About The Dive: Great dive today at Diniwid in Boracay island Philippines. For the second dive of the scuba diving course open water course, I took my student to Diniwid because it's a great spot for skills practice and there is often turtles there.
And we were lucky enough because we met a young hawksbill turtle chilling on top of the reef and could swim with her for a magical moment!!
Boracay is a diver’s paradise no matter when you visit. With its vibrant marine life, clear waters, and diverse dive sites, the island offers incredible diving experiences year-round. The seasonal shifts brought by the Amihan (northeast) and Habagat (southwest) winds create distinct underwater conditions, but each season has its own charm and unique opportunities.
At New Wave Divers, we’re passionate about ensuring every dive is memorable, whether you’re exploring the calm waters of the Amihan season or uncovering hidden treasures during the Habagat season. Here’s your guide to diving in Boracay across the year and why you can always expect something extraordinary underwater.
The Seasons in Boracay: What to Expect
Boracay’s seasons are defined by two major weather patterns:
Amihan Season (November to May): Dry weather and calm seas dominate this season, making it the peak time for visitors. The northeastern winds create excellent diving conditions along Boracay’s western coast, including White Beach and its surrounding dive sites.
Habagat Season (June to October): Characterized by occasional rain and southwest winds, this season shifts the focus to the eastern coast of the island. While it’s quieter above the water, the marine life remains as vibrant as ever, and uncrowded dive sites provide a serene experience.
Why Boracay is a Year-Round Diving Destination
No matter when you visit, Boracay offers incredible underwater experiences. Each season highlights different aspects of the island’s beauty, ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover:
Amihan Season: Exceptional visibility, calm seas, and thriving pelagic species.
Habagat Season: Unique macro life, quieter dive sites, and lush green landscapes.
At New Wave Divers, we tailor our dives to match the conditions, ensuring you experience the best of what Boracay has to offer in every season.
Diving Conditions by Season
November to February: Calm Waters and Crystal Visibility
Water Temperature: 26-28°C (79-82°F)
Visibility: 20-30 meters (65-100 feet)
Marine Life Highlights: Sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful coral gardens
The start of the Amihan season brings calm seas and incredible visibility, making this period ideal for underwater photography and exploring Boracay’s reefs. Sites like Crocodile Island and Laurel Island are at their best, with vibrant coral formations and an abundance of marine life.
Why Dive Now? This is the perfect time for beginners to enjoy easy, stress-free dives. Advanced divers will appreciate the excellent visibility for exploring deeper sites. Expect to encounter graceful sea turtles and possibly even reef sharks gliding through the clear waters.
Why Choose New Wave Divers? Our experienced team ensures you make the most of the ideal conditions, whether you’re taking your first dive or venturing into deeper waters.
March to May: Thriving Marine Life and Sunny Skies
Water Temperature: 28-30°C (82-86°F)
Visibility: 15-25 meters (50-82 feet)
Marine Life Highlights: Schooling jacks, barracudas, and reef fish
Summer brings warmer waters and heightened marine activity. Dive sites like Yapak offer thrilling encounters with schools of jacks and barracudas, while the Tribird Wreck becomes a hub for curious reef fish.
Why Dive Now? This is peak marine life season, making every dive an adventure. The calm waters are also perfect for drift dives along channels near Laurel Island, offering the chance to glide alongside schooling fish.
Why Choose New Wave Divers? We’ll guide you to the most active dive sites and help you make the most of this vibrant season, whether you’re a recreational diver or seeking new challenges.
June to October: Serene Sites and Macro Treasures
Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)
Visibility: 10-20 meters (33-65 feet)
Marine Life Highlights: Nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and bamboo sharks
The Habagat season may bring occasional rain, but it also offers a unique charm. The eastern coast of Boracay, including dive sites near Ilig-Iligan Beach, provides shelter and a quieter experience. Reduced crowds make for serene underwater exploration, and macro diving enthusiasts will find plenty to love.
Why Dive Now? Macro life thrives during this season, with incredible sightings of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and other small critters. Night diving is particularly rewarding, revealing nocturnal marine species like hunting lionfish and sleeping parrotfish.
