undiscovered LOcation of Palawan

Often overlooked in favor of the dramatic limestone cliffs of El Nido in the north or the wreck-diving in Coron, Puerto Princesa remains relatively undiscovered. Serviced by only three small dive companies, underwater exploration in this area is very informal, with dive-masters joining each other’s trips if it makes sense to use the same boat.

Convenience is another attractive factor. Everything is close by and dive sites are so accessible (the closest just a few minutes offshore) that a surface interval between dives can be spent lying on the beach, a godsend for those who are prone to bouts of seasickness.

One of the best sites for macro enthusiasts is The Lighthouse, one of Puerto’s most popular dive sites. A 10-minute boat ride from the shore, it is home to an astonishing variety of marine life. Beginner divers doing the basic Open Water course find the “Fish Identification” section really easy, having only to glance up from their picture chart to see the live example swim by.

The rock formations are interspersed with caverns amidst the sandy bottom, culminating in a small but picturesque arch. It acts as a gateway to shallower waters where you can find the small but much-loved nudibranchs. Their slow gait and every conceivable color combination make them a favorite with underwater photographers.

Island Divers founder, Norman Songco has been exploring these waters for the past 25 years and is still continually surprised. “Recently, I saw a nudibranch I’d never laid eyes on before,” he mused. “And I thought I’d seen them all.”