PHIDEX returns to Manila in August 2022 – Here are the most exciting dive destinations to check out!

Calling all dive enthusiasts! The Department of Tourism (DOT) is bringing back Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX), the country’s biggest platform to highlight and promote the dive industry, from August 19 to 21, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay, Manila.

Participants will have a chance to learn about new dive destinations, product updates from key dive destinations, as well as up-to-date underwater photography gear. International dive operators will also get to inspect and assess top and emerging dive destinations such as Anilao, Bohol, Camiguin, Coron, Dumaguete, Malapascua, Moalboal, Puerto Galera, Southern Leyte, and Ticao Island through familiarization tours.

Hosted international dive tour operators will participate in familiarization trips to top and emerging dive destinations to increase destination knowledge and conduct first-hand assessment and inspection of dive destinations and properties ready for selling to clients from their respective markets. Media representatives and dive conference speakers will be provided with tailored itineraries that will allow them to generate new content on the Philippines, and sustain awareness as a leading dive destination.

Balicasag Island, Bohol; Image from RAM YORO

The Philippines is full of exciting dive sites that await your visit! Here is a short list of dive sites you can look forward to exploring:

Anilao — Check out Twin Rocks, one of the best diving sites in Anilao. With a depth of 130 feet, divers can observe a colourful diversity of marine life at all levels of depth. This site is particularly visited by underwater photographers seeking macro and wide-angle shots. Or visit Secret Bay, a popular muck diving site that is home to a considerable number of marine life creatures such as mimic octopus, wonderpus, pipefish, seahorses, frogfish, and many others.

Lacy rhinopias in Anilao; Image from MIKE BARTICK

Camiguin — Want to spot a sea turtle during your dive? Be sure to visit the Mantigue Island, a rich and thriving underwater sanctuary that also houses ribbon eels, trumpetfish, pufferfish, barracudas, and even rays and blacktip sharks. The Kibila White Beach is also home to magnificent giant clams for you to admire and photograph!

Coron — Situated on the shore of Coron Island in the Philippines, Barracuda Lake offers one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. Its crystal blue waters are framed by majestic rocky formations that would be a perfect addition to your social media feed. And of course, Twin Lagoon is that place that you would not want to miss when you visit Coron. The place leaves people wondering if this paradise is real, stunning them with its unspoiled beauty. With the limestone towers of Calis Mountain embracing the inner lagoon, fresh and saltwater meet causing a thermocline with layers of varying water temperatures.

Coron Island; Image from JEROME KIM

Dumaguete — Visit Coral Cove where you can encounter some of the most peculiar and interesting marine species at this dive site. The Pygmy Seahorses and Ornate Ghost Pipefish are two to name but if you’re lucky, you may even spot passing thresher sharks. Else, check out the Manila Channel is home to an abundance of fire urchins and hard coral scattered throughout. The dive spot also features two walls that are covered with sponges and a variety of corals including the famous ‘potato coral’, purple gorgonian sea fans and green tree corals.

What are you waiting for? Registration as consumer and trade visitors and exhibition booth reservation is now open at register.phidex.asia/. For more information regarding the PHIDEX activities, follow Dive Philippines on Facebook (facebook.com/DOTdivephilippines) and Instagram (instagram.com/dotdivephilippines/) or email the PHIDEX Organizing Committee at phidex@tourism.gov.ph.