Why Choose New Wave Divers? Our dive experts are skilled at navigating seasonal conditions to uncover hidden underwater treasures. You’ll enjoy an intimate and rewarding diving experience even during the quieter months.
Marine Life Highlights Throughout the Year
Year-Round Residents: Sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, and groupers
Amihan Season (November-May): Schooling jacks, reef sharks, and vibrant coral reefs
Habagat Season (June-October): Nudibranchs, macro critters, and nocturnal species
Plan Your Dive with New Wave Divers
Whether you’re visiting Boracay for the first time or returning to explore its underwater world again, New Wave Divers is here to make your diving experience unforgettable. Here’s why divers choose us:
Expert Local Knowledge: Our team knows the best dive sites for every season, ensuring you get the most out of your trip.
Tailored Dive Experiences: We adjust our itineraries based on weather and seasonal conditions to provide safe, enjoyable dives year-round.
Commitment to Conservation: We prioritize eco-friendly diving practices, helping protect Boracay’s marine ecosystems for future generations.
Final Thoughts
Boracay’s underwater seasons offer unique opportunities to experience the island’s diverse marine environment. From the crystal-clear waters of the Amihan season to the macro life treasures of the Habagat season, there’s truly no bad time to dive in Boracay.
At New Wave Divers, we’re passionate about helping you explore the underwater wonders of this tropical paradise. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, we’ll ensure every dive is tailored to your experience level and the season’s best conditions.
Plan your next dive adventure with us and discover why Boracay is a year-round diving destination like no other!
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
About The Dive: Diving in Diniwid is always great. In Boracay, beautiful island of the Philippines, Diniwid is a great site for scuba diving.
We dove there on the afternoon and where greeted by a young hawksbill turtle just after 5 minutes. At the top of the drip off , this cute baby turtle was resting gently on the reef. And it was definitely our lucky day as a few minutes later a young green turtle swam toward us as to say hello!!
It was a very nice and chill dive !!
About The Dive: This morning dive in Balinghai was amazing. Balinghai is a great site for scuba diving in Boracay. It's a wall that start at 10 mna'd goes down to 25m.
They were a gentle current on this dive and the visibility was amazing.
They're a lots of beautiful soft corals with nice pastel colours.
And right at the end of the dive a beautiful hawksbill turtle came along swim with us.
Boracay is home to some of the Philippines’ most spectacular dive sites, and Yapak is undoubtedly one of its crown jewels. Known for its dramatic underwater cliffs, breathtaking marine life, and challenging currents, Yapak is a dive site that continues to captivate even the most experienced divers.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Yapak, exploring its geological features, marine biodiversity, and what makes it one of Boracay’s most thrilling diving experiences.
What is Yapak?
Yapak is a deep-wall dive site located off the northwestern coast of Boracay. The site is famous for its vertical walls that plunge into the depths, creating a haven for pelagic species and reef dwellers alike. Its dramatic underwater topography and nutrient-rich currents make it a hotspot for marine life, offering divers unforgettable encounters with everything from schooling fish to larger predators.
Dive Site Details
Depth: Up to 32 meters (100+ feet)
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Current: Moderate to strong
Visibility: 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet)
Highlights: Vertical walls, pelagic species, and diverse coral life
Yapak’s strong currents and depth make it best suited for advanced divers with deep-diving and drift-diving experience.
The Underwater Landscape
Yapak’s defining feature is its steep, vertical wall that begins around 30 meters and drops off into the blue abyss. The wall is covered in a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges, creating a colorful backdrop teeming with marine life. The nutrient-rich waters attract schools of fish, making it a dynamic and constantly changing underwater environment.
As you descend, the sheer size of the wall and the open blue surrounding it create a sense of awe. Divers often describe the experience as both exhilarating and humbling.
Marine Life at Yapak
Yapak is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, offering encounters with a mix of reef and pelagic species. Here’s what you can expect to see:
Pelagic Species:
Tuna and Jacks: Schools of trevally and giant tuna are often seen cruising along the wall.
