Romblon Island is just one of the twenty Sibuyan Sea islands that make up the Philippines’ Romblon Province. Surrounded by deep, clear channels where manta ray and whale shark sightings are frequent, the area is 187 nautical miles south of Manila and is virtually untouched, offering exceptional diving for all levels, thanks to sheltered bays and inlets where marine life abounds. There are more than twenty named dive sites around Romblon – here are just seven of the best.
Blue Hole - Romblon Dive Sites
The only Blue Hole discovered in the Philippines to date, this site begins along a shallow reef just 5 meters deep. The entrance to the blue hole is a 6 meter wide volcanic chimney, which drops for 20 meters before opening up into the massive chamber below. With its ceiling at 25 meters and a huge opening that leads out into open water, the site is incredible. You can explore the inner reaches of the blue hole itself, looking for lobsters, big eyes, giant moray eels, or stonefish, and at the exit opening, which has its top at 30 meters and its bottom at 40 meters, you can simply hang out and enjoy the show that takes place in the blue beyond. White tip and black tip reef sharks, manta rays and eagle rays, schooling tuna and barracuda, jacks, baitfish and others pass by, creating an amazing spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. As if this weren’t enough, the entire reef is covered in a variety of coral and sponges that are filled with reef fish and other little creatures.
Telsie’s Garden - Romblon Dive Sites
Muck diving at its finest, Telsie’s Garden is located directly in front of the village of Agpanabat. With a sandy slope covered in scattered coral and rubble, the site is home to octopus and nudibranchs, stonefish and a variety of tropical fish in a kaleidoscope of colors. Great for night diving and fun during the daytime too, the site is suitable for all divers and is well sheltered. Depending upon the season, visibility can vary from as little as 5 meters to as much as 25 meters. Maximum depth is 35 meters however there is plenty to see in much shallower water.
Sasaigang Point - Romblon Dive Sites
A fantastic site for photography, Sasaigang Point is located at the tip of a little rocky islet called Logbon Island. Beginning in just 3 meters of water and quickly deepening to 15 meters, then sloping to meet the seabed at 25 meters, this site is suitable for all divers and is fun for snorkeling, as well. Here, you’ll find seahorses and pipefish among coral formations, along with scrawled filefish and other interesting species. Angelfish and butterfly fish, wrasse and damsels, and a variety of other tropicals are here in abundance, as are nudibranchs and crustaceans. On night dives, you can see the soft coral extend to feed, and all the critters put on a fantastic show – don’t forget your camera!
San Pedro Sanctuary - Romblon Dive Sites
Suitable for all divers and fun for snorkeling as well, San Pedro Sanctuary is a fantastic coral reef which is best known for the sea turtles which are encountered on every dive. Located just off Lonos, this multilevel site begins in shallow water, eventually leading to maximum depth at 40 meters. You’ll find everything from reef sharks to nudibranchs as you explore, and if you’re very lucky, you may even encounter manta rays or whale sharks – they have been seen here in the past.
Bonbon Seagrass Valley - Romblon Dive Sites
With enormous boulders situated across a gorgeous emerald green plain of sea grass, Bonbon Seagrass Valley is an excellent site for both macro photos and wide angle shots. Here, you can find lots of nudibranchs, sea horses and octopus, along with juvenile pelagics and schooling snapper, quite a few passing reef fish, and lots of crustaceans. The varied topography creates a habitat that supports a wide array of marine life, so it’s possible to see just about anything in the area, including sharks and rays. Maximum depth is just 20 meters, and visibility is sometimes as much as 35 meters. Popular for night diving, the site is suitable for all divers.
Agpanabat Caves and Canyons - Romblon Dive Sites
Beginning in shallow water and gradually sloping down to depths between 25 and 40 meters, Agpanabat Caves and Canyons is a fascinating wonderland, where swimthroughs and steep coral covered walls, small caves, and gorgeous rock formations create a magical atmosphere. Colorful anemones and sponges create even more visual impact, acting as a backdrop for all the marine life that inhabits the area including shrimp and lobsters, groupers and snappers, lovely reef fish in every hue of the rainbow, plus the occasional reef shark and lots of turtles.
Giant Clam Sanctuary - Romblon Dive Sites
Finding one giant clam is always exciting, but diving among a colony of these incredible creatures, with their beautifully colored mantles extended to feed is an amazing experience. Located in a sheltered bay near Tiamban beach, the site is ideal for all divers, offering maximum depth at just 20 meters. As you dive among these giants, who are among the most endangered of all clam species, keep in mind that some of them may be as much as 100 years old. Juvenile giant clams are about 20 centimeters across, and the clams grow at a pace of about 12 centimeters per year. Protect them by adhering to the no-touch policy.
Diving at most Romblon sites is possible all year long, although visibility is best during the summer months. Despite its relatively remote location, the province does have several nice resorts that boast excellent dining and pristine beaches. There are a few dive operators to choose from, and there are interesting historic attractions and natural features, such as old Spanish forts and churches and the scenic Mainit Falls, to explore when you are not diving. The pace of life is easy and relaxed, providing the perfect setting for letting go of everyday cares. Book in advance, particularly for in-demand sites like the Blue Hole; space is limited.