
Coral Cove Dive Site
Dive into vibrant coral gardens and encounter sea turtles at this secluded island paradise, offering an authentic escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Boat traffic thins out

Coral Cove Dive Site
Best Time
Boat traffic thins out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into vibrant coral gardens and encounter sea turtles at this secluded island paradise, offering an authentic escape.
"Truly a dream, with breathtaking walls and a gorgeous underwater world."

Bring your own snorkel gear
For a better fit and comfort, many recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. :diving_mask:
Confirm boat transfer costs
Boat transfers are often extra. Clarify pricing with your resort beforehand to avoid surprises. :moneywithwings:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 71 reviews
Type
Resort hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Coral Gardens
Near San Antonio Beach
Explore a breathtaking underwater world teeming with colorful fish and giant clams. Snorkel or dive to witness this vibrant marine ecosystem.

Majestic Sea Turtles
Offshore snorkeling spots
Encounter majestic green sea turtles gracefully swimming in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

Underwater Walls & Wrecks
Deeper dive sites
For certified divers, explore dramatic underwater walls and intriguing shipwrecks, revealing a hidden world of marine life.

Lionfish Encounters
Reef areas
Witness the striking beauty of lionfish, often seen gracefully navigating the reef. A reminder of the ocean's diverse and sometimes fierce inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive Gear Essentials
Island Access & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own snorkel gear
For a better fit and comfort, many recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. :diving_mask:
Confirm boat transfer costs
Boat transfers are often extra. Clarify pricing with your resort beforehand to avoid surprises. :moneywithwings:
Philippines diving
Where is the best diving area of the PI for great reef diving. I enjoy lush coral gardens, soft coral, anemones with lots of reef fish. Wall dives are cool if there’s lots of reef. Short boat rides and some shore diving is a bonus. My wife only snorkel’s so place with some…
Embrace local village life
Enjoy the authentic experience of staying in a small Filipino village, away from tourist crowds. :villagelightbulb:
Be prepared for limited dining
Your resort is likely the only dining option. Food is good but can be pricier than expected. :forkandknifewithplate:
Best Snorkeling in the Philippines?
Heya, I'm in Philly for a while and so far have been to Bohol and Siquijor, right now in Dumaguete. I am considering going to Palawan and checking it out there. I am mainly looking for DIY snorkeling, not really into tours.. So would appreciate recommendations for off the shore…
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own snorkel gear
For a better fit and comfort, many recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. :diving_mask:
Confirm boat transfer costs
Boat transfers are often extra. Clarify pricing with your resort beforehand to avoid surprises. :moneywithwings:
Embrace local village life
Enjoy the authentic experience of staying in a small Filipino village, away from tourist crowds. :villagelightbulb:
Be prepared for limited dining
Your resort is likely the only dining option. Food is good but can be pricier than expected. :forkandknifewithplate:
Watch for strong currents
Some areas, like the sandbar, can have strong currents. Be cautious when snorkeling or swimming. 🌊
Enjoy the peaceful evenings
Sit back on your balcony and listen to the waves. It's a perfect way to unwind after a day of diving. 🌊
Lionfish are a sight to see
Keep an eye out for the stunning lionfish, a common sight on the reef. :tropical_fish:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning underwater world at Coral Cove, highlighting the vibrant coral gardens, abundant marine life including sea turtles, and the authentic, peaceful island experience. The friendly staff and good food are consistently praised, though some note the cost of dining and boat transfers. Occasional noise from boat traffic and electricity interruptions are minor drawbacks.
"We came for two days, stayed a week and did our advanced adventurer course.
The location is perfect to dive, snorkel, be away from the masses while getting to know the locals and discover this gorgeous island.
The staff was so sweet, welcoming and considerate, we felt more than at home. Our diving master, Rex, was an absolute sweetheart and we felt perfectly safe and well taken care of at all times. Wiljune and Neil completed a top dive team: thanks to the three of them, we got to deep and night dive, see breath-taking walls, gorgeous macro underwater world, swim through wrecks. In between two dives, we went to explore the coral gardens with our snorkel with an impressive variety of colorful fish and giant clams.
Not to forget great food from Marc, super service from Myra, wonderful massage and company throughout the week.
Thank you for everything, it truly was a dream."
Amélie VRLA
"We had a great time!
The staff is very friendly and helpful.
The rooms were very nice, the ceiling fan in ours just made some noise but otherwise it was perfect.
San Antonio beach is really great and peaceful. It is near the sandbar, and a lot of Coral nearby to look at fish."
Francis Mari Romero