Barracudas: These sleek predators are a common sight, especially in the deeper sections of the dive.
Sharks: White-tip and black-tip reef sharks are frequently spotted, and lucky divers might even encounter a grey reef shark.
Reef Fish:
Angelfish and Butterflyfish: The vibrant corals attract a variety of reef fish, adding splashes of color to the dive.
Parrotfish: These grazers play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the coral reef.
Macro Life:
While Yapak is known for its larger species, macro enthusiasts can spot nudibranchs, shrimp, and small crustaceans tucked into the coral crevices.
Sea Turtles:
Green and hawksbill turtles are occasionally seen gliding along the wall, adding to the magic of the dive.
The Diving Experience at Yapak
The Descent: The adventure begins with a negative entry, allowing divers to quickly descend to the wall’s starting point. This technique is preferred due to the surface currents that can make a slower descent challenging.
The Drift: Once at depth, divers allow the current to carry them along the wall. This drift-dive aspect is one of the highlights of Yapak, offering a unique way to explore the site without excessive finning. The current brings with it a steady flow of nutrients, which in turn attracts a variety of marine life.
The Ascent: Safety stops are a critical part of the dive, given Yapak’s depth. Divers always must follow recommended safety stops to ensure a safe experience. Divers are also highly recommended to carry an SMB with them.
Why Yapak is for Advanced Divers
Yapak’s depth and currents make it a challenging dive site that requires experience and confidence. Here’s why it’s categorized as an advanced dive:
Strong Currents: The currents can vary in strength, requiring divers to be comfortable with drift-diving techniques.
Depth: With the wall starting at 30 meters, Yapak demands a deep-diving certification and experience managing gas consumption and no-decompression limits.
Safety Skills: The combination of depth and current requires strong buoyancy control, situational awareness, and adherence to safe diving practices.
Dive Tips for Yapak
Check Your Certification: Ensure you have the necessary deep-diving and drift-diving certifications before attempting Yapak.
Dive with Professionals: At New Wave Divers, our experienced dive guides will ensure your safety and maximize your chances of spotting the site’s incredible marine life.
Use the Right Gear: An SMB is recommended for safe ascents.
Monitor Your Air Supply: The depth and currents mean air consumption can increase, so keep a close eye on your gauge.
Follow the Guide’s Instructions: The dive guides are familiar with Yapak’s conditions and will navigate the currents and terrain to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
Best Times to Dive Yapak
Yapak can be dived year-round, but conditions are often best during the Amihan season (November to May) when the waters are calm and visibility is at its peak. During this period, the currents are more predictable, and the dive sites on Boracay’s western coast, including Yapak, are at their most accessible.
The Thrill of Yapak
For many divers, Yapak represents the pinnacle of their Boracay diving experience. The site’s combination of depth, current, and biodiversity offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure that stays with you long after you surface. From the vibrant corals clinging to the wall to the pelagic species cruising the blue, Yapak delivers a unique blend of beauty and excitement.
Why Choose New Wave Divers for Your Yapak Adventure?
At New Wave Divers, we prioritize safety and enjoyment, ensuring every dive is a memorable experience. Here’s why divers choose us for Yapak:
Experienced Guides: Our dive professionals know Yapak inside and out, from its currents to its best spots for marine life.
Quality Equipment: We provide well-maintained gear suited for advanced diving.
Yapak is more than just a dive site—it’s an adventure that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Whether you’re drifting along its sheer walls or marveling at the marine life it attracts, every moment underwater at Yapak is unforgettable.
If you’re ready to take on one of Boracay’s most exhilarating dives, let New Wave Divers be your guide. Contact us today to book your next dive and discover why Yapak is a must-visit site for advanced divers.
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
About The Dive: I took my open water student today to Friday's rock for it's last dive of the PADI open water course which the first level of certification for scuba diving.
Friday's rock is a dive site that stand out in Boracay the beautifull island in the Philippines due to it's topography.
It's a pinnacle which means a little mountain underwater. The bottom is 17 metres and the top is 10 meters.
