Diving in Zamboanga

Apart from festivals, fiestas and flowers, Zamboanga also has an extensive number of diving sites. If you are in the mood for some deep sea snorkeling or scuba diving, you should check out the following places.

Dakak

There are few locations in Mindanao that is as popular among tourists as Dakak. Despite the emergence of other attractions, Dakak, for a lot of travelers, is still the best beach and dive center in Zamboanga.

What makes Dakak the paradise that it is is its sheer diversity; Dakak Park is an enclave featuring a vast array of flora and fauna. For diving enthusiasts, the deep waters, corals and marine life have few peers. Daytime or night time diving, this little island paradise never fails to impress.

Its popularity with tourists has not in any way spoiled the waters, and in fact has had the opposite effect; with more becoming aware of the richness of its hidden treausres, efforts to preserve it has increased.

Sinilog Island

Approximately 10 miles (14 km) from Tag-olo Point, the island of Sinilog has emerged to become one of the most admired tourist destinations in Zamboanga.

Its main attraction is its pure white sand, which can hold its own against the other more well known spots in the Philippines. In addition the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it the perfect site for scuba diving.

Aliguay Island

Very near to Sinilog Island is Aliguay, which is also being discovered by tourists for its own unique beauty.

Aliguay Island in Zamboanga is enveloped by some of the clearest and purest sands anywhere, and the waters around it conceal some of the most interesting marine denizens in Mindanao. This place is a must visit for lovers of underwater marine life.

Dapitan Bay

If you are new to diving and swimming, Dapitan Bay in Zamboanga is the best place to get started.

The waters are not that deep, but the aquatic life forms inhabiting them, including various types of fishes, will delight everyone. After diving, you can just relax on the shore and watch the sun go down.

Sicayab Beach

Sicayab Beach is the choice for those who want their beach and diving experience a little different.

Stretching over 4 miles (7 km) are the clearest gray beach sand you will see anywhere else. Strolling along this beach during the sunsets is a unique enough experience but even more so is diving beneath its waters. Some of the most spectacular and diverse coral reefs, both hard and soft, can be found here, along with some of the most diverse inhabitants of the sea, such as rare types of fish, shrimps and other creatures.

Galas

Diving in Zamboanga is always fun when you are with friends, and Galas is the place to be as it is one of the most popular beaches/dive sites in the area.

The waters around Galas feature several types of corals, angel fish, mantis, lionfish and several frogfish have also been sighted. Nearby Galss is Olingan beach, which also several beautiful dive sites.

Dive Shops in Zamboanga

The growth of tourism in Zamboanga have also led to the development of the diving shop industry. When you visit any of the dive sites listed here, it is guaranteed that there are several dive shops in the area that will offer everything from scuba gear to diving lessons and instructors.

Most of these shops and centers also offer guided tours of these dive sites, so even if you have no experience, you can still go through the waters with an experienced guide, and dive worry free.

Surrounded as it by pristine waters, Zamboanga has become a premiere destination for diving, proving that there is more to the City of Flowers than meets the eye.