"I've been here twice. The staff provided excellent service. The rooms were comfortable and well designed with wooden desk, small private balcony, and refrigerator. Food was always fresh and they have a great chef. There is great snorkeling right in front. This place is embedded in a small Filipino village on an island without the usual tourist shops and such. There is some boat traffic and associated noise at times, mostly mid day. Even so it was really nice to sit on the balcony in the evening and listen to the waves."
Kioma Aldecoa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Coral Cove Dive Site typically involves a boat transfer organized by your resort. This boat service usually comes at an additional cost, so it's advisable to confirm the exact pricing with your accommodation in advance. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding islands and waters.
Coral Cove is located on an island and is not directly accessible by public land transport. Boat access is the primary method, usually arranged through local resorts or dive operators.
For exploring different dive sites around Coral Cove, a boat is essential. Resorts often provide boat services for divers, allowing easy access to various underwater locations like walls, wrecks, and coral gardens.
While some areas might be reachable by swimming from shore, the prime dive and snorkel spots are best accessed by boat. This allows for greater exploration of the reef and deeper areas.
Pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your electronics. Staying hydrated is also key, so bring a reusable water bottle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a specific entry ticket for Coral Cove itself. However, you will likely incur costs for boat transfers to the site and potentially for dive packages or equipment rental if you're not bringing your own.
Diving at Coral Cove is generally accessible during daylight hours. Many visitors prefer early mornings for the best visibility and calmer conditions. Night dives are also an option for certified divers.
Absolutely! Coral Cove is excellent for snorkeling. You can easily explore the vibrant coral gardens and see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and even sea turtles, right from the surface.
Snorkeling itself is usually free once you reach the site. The main costs would be for boat transport to the snorkeling areas and any equipment rental if needed.
It's recommended to book your dive trips and accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure your preferred dive times.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Coral Cove is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Expect to see a wide array of colorful fish, vibrant corals, giant clams, and if you're lucky, majestic sea turtles. Lionfish are also a common and striking sight.
Yes, Coral Cove offers areas suitable for beginner divers, with shallow reefs and clear waters. For more advanced experiences like deep dives, night dives, and exploring walls or wrecks, certifications are required.
The 'Coral Garden' about 300 meters from the resort is highly recommended for snorkeling, offering impressive coral formations and marine life, including frequent sightings of green sea turtles.
Some areas, particularly near the sandbar, can experience strong currents. It's important to be aware of these conditions and dive or snorkel with caution, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer.
The water temperature in this region is generally warm and pleasant for diving and snorkeling year-round, typically ranging from 27-30°C (80-86°F).
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options at Coral Cove are primarily limited to the resort or accommodation you are staying at. Many visitors find the food to be surprisingly good, with fresh ingredients and well-prepared meals.
While the food is generally well-regarded, some visitors note that it can be a bit more costly than they might expect in the Philippines. It's advisable to budget accordingly for meals.
Coral Cove is embedded in a small Filipino village, and while there are locals, dedicated tourist restaurants outside of your resort are scarce. This contributes to the secluded and authentic feel of the location.
Expect a mix of local Filipino dishes and international favorites. Popular items mentioned include loganisas and burgers, prepared by a good chef.
While not explicitly detailed, resorts in the Philippines are often accommodating. It's best to inquire directly with your accommodation about specific dietary needs and available options.
📸 📸 Photography
Coral Cove offers incredible underwater photography potential. Capture the vibrant coral gardens, diverse fish species, giant clams, and the majestic sea turtles. The wrecks and walls also provide dramatic backdrops.
Yes, lionfish are often spotted and make for striking subjects in underwater photography due to their unique appearance and flowing fins.
For underwater photography, a good waterproof camera or a DSLR with a dedicated underwater housing is recommended. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the reefscapes, while macro lenses are ideal for small marine life.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography or videography for recreational purposes. However, always be respectful of marine life and avoid disturbing them.
Early mornings often provide the best light and visibility for underwater photography. The water tends to be calmer, and marine life is often more active.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit