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Philippines :: Mactan

Mactan is a coral island, 62sq km in area that lies just off the coast of Cebu. Because of its proximity to Cebu City and the international airport there, the diving infrastructure is well developed and visitors can literally be in the water within an hour or so of flying in.

Whilst the island dosn't offer the best sites in the Visayas region, there is plenty of choice and it attracts thousands of divers every year. The east coast offers the best variety of sites along its walls and the Hilutangan Channel that seperates it from Olango Island is extremely deep, therefore offering good oppotunities to see larger fish life.

Currents can be strong, so not every dive is suitable for beginners. As sites are numerous and in some instances very similar, they are grouped into 3 sections, one of which is the seperate Olango Island.

Mactan is a favorite jumping-off point for excursions further afield around the Visayas region. Live-aboard safaris can be organised from here.

 

Mactan at a glance

Accommodation : All types, plenty of tourist facilities

Depth : 20-60m

Viz : average 20m

Currents : can be strong

Average cost of a dive : $25

Dive Sites : 12+

Dive Operators : 10+

Getting there : International airport in Cebu City. Internal flights 1 hr from Manila. 45 mins to island

Off Season : July to Sept

The map below is interactive so click on the dive site to get more details.

 

 
 
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