Dive Log: 09/06/2024
Dive Site Name: Laguna
Dive Depth: 11.6
Dive Duration: 37mn
About The Dive: Beautiful dive today with Discover Scuba Diving participants. We went to Laguna which is a shallow dive ideal for the Discover Scuba Diving.
We navigate around the site and could observed clown fish, morey eel, butterfly fish, surgeon fish and many more.
A Diver’s Guide to Spotting Mandarin Fish in Boracay: Where and When to Find Them
Boracay, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, also holds secrets beneath its crystal-clear waters that beckon scuba divers and marine enthusiasts alike. Among these underwater treasures is the elusive and colorful mandarin fish (Synchiropus splendidus), a small yet striking creature famous for its vivid hues and mesmerizing courtship dance. If you’re planning to dive in Boracay and want to catch a glimpse of these beauties, this guide will help you understand where and when to spot them.
Mandarin fish, often referred to as the “jewel of the reef,” are small, vibrant fish that are well-known for their psychedelic colors and unique mating behavior. Their bodies are adorned with bright shades of orange, blue, green, and yellow, making them a favorite among underwater photographers. However, their beauty is not the only thing that sets them apart. Mandarin fish are also notable for their shy nature and their intricate mating rituals, which involve a delicate “dance” that takes place just after sunset.
The best way to experience the magic of mandarin fish is by diving with New Wave Divers, the premier dive center in Boracay. They offer guided night dives where we always try spotting these incredible fish in their natural habitat, providing divers with the best opportunity to witness their evening courtship displays.
Mandarin fish are often found in sheltered lagoons, coral rubble areas, and reef slopes where they can easily hide among rocks and coral to avoid predators. In Boracay, some of the most popular dive sites for spotting mandarin fish are:
Crocodile Island
Just a short boat ride from Boracay, Crocodile Island is a hotspot for macro enthusiasts and photographers. The dive site is home to a variety of critters, including the elusive mandarin fish. The shallow waters around the island provide an ideal environment for these fish, with plenty of coral rubble and rocks for them to hide during the day and emerge from at dusk for their courtship dance.
Laguna de Boracay
Laguna de Boracay offers calm waters and is a favorite spot for divers interested in macro life. The shallow reefs are an excellent habitat for mandarin fish, and divers have a good chance of encountering these colorful creatures during dusk dives. Guided night dives with New Wave Divers at this site are highly recommended for those eager to see the fish in action.
Tulubhan Reef
Located on the eastern side of Boracay, Tulubhan Reef is another promising location for spotting mandarin fish. The reef offers a mix of soft and hard corals with patches of rubble, perfect for these small, timid fish. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, divers can spot the mandarin fish as they come out of hiding to perform their mating dance.
The most magical time to see mandarin fish is during their mating ritual, which typically takes place around sunset. As dusk falls, these fish come out of hiding and begin their intricate dance, which involves pairs rising together from the coral rubble, circling each other in a graceful, synchronized display. This courtship can last for several minutes, providing divers with a fantastic opportunity to observe and photograph them.
Here are some tips on timing your dive:
Spotting mandarin fish requires a bit of patience and the right approach, as these shy creatures can easily dart away when disturbed. Here are some tips to increase your chances of a successful sighting:
Move Slowly and Stay Low: Mandarin fish are skittish by nature. Approach them slowly and avoid making sudden movements that could startle them. Staying low to the reef will help minimize disturbance.
Minimize Flash and Light: While it’s tempting to use bright lights or flashes to capture their vivid colors, excessive light can scare off these shy fish. Using a red filter on your dive torch or keeping your lights dimmed will help reduce stress on the fish and allow for a more natural viewing experience.
Practice Good Buoyancy: Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial when diving around coral reefs, especially when searching for small, delicate creatures like mandarin fish. Avoid touching or damaging the reef, and keep a safe distance to preserve their habitat.
Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Diving with a knowledgeable guide from New Wave Divers is the best way to ensure a successful sighting. They know the best spots and have the experience to help you get close to these elusive fish without causing them distress.
To make the most of your mandarin fish dive, consider bringing the right gear and using specific techniques for photography:
Diving with New Wave Divers in Boracay offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to encounter mandarin fish. With a team of seasoned dive professionals who know the best spots and times to see these fish, you’ll have the best chance of witnessing the magic of their courtship dance. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to explore the wonders of the underwater world, New Wave Divers provides tailored dive experiences that ensure you get the most out of your dive in Boracay.