We had a very good visibility today and could enjoy a really nice dive there. At the bottom, we could see a lobster, trumpet fish and lots of damsell fish. And we slowly swam around the pinnacle. To finish the dive we swam to the shallow reef nearby and had a beautiful encounter with green turtle that chilling on the coral reef like tucked in a bed of colourful corals.
I was very happy my student could enjoy this magical moment.
About The Dive: Great dive in Diniwid today. The dive site has a lot of soft corals and hard corals on the shallow part as well as on the slope. We saw lots of Golden Damsels, different types of Anemonefish and some small shrimps. A large school of Yellowback fusiliers swam over the top of our group.We were lucky to spot 3 Green turtles through out the dive as well which we all enjoyed.
About The Dive: Camia is a great wreck Dive where we saw different types of macro life as well as some of the bigger fish.
Visibility was around 15 meters and almost no current.
We were greeted by shaded batfish on our descent at the mooring line.
Top of the wheel house we had a lot of activity with yellow fusiliers and Trevallys.
We spotted 3 different types of flatworms also on the wheel house.
About The Dive: Boracay island in the Philippines is a great spot to do the open water course and become a certified scuba diver. It has lots of different dive sites which give the student to experiment differents dive during the course.
Angol point is a great site in Boracay because we can stay shallow and still see lots of coral and marine life. The top of the reef is around 5 meters and there is huge boulders corals who are very old. Around these you can spot nudibranches, small eels and ribbon eel, shrimps and small crabs. As well as clown fish, damsell fish, trumpet fish and small puffer fish.
It is always fantastic to scuba dive on Angol point.
Boracay is celebrated worldwide for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and laid-back island vibe. Whether you’re looking to relax, dive into crystal-clear waters, or enjoy some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets, Boracay has a beach for every kind of traveler. This guide will take you through the best beaches on the island and what each has to offer, from famous shorelines to hidden gems.
White Beach Boracay
1. White Beach
Overview: White Beach is Boracay’s most iconic and popular beach. Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it stretches over 4 kilometers, making it one of the longest beaches on the island. Divided into three sections—Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3—each area offers a unique experience.
Station 1: The most tranquil and upscale area, Station 1 is where you’ll find luxurious resorts, spacious beachfronts, and stunning views. It’s perfect for those seeking a quieter, more exclusive beach experience.
Station 2: This is the central hub of activity, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. Station 2 is ideal if you want to be close to nightlife and entertainment.
Station 3: Known for its relaxed vibe, Station 3 offers a laid-back atmosphere, budget-friendly accommodations, and fewer crowds—ideal for those looking to enjoy White Beach’s beauty in a more peaceful setting.
Why Visit: White Beach is perfect for everything from sunbathing to snorkeling, beach volleyball, and romantic sunset strolls. Its proximity to restaurants, shops, and dive centers makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the island.
Bulabog Beach, Boracay
2. Bulabog Beach
Overview: Located on the opposite side of White Beach, Bulabog Beach is Boracay’s premier spot for water sports, particularly during the windy season (November to April). Its steady winds and calm waters make it a favorite among kite surfers and windsurfers. During the off-season, the beach becomes quieter, offering a serene escape with a unique charm.
Activities: Bulabog Beach is a water sports enthusiast’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities to try kite surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. If you’re new to these sports, there are plenty of schools and rentals available on the beach.
Why Visit: If you’re interested in trying something adventurous, Bulabog Beach is the place to be. It’s also a beautiful spot for watching the sunrise, offering a different experience from the sunset views on White Beach.
Puka Shell Beach
3. Puka Shell Beach (Yapak Beach)
Overview: Puka Shell Beach, also known as Yapak Beach, is located on the northern tip of Boracay. It’s named after the unique crushed Puka shells that make up the sand, giving it a distinctive, coarser texture compared to White Beach. Puka Beach is less developed, making it a quieter, more natural escape.
Activities: This beach is ideal for beachcombing, picnics, and taking in the peaceful scenery. While swimming here can be slightly rougher due to stronger waves, the clear waters and surrounding natural beauty make it a must-visit.
