Boracay Dive Sites Uncovered: 5 Hidden Gems for Divers

Boracay Island is renowned worldwide for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere. However, beneath the surface of its azure waters lies a diving paradise waiting to be explored. While famous dive spots like Yapak and Angol Point attract plenty of attention, Boracay offers numerous lesser-known yet equally stunning dive sites that promise unique adventures for divers of all skill levels. Here’s our guide to five hidden gem dive sites around Boracay, guaranteed to enhance your diving experience.

1. Friday’s Rock

Friday’s Rock may not receive the fame of nearby Yapak, but it’s an underwater marvel not to be missed. Located close to the iconic White Beach, this site is ideal for divers who love marine life diversity. It features coral-covered rock formations and vibrant reef systems teeming with macro critters, including nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish, and colorful frogfish. The depth here ranges from 12 to 18 meters, perfect for leisurely dives, underwater photography, and macro enthusiasts.

2. Crocodile Island

Named for its crocodile-shaped silhouette above the surface, Crocodile Island offers some of the richest marine biodiversity in Boracay. Despite its proximity to the main island, it often remains overshadowed by other popular spots. Its shallow reef system, ranging from 5 to 20 meters, showcases a stunning array of corals, tropical reef fish, and fascinating marine creatures like banded sea snakes, octopuses, and even occasional reef sharks. The visibility here is exceptional, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned divers looking for vibrant underwater photography opportunities.

3. Camia Shipwreck

The Camia shipwreck is Boracay’s hidden treasure for wreck-diving enthusiasts. Deliberately sunk in 2001 to create an artificial reef, the Camia now lies peacefully at approximately 30 meters, cloaked in lush coral growth and inhabited by diverse marine life. Divers can explore its structure, swim through compartments, and encounter schools of batfish, lionfish, moray eels, and occasional giant groupers. The wreck offers a captivating exploration for advanced divers who appreciate both history and marine biodiversity.

4. Laurel Island

Just a short boat ride from Boracay lies Laurel Island, a small rocky outcrop that is often overlooked by divers visiting the area. Beneath its serene surface awaits an enchanting underwater landscape characterized by walls, caves, and tunnels adorned with soft and hard corals. Visibility here can reach up to 30 meters, allowing divers to appreciate the full splendor of marine life, including large schools of jacks, fusiliers, and barracudas. Divers may even encounter turtles or eagle rays gracefully gliding past.

5. Laguna de Boracay

Situated on the eastern side of Boracay Island, Laguna de Boracay provides a tranquil diving environment away from the busy tourist areas. This dive site is particularly appealing to macro lovers and underwater photographers. Laguna’s seabed hosts an array of marine life rarely spotted elsewhere on the island, including pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, various nudibranch species, and pipefish. With depths ranging from 10 to 20 meters, it’s suitable for divers of all skill levels, making it an excellent location to fine-tune your buoyancy control and macro photography skills.

Why Explore These Hidden Dive Sites?

While Boracay’s famous dive sites deserve the accolades they receive, exploring these lesser-known locations provides a unique experience away from the usual crowds. These hidden gems offer divers the opportunity to witness marine life in peaceful, pristine conditions, often yielding memorable encounters with rare species.

Dive Responsibly

When visiting these hidden dive gems, it’s crucial to practice responsible diving. Always follow the principles of eco-friendly diving:

• Avoid touching or disturbing marine life.

• Maintain excellent buoyancy control to prevent damaging corals.

• Take only pictures and leave only bubbles, preserving these treasures for future divers.

Dive with New Wave Divers Boracay

Discovering Boracay’s hidden dive sites is made safe, enjoyable, and accessible with experienced guides from New Wave Divers. Our professional team ensures you have enriching dives, prioritizing safety, education, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re seeking macro photography adventures, thrilling wreck dives, or tranquil reef exploration, New Wave Divers will help you unlock the secrets beneath Boracay’s stunning waters.

Ready to dive deeper into Boracay’s underwater secrets? Join New Wave Divers and uncover these hidden gems for yourself.