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
Discover Scuba Diving Experiences in Boracay
Your Perfect Introduction to the Underwater World
Boracay, with its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters, is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s a gateway to an incredible underwater world. For those new to scuba diving, the island offers the perfect setting for a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into the diving world or seeking an unforgettable adventure, Boracay is the ideal place to start your underwater journey. And when it comes to DSD in Boracay, New Wave Divers stands out as the premier choice.
Boracay’s warm, calm waters provide the perfect environment for first-time divers. The island’s sheltered dive sites boast gentle currents and excellent visibility, creating a stress-free environment where beginners can focus on enjoying their experience. New Wave Divers takes full advantage of these conditions, ensuring that each dive is both safe and enjoyable for all participants.
One of the many reasons Boracay is so popular for Discover Scuba Diving is the accessibility of its dive sites. Shallow coral reefs, teeming with life, are just a short boat ride from the shore, allowing DSD participants to maximize their time underwater. With New Wave Divers, you’ll explore these vibrant reefs in the company of expert instructors who know the best spots to see Boracay’s rich marine life.
Boracay is home to some of the most colorful and diverse marine ecosystems in the Philippines. As you embark on your Discover Scuba Diving experience, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and perhaps even a curious sea turtle. New Wave Divers’ instructors are adept at guiding you through these underwater wonders, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
New Wave Divers boasts a team of highly trained and friendly dive instructors who specialize in working with beginners. Their expertise ensures that your Discover Scuba Diving experience is not only safe but also incredibly rewarding. With small group sizes, you’ll receive personalized attention, making your introduction to scuba diving comfortable and enjoyable.
Discover Scuba Diving in Boracay doesn’t have to break the bank. New Wave Divers offers affordable and comprehensive packages that include everything you need for your dive—equipment, instruction, and transportation to the dive sites. This all-inclusive approach makes it easy and hassle-free to experience the underwater world, even if it’s your first time.
The beauty of Boracay extends beyond its underwater attractions. The island’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife offer the perfect complement to your diving adventure. After a day spent exploring the ocean with New Wave Divers, you can relax on the white sands or enjoy the local dining and entertainment options. The island’s welcoming atmosphere enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable destination for both divers and non-divers alike.
Discover Scuba Diving in Boracay is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, from solo travelers to families and groups. New Wave Divers caters to all, offering packages that can be customized to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re diving with your partner, family, or friends, the experience will be one to remember.
Safety is paramount when it comes to scuba diving, and New Wave Divers upholds the highest safety standards. Their instructors are not only experienced but also deeply committed to ensuring that each dive is conducted with the utmost care. Moreover, Boracay’s accessibility, with regular flights and ferry services, makes it easy for travelers from around the world to experience this diving paradise.
Boracay is an exceptional destination for anyone looking to discover the wonders of scuba diving. With its ideal conditions, rich marine life, and stunning surroundings, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. And with New Wave Divers as your guide, you’re guaranteed the best possible introduction to the underwater world. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beauty beneath the waves—book your Discover Scuba Diving experience with New Wave Divers today.
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
Dive Log: 08/26/2024
Dive Site Name: Laguna
Dive Depth: 17..4
Dive Duration: 48mn
About The Dive: I guided Jonathan to Laguna this morning. Laguna is a beautiful site on the north east side of Boracay. The beginning of the dive is a shallow plateau at around 7 metres.
Then we reach the dropoff than can goes around 20 metres. The reef here offers 1 nice topography of steep cliffs and big tables corals. Laguna is home of a few green turtle (we saw 2 today), batfish, titan triggerfish, morey eel. And also macrolide like nudibranches and pipefish.
Exclusive DAN Divers Medical Coverage Now Available in Boracay
We are pleased to announce that our dive shop is the only one in Boracay offering DAN World’s Divers Medical Coverage to students enrolled in our entry-level scuba diving courses. This coverage is specifically designed to provide financial protection for medical expenses incurred as a result of injuries sustained during scuba training. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and excellence, we are proud to offer this exclusive coverage to our students.
What Does DAN Divers Medical Coverage Include?