Why Visit: If you want to experience Boracay’s raw, untouched beauty away from the crowds, Puka Shell Beach is the perfect spot. Its secluded feel and picturesque setting make it an excellent choice for relaxation and quiet reflection.
Diniwid Beach
4. Diniwid Beach
Overview: Just a short walk north of White Beach, Diniwid Beach is a smaller, quieter beach with a relaxed vibe. Its hidden location makes it a favorite among locals and travelers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded beach experience.
Activities: Diniwid is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in beautiful views of the island’s rugged cliffs. There are also several beachfront bars and restaurants offering cozy spots to enjoy food and drinks with a view.
Why Visit: Diniwid Beach is a great escape if you want a quieter beach day but still want to be close to the action on White Beach. The beach offers a unique perspective on Boracay’s coastline, and it’s a fantastic spot for sunset views.
Ilig-Iligan Beach
5. Ilig-Iligan Beach
Overview: Ilig-Iligan Beach is a hidden gem on Boracay’s northeast coast, known for its serene environment and natural beauty. The beach is lined with lush green hills and clear blue waters, making it one of the most picturesque spots on the island. It’s less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Activities: Ilig-Iligan is popular for snorkeling, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can also rent kayaks to explore the coast or hike through nearby trails to enjoy more of Boracay’s untouched beauty.
Why Visit: For those interested in snorkeling and escaping the busier beaches, Ilig-Iligan Beach offers a chance to reconnect with nature and explore Boracay’s marine life. Its secluded location means you’ll often have the beach to yourself, perfect for those seeking a true tropical paradise.
Tambisaan Beach
6. Tambisaan Beach
Overview: Tambisaan Beach is one of the less-visited beaches in Boracay, making it a tranquil spot to escape the crowds. Located on the eastern coast, it’s a popular place for locals and a great spot for those who want a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path beach experience.
Activities: This beach offers some of the best snorkeling on the island, thanks to its close proximity to vibrant coral reefs. Swimming, beachcombing, and simply relaxing on the shore are popular activities here.
Why Visit: Tambisaan Beach is perfect for those looking to explore Boracay’s underwater life without the busier crowds found at other beaches. The crystal-clear water and thriving marine ecosystems make it a fantastic snorkeling destination.
Balinghai Beach
7. Balinghai Beach
Overview: Hidden away on Boracay’s northern coast, Balinghai Beach is a small, private beach surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation. Accessible by boat or a steep staircase, Balinghai feels like a secluded paradise, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Activities: Visitors to Balinghai Beach can enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters, relaxing on the sand, or dining at the beachside restaurant that overlooks the cove. Balinghai is also a popular spot for paddleboarding and snorkeling around the nearby rocks.
Why Visit: If you’re looking for a beach with a sense of exclusivity, Balinghai Beach is an excellent choice. It’s the perfect place to unwind in a secluded setting, away from the more frequented beaches.
Poolside at Tulubhan Beach
8. Tulubhan Beach
Overview: Located near Bulabog Beach, Tulubhan Beach is another hidden gem that remains relatively quiet and secluded. The beach is lined with palm trees and has shallow, calm waters, making it a safe choice for families or anyone looking for a relaxing swim.
Activities: While Tulubhan Beach doesn’t offer extensive water sports or beach activities, its serene atmosphere makes it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.
Why Visit: For a low-key day in a natural setting, Tulubhan Beach is a wonderful option. Its calm waters and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for those wanting a quiet, relaxed beach experience.
Final Thoughts
Boracay’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for everyone, whether you’re looking for action-packed water sports, peaceful snorkeling, or a secluded spot to unwind. Each beach has its own charm, from the lively energy of White Beach to the serene beauty of Ilig-Iligan Beach.
No matter which beaches you choose to visit, remember that Boracay’s natural beauty is something to cherish and protect. Following eco-friendly practices, like using reef-safe sunscreen and avoiding single-use plastics, helps preserve these stunning beaches for future visitors.
So pack your sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and a sense of adventure as you set out to explore the incredible beaches of Boracay!
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
