Introduction

Nestled on the island of Negros Oriental in the Philippines, the coastal town of Dauin is a hidden gem that beckons to both adventure seekers and underwater enthusiasts alike. Situated along the eastern coastline of this tropical paradise, Dauin boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and world-class scuba diving that is sure to captivate the hearts of all who venture here. Accessing Dauin is a breeze, with the town conveniently located just a short drive from Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental. Whether arriving by air or sea, Dumaguete provides the primary gateway to this underwater haven. From there, a scenic drive along coastal roads lined with swaying palm trees and panoramic views of the Bohol Sea leads you to Dauin's inviting shores. This coastal haven boasts an abundance of rich marine biodiversity. The town's world-class dive sites offer a captivating glimpse into the vibrant undersea world, with stunning coral gardens, colorful reef fish, and intriguing macro life that will please both novice and experienced divers. Not to be missed is the legendary "Apo Island," just a short boat ride away, where encounters with turtles, reef sharks, and schools of fish are virtually guaranteed. Beyond the incredible diving experiences, Dauin offers a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The town itself exudes a charming local vibe, with friendly residents and a burgeoning beachfront scene. Accommodations range from rustic beachfront bungalows to upscale resorts, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect place to unwind after a day of underwater exploration. In this introduction to Dauin, we will delve deeper into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves, explore the array of dive sites that make this destination a diver's dream, and uncover the local culture and hospitality that make Dauin a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable scuba diving adventure in the Philippines. Whether you're an experienced diver or someone looking to take their first plunge, Dauin promises an underwater journey like no other.

Travel facts

Diving type

Destination

easily accessible

bargain destination

Diving level & type

for beginners

for advanced divers

shore diving

liveaboard

Diving Characteristics

pelagics

lots of fish

lots of corals

interesting underwater scenery

Other activities

attractive natural spots

gastronomy

night life

beach

snorkeling

Diving Sites

• 

  Rock point West
  
     [Apo Island] 

  rating : 4.0

  depth : 30 m
  description :
  
  Coral garden. Very beautiful site. 6 turtles, sea snakes, nudibranchs at 10 m. lots of juvenile fish. Large grouper.
  
  
• 

  Oslob
  
     [Cebu Island] 

  rating : 4.0

  depth : 10 m
  description :
  
  A one-hour dive with six whale sharks. This type of dive is both predictable... and always impressive! In a safe environment, with plenty of boats around and swimmers at the surface, whale shark observation is extremely easy, as these fish all swim in the same direction. Their presence is linked to the food they are provided with... It's a dive on the borderline between an observation in the wild and a visit to a zoo, but it's a guaranteed encounter.
  
  
• 

  Masaplod North

  rating : 3.5

  depth : 15 m
  description :
  
  Drift dive on a gentle slope between 4 and 15 metres. Several mounds of coral with lots of fish, in particular schools of probably 1000 snappers! Anemones and clownfish. Three turtles with pilot-fish, 1 stingray, 1 stonefish, 2 seahorses. A very pleasant dive, even if the large areas without any coral are a little monotonous.
  
  
• 

  Largakan
  
     [Apo Island] 

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 25 m
  description :
  
  Sandy bottom covered with small islands of coral, which without being spectacular are pleasant to bone. 2 turtles seen up close. Very large sea snake. Large frogfish.
  
  
• 

  Bonet's corner

  rating : 2.5

  depth : 10 m
  description :
  
  No coral on the entire site. Huge eel garden - the eels are impressive in size. Diving on a sandy slope between 3 and 15 metres. Very few fish: 1 leaf fish, 1 octopus, 2 cuttlefish, 1 pilot fish. This is basically a mud dive.