If you ever heard of Dauin in the Philippines, it was probably due to its muck diving, often described as a macro paradise by photographers. With dozens of easily accessible dive sites and its exceptional diversity of critters, Dauin create lots of enthusiastic divers eager to return for more ... But little they know is that, if they take their camera off the bottom and look up, they might have a chance to see big pelagic passing by.

The diving in Dauin is great all year around. The province of Negros Oriental is well located, and mostly unaffected by the heavy rainy season commonly experienced in other parts of South East Asia. With the Dumaguete airport easily accessible, and only 30 minutes away from the resort, short or long vacations are suitable for everyone. Just be aware that two seasons provide two completely different experiences of diving. It all depends on the major trade winds coming through the Philippines at a different moment of the year. 

From November to March, the ocean is more active, and the cold water is travelling up. Visibility is not quite optimal in the shallow reefs, 20 meters maybe. But venture deeper, and the different climates will hit you, first around 40m to 50m deep, with temperature reaching 25* C. The water visibility will instantly improve and your first chill will get you excited for the possibilities ahead. The cold water increases our chances for the big fishes. Sometimes, divers spot rays and sharks in shallow water, but cooler temperatures usually keep them deeper, away from most recreational divers. 

You could find yourself at the perfect moment for Hammerheads, Thresher Sharks, Mantas, Eagle rays, reef sharks, and the occasional whale shark or Marlin… The islands just seem to be on many species’ migration path during that time of the year. Descent to the deeper reefs, around 90m+, and the temperature will be reaching 20*C only, with an even clearer visibility. Tons of growth and marine life have been spotted at this depth… but a lot more reef need to be covered. That means, more and more opportunities for new explorations.

Around the months of April to August, the wind will drop and the waves almost stop. The ocean settles, clears up, and delivers pristine water visibility, twice as good as winter. Temperature will remain a warm 28/29C down to 60m deep or more. We often look up and see the surface reflection. Making it hard to believe the depth gauge of our dive computers. The colors are at their peak, making it perfect for photographers from all over. This period of the year, often less busy than the winter holidays, is optimal for many critters species in the area.

Overtime, people have been so captivated by the macro universe of Dauin that technical diving has remained mostly unexplored. After all, why venture deeper or further when there is so much to see right here in the shallow? The answer is simple: There is still so much to map out while we discover marine life that we didn’t know were in the area... The hours spent scootering into new depths and locations, allow us to recognize new patterns and behaviors during these encounters.

APO Island

It is known as one of the oldest protected marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. The incredible ecosystem of the island thrives all the way down to the deep, deep reefs explored so far. Start your dive attached to a mooring line, with all the time necessary to prepare your entry. The shallower reefs, ideal for your last decompression stops, are also a great orientation during your descent into deeper water. On your way down, the island provides different topography and coral reefs, starting at all kinds of depth. Some dive sites have lots to offer within the 40m to 60m range, and other locations are perfect for deeper rock formations and pinnacles at 80m to 100m+… When the water is at its coldest, pelagic encounters are more susceptible. You can increase your chances even more while diving on a rebreather, or rent a DPV for your dive expedition, and you got yourself a great recipe for a good time!

The best part of technical diving in Dauin is that no strenuous ascents are required. Come up to the shallow reefs from the deepest portion of your dive, surrounded by nice gardens corals and marine life. Enjoy every moment of your 1, 2 or 3- hours dive, surrounded by turtles, schools of jackfish, tunas, barracudas, frogfish, and nudibranch. We then choose to slowly drift to another location, or easily come back under the boat…

Selinog Island

One of the island residents, the MV Geopeter, is a 60m long passenger wreck sitting at 60m deep, in near perfect straight position. The day trip is enjoyable for Open Circuit and CCR enthusiasts. With easy swim through, or tighter multi-level squeeze, the wreck is always appreciated by every level of experienced technical divers. It is not a common destination, and you are most likely to be the only person exploring the wreck on that week. Bring a DPV to maximize your range during decompression obligations, or swim back to your ascent point for an easy way up. You will witness outstanding coral gardens all the way to 6 meters or fewer to wash up your last stops. The island still possesses huge potential for unexplored, deeper reefs. You could be the first person known to reach some of these areas.

Siquijor and Sumilon Islands

Another two beautiful islands located in the nearby water of Dauin. We dive Siquijor island for its kilometers of wall with vibrant life. The island is so big that the possibilities at depth passed 40m to 100m are very little known. Sumilon island gets its highlight from its drift dives, its Blacktip and Whitetip sharks hunting by. As well as schools of Barracudas, Jackfish, Tunas and many others. With a nice sand bar on the surface, your pictures of the Philippines will be stunning. 

Our Tech Facility

Beautiful tropical water is great, but you still need to have access to a great facility that can support your ambition. And the Atmosphere Resort and spa will pamper you in many ways. We welcome our technical divers in a 24h/7 air-conditioned room with an appropriate amount of space, equipment, and consumables available for a smooth diving experience. Many divers are still surprised by the level of service offered for deep diving and CCR support in this part of the world.  

Consider Dauin Tech Divers in the Philippines for your next technical diving destination and come explore the deeper reefs that are still mostly untouched. Take a second to look up, to venture a bit into the blue, and take your chances. Prepare to be surprised! Add to that the incredible customers services offered within the Filipino culture, and we have all the ingredients for an exceptional diving trip.