Southern Leyte ranks among the best underwater diving spots in the Philippines for its whale shark encounters and pristine reefs. It is a must-see place, especially for serious divers, where the reefs are in excellent condition.
Diver and storyteller Arabelle Jimenez related that if diving with whale sharks is on your bucket list, she advises enthusiasts to go to Southern Leyte as it is one of the few places in the Philippines where the gentle giant whale sharks can be experienced naturally, without the feeding that happens in other locations.
She said that the best time to see the whale sharks is between November and May in Sogod Bay, where they appear through the deep blue sea, giving divers excitement and an unforgettable experience.
Southern Leyte also prides itself with the Napantao Wall, a “spectacular dive site with a dramatic drop- off covered in soft corals, massive schools of fusiliers, and the occasional passing eagle ray.” Another gem is the Limasawa Island, which offers a “mix of coral bommies, swim- throughs, and resident sea turtles.”
Other top diving places with very impressive underwater treasures are in Anilao- Mabini, Batangas; Puerto Galera; and Misamis Oriental.
