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Boracay isn’t just famous for its white sand beaches — beneath the surface lies a thriving underwater world full of color and surprises. At New Wave Divers, we’ve put together our list of the top five marine creatures you have a great chance of encountering on your dives in 2026.

Here are the five must-see species we love spotting on our local dive sites:

1. Sea Turtles (Hawksbill & Green)

Sea Turtles are one of the most beloved encounters for divers of all levels visiting Boracay.

• Where to find them: Diniwid and Friday’s Rock are two of our most reliable spots for turtle sightings.

• Why divers love them: These graceful giants are often completely unfazed by divers, allowing for long, peaceful encounters as they graze on the reef or glide along the slope.

• Fun fact: Hawksbill turtles can be told apart from Green turtles by their narrow, pointed beak — perfect for reaching into crevices for sponges and soft corals.

2. Ghost Pipefish

Masters of disguise, the Ghost Pipefish is a favorite among macro photographers and experienced divers.

• Where to find them: Keep an eye on the soft corals and crinoids of the Camia II wreck.

• Why divers love them: Their incredible camouflage makes spotting one feel like a small victory — they mimic leaves, coral branches, and sea grass to near perfection.

• Fun fact: Ghost Pipefish often swim in pairs, head down, swaying gently to mimic drifting debris.

3. Harlequin Shrimp

Small, strikingly patterned, and always a highlight of any dive briefing when spotted, the Harlequin Shrimp is a true macro gem.

• Where to find them: Friday’s Rock is one of the better spots to find this elusive critter tucked among the corals.

• Why divers love them: Their bold purple-and-cream pattern looks almost painted on, and their unusual diet (they feed exclusively on starfish) makes for a fascinating dive briefing topic.

• Fun fact: Harlequin Shrimp are usually found in pairs and stay loyal to a small home territory, making repeat sightings possible on the same reef.

4. Frogfish

If patience is your game, look out for the Frogfish — an ambush predator that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

• Where to find them: Diniwid’s reef is a great place to find these well-camouflaged hunters resting motionless on sponges and corals.

• Why divers love them: Watching a Frogfish in action (or simply finding one despite its camouflage) is one of the most rewarding macro spots on any dive.

• Fun fact: Frogfish use a built-in lure on their head to attract unsuspecting prey before striking with astonishing speed.

5. Nudibranchs

Boracay’s reefs are home to a dazzling variety of Nudibranchs, the colorful sea slugs every macro lover hopes to find.

• Where to find them: The Camia II wreck and surrounding reef are particularly rich in Nudibranch species.

• Why divers love them: With hundreds of color combinations and patterns, no two dives spotting Nudibranchs ever feel the same.

• Fun fact: Nudibranchs get their vibrant colors from the food they eat, often absorbing toxins from their prey as a defense mechanism.

Spot Boracay’s Marine Life with New Wave Divers

Whether you’re a certified diver hoping to tick these species off your list, or a beginner curious about what’s waiting beneath the surface, our team knows exactly where to look.

New Wave Divers offers guided dives across all of Boracay’s best sites, with experienced instructors who know the favorite hideouts of each of these incredible creatures.

Check out our diving packages and book your underwater encounter with us today!

Wish to know more about diving? Visit our website and find out more information or contact us! Our team will be delighted to answer your questions. We hope to hear from you soon!