Comprehensive Medical Expense Coverage: Students enrolled in our entry-level scuba courses are eligible for up to $25,000 in medical expense coverage. This coverage applies to a wide range of injuries that may occur during training, both in and out of the water. Whether it’s a broken foot from a dropped tank, ear problems due to pressure changes, or more serious dive-related injuries, DAN’s Divers Medical Coverage ensures that your medical bills are taken care of.
Extended Coverage Period: The coverage is valid for up to 180 days from the date of enrollment or until the completion of your final certifying dive, whichever comes first. This extended period of coverage provides added peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your training without worrying about potential medical costs.
Tailored for Scuba Diving: Unlike general medical insurance, DAN’s Divers Medical Coverage is specifically designed to address the unique risks associated with scuba diving. This means that you are protected in scenarios that are most relevant to your training, ensuring that you receive the best possible care in the event of an injury.
Why Is DAN Divers Medical Coverage Important?
Scuba diving is an exhilarating and rewarding activity, but like any sport, it comes with certain risks. As a responsible dive shop, we believe that safety should always come first. DAN World is a trusted leader in diver safety, with decades of experience in providing medical coverage and support to divers worldwide. By offering this coverage, we are taking an extra step to ensure that our students have the financial protection they need during their training.
Injuries can happen to even the most cautious divers, especially during the learning process when students are still mastering the techniques and skills required for safe diving. DAN’s Divers Medical Coverage provides a safety net, ensuring that unexpected medical expenses don’t become a burden.
Our Commitment to Student Safety and Success
At our dive shop, we are committed to providing the highest quality scuba training, supported by industry-leading safety measures. Offering DAN Divers Medical Coverage exclusively to our students is part of this commitment. We want our students to feel confident as they embark on their scuba diving journey, knowing that they are fully supported from the moment they enroll in our courses.
Our entry-level scuba courses are designed to introduce students to the world of diving in a safe and controlled environment. We cover everything from basic theory to practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their underwater adventures. With the added assurance of DAN’s Divers Medical Coverage, students can focus on learning and enjoying their training, without the worry of potential medical costs.
Enroll Today and Dive with Confidence
If you’re considering enrolling in one of our entry-level scuba courses know that you have one less thing to worry about. DAN Divers Medical Coverage is automatically available through our dive shop, providing you with unparalleled protection as you begin your diving journey.
For more information on our scuba courses and how to enroll in DAN’s Divers Medical Coverage, please contact us directly. Our team is here to assist you with any questions you may have and to guide you through the enrollment process. Start your scuba training with the confidence that comes from knowing you are fully protected, both in and out of the water.
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
Dive Log: 08/24/2024
Dive Site Name: Angol point
Dive Depth: 9.8
Dive Duration: 31 mn
About The Dive: I took Aliaksey to Angol point today. He was doing the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. Angol point is a very nice site for first timers and beginners because it offers a long shallow area. The reef here is beautiful and some boulders coral are really big and probably very old!!
Marine life here include puffer fish, sea snakes, clown fish…
Dive Log: 08/24/2024
Dive Site Name: Camia 2
Dive Depth: 25.7
Dive Duration: 38mn
About The Dive: I had a beautiful dive today on Camila 2 with Edward. Life on Camia is always amazing. Exploring the deck, the bow and the wheel house is amazing. There is lionfish, scorpionfish, trumpet fish, parrotfish, queen angelfish(photo). And around the wreck there is school of fusiliers, groupers, midnight emperor, jack's…
The dive not to miss when in Boracay.
Dive Log: 08/24/2024
Dive Site Name: Diniwid
Dive Depth: 24 meters
Dive Duration: 50 minutes
About The Dive: We gave our customer 15ltr tank, as per request of customer and we had a great dive and the best part was seeing a baby turtle.
Dive Log: 08/23/2024
Dive Site Name: Crocodile
Dive Depth: 19.4
Dive Duration: 41mn
About The Dive: Beautiful dive this morning on Crocodile. The name of the dive site refers to the island it's next to. The island has the shape of a crocodile. Unfortunately there is no crocodile there😉.
We start the dive on the plateau at a depth of 5/6 meters. Then we reach the wall that goes down to 23/24 metres. It's very beautiful as the wall offers some small cave where groupers like to hide. We saw a big one this morning. There's is sometimes also turtles. There is at least 2 couples of titan trigger fish living in the area.
