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.
Sea Turtles (Hawksbill & Green)
Diniwid and Friday's Rock are two of our most reliable spots for turtle sightings.
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.
Hawksbill turtles can be told apart from Green turtles by their narrow, pointed beak — perfect for reaching into crevices for sponges and soft corals.
Ghost Pipefish
Keep an eye on the soft corals and crinoids of the Camia II wreck.
Their incredible camouflage makes spotting one feel like a small victory — they mimic leaves, coral branches, and sea grass to near perfection.
Ghost Pipefish often swim in pairs, head down, swaying gently to mimic drifting debris.
Harlequin Shrimp
Friday's Rock is one of the better spots to find this elusive critter tucked among the corals.
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.
Harlequin Shrimp are usually found in pairs and stay loyal to a small home territory, making repeat sightings possible on the same reef.
Frogfish
Diniwid's reef is a great place to find these well-camouflaged hunters resting motionless on sponges and corals.
Watching a Frogfish in action — or simply finding one despite its camouflage — is one of the most rewarding macro spots on any dive.
Frogfish use a built-in lure on their head to attract unsuspecting prey before striking with astonishing speed.
Nudibranchs
The Camia II wreck and surrounding reef are particularly rich in Nudibranch species.
With hundreds of color combinations and patterns, no two dives spotting Nudibranchs ever feel the same.
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.
Book a guided fun dive New to diving? Start hereQuestions? Contact our team — we'd love to help you plan your dives.