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A Seasonal Guide To Marine Life In Boracay

Seasonal Guide To Marine Life In Boracay

A Diver’s Guide to Boracay’s Seasonal Marine Visitors

Boracay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, diverse dive sites, and abundant marine life, but one of the most fascinating aspects of diving here is how the underwater landscape changes throughout the year. While Boracay offers excellent diving year-round, different seasons bring unique marine visitors, making each dive experience distinct.

For divers looking to maximize their encounters with specific species, understanding the seasonal patterns of marine life in Boracay is key. From pelagic fish and migratory species to rare macro critters, this guide will walk you through what to expect in Boracay’s waters at different times of the year.


Understanding Boracay’s Two Seasons and Their Impact on Diving

Boracay experiences two primary seasons:

  • Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) Season (November to May) – Characterized by calm seas and clear visibility on the western dive sites. This is the best season for diving sites like Yapak, Camia II Wreck, and Crocodile Island.
  • Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) Season (June to October) – Brings stronger winds and occasional rain, shifting dive conditions to the eastern sites like Tambisaan Reef and Channel Drift. Visibility can be slightly reduced, but marine activity remains high.

Each season affects the presence and behavior of marine life, influencing what divers are most likely to see underwater.


Amihan Season (November to May): Peak Visibility and Big Fish Encounters

Clear Water and Schooling Pelagic Fish

During the Amihan season, divers enjoy some of the best visibility of the year, often exceeding 20-30 meters at deeper sites like Yapak and Punta Bunga. With calm waters and stable conditions, larger pelagic fish tend to frequent Boracay’s deep walls and open-water dive sites.

Marine Highlights of Amihan Season:

  1. Giant Trevallies and Barracudas (Best seen at Yapak & Channel Drift)

    • Schools of giant trevallies (Caranx ignobilis) and barracudas roam Yapak’s deep walls, hunting in the strong currents.
    • These predatory fish are often seen circling divers or hanging motionless against the current, creating excellent photo opportunities.
  2. Whitetip Reef Sharks (Best seen at Yapak & Punta Bunga)

    • These sleek, graceful sharks use Boracay’s deep walls and ledges as resting spots during the day.
    • They are more commonly spotted between December and April, when visibility is high and currents bring in more food.
  3. Schooling Bannerfish and Red-Tooth Triggerfish (Best seen at Yapak & Camia II Wreck)

    • These bright, fluttering fish form dense schools, adding vibrant life to the deep reef environments.
    • The Camia II Wreck is an excellent place to witness schools of red-tooth triggerfish hovering over the sunken structure.
  4. Hawksbill and Green Turtles (Best seen at Angol Point & Balinghai)

    • While sea turtles are present in Boracay year-round, sightings increase during Amihan season, particularly at Angol Point and Balinghai where they forage among the reefs.

Habagat Season (June to October): Macro Magic and Unique Marine Encounters

Changing Conditions and an Explosion of Macro Life

As the winds shift and visibility varies, macro life flourishes in Boracay’s sheltered dive sites. While the bigger pelagic fish may be less frequent, this season is a paradise for divers interested in smaller, more elusive marine creatures.

Marine Highlights of Habagat Season:

  1. Ghost Pipefish and Frogfish (Best seen at Crocodile Island & Angol Point)

    • These well-camouflaged creatures thrive in Boracay’s shallow reefs, using feather stars and coral branches for cover.
    • July to September is the best time to spot ghost pipefish in their various color morphs, as well as well-hidden frogfish.
  2. Nudibranch Blooms (Best seen at Crocodile Island & Tambisaan Reef)

    • With slightly warmer water and different currents, nudibranchs become more abundant, displaying their vibrant colors.
    • The Spanish Dancer nudibranch is occasionally spotted during night dives.
  3. Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Best seen at Diniwid & Crocodile Island)

    • This fascinating crustacean, known for its powerful “punch,” is often seen peeking out of burrows.
    • The Habagat season is an excellent time to see them engaging in territorial displays.
  4. Blue-Spotted Stingrays (Best seen at Laguna & Santoson)

    • These graceful bottom dwellers rest in sandy patches and are more frequently encountered from July to October when waters are slightly murkier, offering them better camouflage.

Year-Round Marine Life in Boracay

While some species follow seasonal trends, many of Boracay’s marine creatures can be found year-round.

  • Anemonefish: Found at almost every reef dive site, often defending their homes aggressively.
  • Scorpionfish & Stonefish: Masters of camouflage, hidden in plain sight on rocky or coral-covered seabeds.
  • Moray Eels: Seen poking out of coral crevices at sites like Camia II Wreck and Friday’s Rock.

These species provide consistent marine diversity no matter when you dive in Boracay.


When is the Best Time to Dive in Boracay?

For the Best Visibility and Big Fish Encounters:

November to May (Amihan Season) – Perfect for deep walls, drift dives, and schooling pelagic fish.

For Macro Life and Unique Critter Sightings:

June to October (Habagat Season) – Ideal for underwater photographers and those interested in finding rare marine species.

Regardless of the season, Boracay offers year-round diving opportunities, with dive sites available on both the eastern and western sides of the island, ensuring that there are always great conditions somewhere.


Final Thoughts: What to Expect on Your Dive Trip to Boracay

Boracay’s ever-changing underwater landscape makes it a truly dynamic dive destination. Whether you are looking for large schools of fish, the thrill of diving with sharks, or the delicate beauty of macro life, every season brings a unique diving experience.

At New Wave Divers Boracay, we offer guided dives and training programs tailored to the seasonal changes in marine life, ensuring that every diver gets the best possible experience.

If you are planning a dive trip to Boracay, consider what marine life you’d love to see and let us help you explore the island’s underwater wonders. No matter the season, the diving in Boracay is always unforgettable.


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!