhile, more advanced divers can explore deeper sites, underwater walls, and the famous Apo Island marine sanctuary, known for its abundance of marine life and pristine coral reefs.

Dive sites in Dauin

1. Dauin Marine Sanctuary: Located just off the coast of Dauin, the Dauin Marine Sanctuary is a popular dive site known for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Here, you can expect to encounter an abundance of reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. Keep an eye out for colorful soft corals, sea fans, and occasional sightings of sea turtles.
2. Mainit Point: Mainit Point offers a unique diving experience due to its volcanic activity. As you descend, you’ll feel warm water emanating from hot spring vents on the seabed. This creates an otherworldly ambiance while exploring the site. Mainit Point is often frequented by schools of fish, such as jacks and barracudas, along with occasional sightings of larger pelagic species like tuna or even reef sharks.
3. Luca Sanctuary: Luca Sanctuary is a macro photographer’s paradise, renowned for its wealth of fascinating critters and unique marine species. This sandy-bottomed site is home to numerous hidden treasures, including flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, nudibranchs, seahorses, and various species of frogfish. Keep your eyes peeled for well-camouflaged creatures as you explore the nooks and crannies of this site.
4. Masaplod Norte: Masaplod Norte is a dive site that combines beautiful coral formations with the opportunity to spot larger marine species. This site features an intricate network of coral bommies, providing shelter for numerous reef fish and invertebrates. As you explore the area, you may encounter schools of jacks, snappers, and groupers, as well as occasional sightings of hawksbill turtles.
5. Car Wreck: For those seeking a unique underwater adventure, the Car Wreck dive site offers an intriguing experience. This site is home to an old Volkswagen Beetle car submerged on the sandy seabed, providing an artificial reef habitat for marine life. The wreck is covered in colorful corals, sponges, and sea fans, attracting a variety of critters and small reef fish.
6. Apo Island: While not technically part of Dauin, Apo Island is a nearby must-visit dive destination accessible by boat. This marine sanctuary is renowned for its thriving coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Dive sites around Apo Island offer encounters with sea turtles, schools of fish, and the possibility of spotting larger species like barracudas and reef sharks.