The cave are also home for squirrel fish and cardinal fish.
This is often a drift dive here, and we can finish the dive on the top of the reef where soft and hard corals are colourfull and hosts pipe fish.
Today's dive was with Nikky and Brad.
Whale Sharks in Boracay
What You Need to Know About These Gentle Giants
Whale Sharks in Boracay: What You Need to Know About These Gentle Giants
Whale sharks are one of the ocean’s most enigmatic creatures, revered for their massive size and gentle nature. While Boracay is known for its vibrant marine life, whale sharks are an infrequent sight in these waters. However, understanding more about these magnificent creatures and their habits can enhance your appreciation of the marine environment in Boracay and the Philippines as a whole.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish in the sea, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 40 feet or more. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants pose no threat to humans. They are filter feeders, meaning they feed by swimming with their mouths open, filtering out plankton, small fish, and other tiny organisms from the water. This feeding behavior is a sight to behold, as it showcases the grace and tranquility of these otherwise formidable-looking creatures.
Interesting Facts About Whale Sharks:
Lifespan: Whale sharks are believed to live for up to 70 years, although some researchers suggest they could live even longer. However, their slow growth rate and late sexual maturity make them vulnerable to threats.
Migration: Whale sharks are highly migratory, often traveling thousands of miles across oceans. They are found in tropical and warm temperate seas worldwide, with certain areas known to be seasonal hotspots for sightings.
Unique Patterns: Each whale shark has a unique pattern of white spots and stripes on its body, similar to a human fingerprint. These patterns help researchers identify and track individual sharks.
Reproduction: Much about whale shark reproduction remains a mystery, but it is known that they give birth to live young. The young, called pups, are about 2 feet long when born.
Whale sharks are typically found in warm, tropical waters. They are known to migrate vast distances, following the availability of plankton and other food sources. Some of the most famous locations for whale shark encounters include the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Ningaloo Reef in Australia, and various regions in the Philippines.
While Boracay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life, whale sharks are not commonly seen in this area. The island’s waters provide an excellent environment for a wide variety of marine species, but the conditions that attract whale sharks—such as large concentrations of plankton—are not consistently present. This makes sightings rare, though not entirely impossible.
For those eager to see whale sharks in the Philippines, several locations are known for more frequent sightings:
Oslob, Cebu: Oslob is perhaps the most well-known place in the Philippines to see whale sharks. Here, local fishermen have created a controversial feeding program that attracts whale sharks year-round. While this guarantees sightings, it has raised ethical concerns regarding the impact on the sharks’ natural behavior and health.
Donsol, Sorsogon: Donsol offers a more natural and sustainable whale shark encounter. Between November and June, these gentle giants congregate in the waters off Donsol to feed on the abundant plankton. The interaction here is regulated to minimize human impact.
Southern Leyte: Less crowded than Oslob and Donsol, Southern Leyte is becoming an increasingly popular spot for whale shark sightings. The area is known for its more serene environment and offers a chance to see these creatures without the tourist crowds.
The rarity of whale shark sightings in Boracay can be attributed to several environmental factors. Whale sharks tend to follow the food, which in their case is primarily plankton. Boracay’s waters, while rich in marine biodiversity, may not consistently have the large concentrations of plankton that attract whale sharks. Additionally, their migratory nature means they are often passing through different regions depending on the time of year.
While it’s unlikely to encounter a whale shark in Boracay, there are certain times of the year when you might get lucky. Keeping an eye on reports of whale shark sightings and visiting during periods when plankton blooms are more likely could slightly increase your chances. However, for those specifically seeking a whale shark encounter, traveling to one of the aforementioned locations in the Philippines is recommended.
Whale sharks are truly one of nature’s wonders, inspiring awe and admiration wherever they are found. While Boracay may not be a hotspot for whale shark sightings, it still offers an incredible diving experience with its rich marine life. For those determined to see whale sharks, destinations like Oslob, Donsol, and Southern Leyte provide more reliable opportunities within the Philippines. Whether you’re exploring Boracay’s vibrant underwater world or venturing to other parts of the Philippines, the experience of diving in these waters is always unforgettable.
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!