great critter diving in Dauin, Philippines

[Douglasdiver]

I have done a lot of dive travel over the years, and one location captured my heart, and its Dauin, Phillipines. So I retired and moved to Dauin in January. Its an amazing place, rich with critters including Blue Ring octopus, Ambon Scorpion fish, Mimic Octopus, Wonderpus, Ornate Ghost Pipe Fish, Frog Fish, Jaw fish, Comet fish, and all kinds of nudibranchs. Never a dull dive.

If anyone is planning a trip to Dauin, I am happy to answer questions or make suggestions. There are over 20 dive resorts here and a whole range of prices. There is something for everyone. Here is a Frogfish with its lure out, hoping to catch a fish, or shrimp.

 

[rmorgan]

Living the dream. Good work!

 

[dirtfarmer]

I fell in love with muck diving in Dauin years ago which led to exploring lots of other locations to get my critter fix. Back then you could dive the Ducomi Pier, it was such a great site with Muck bottom and soft coral habitat on the pilings, back then it would be on some top 10 dive sites in the world lists. It was a shame when they shut that site down.

 

[Blackcrusader]

Thanks. I want to plan a trip there maybe later in the year September / October.

I was just in Moalboal this week and only thing I never saw there is the Mimic Octopus. We had dolphins and whale sharks though.

 

[Centrals]

I fell in love with muck diving in Dauin years ago which led to exploring lots of other locations to get my critter fix. Back then you could dive the Ducomi Pier, it was such a great site with Muck bottom and soft coral habitat on the pilings, back then it would be on some top 10 dive sites in the world lists. It was a shame when they shut that site down.

Same sentiment for Padre Bugos Pier in Southern Leyte.

Development = destruction. Shame.

 

[Bookworm11]

I'm planning on coming to Dauin sometime in 2026. I want to combine it with at least one trip to Apo Island, and trips to probably a couple of other areas of the Philippines to dive.

 

[Bookworm11]

Maybe Siquijor and Puerto Galera, although I know it's difficult to get to there from either Dauin or Siquijor.

 

[Centrals]

I'm planning on coming to Dauin sometime in 2026. I want to combine it with at least one trip to Apo Island, and trips to probably a couple of other areas of the Philippines to dive.

Every operator in Dauin/Dumaguete arranges trip to Api Island routinely.
Malapascua would be better in my own opinion if you want to explore other area.

 

[Tippytoes12]

Maybe Siquijor and Puerto Galera, although I know it's difficult to get to there from either Dauin or Siquijor.

From Dauin you can catch a morning flight to Manila and then a transfer to PG, should be easily done in one long day.

 

[Jay_Remi]

I have done a lot of dive travel over the years, and one location captured my heart, and its Dauin, Phillipines. So I retired and moved to Dauin in January. Its an amazing place, rich with critters including Blue Ring octopus, Ambon Scorpion fish, Mimic Octopus, Wonderpus, Ornate Ghost Pipe Fish, Frog Fish, Jaw fish, Comet fish, and all kinds of nudibranchs. Never a dull dive.

If anyone is planning a trip to Dauin, I am happy to answer questions or make suggestions. There are over 20 dive resorts here and a whole range of prices. There is something for everyone. Here is a Frogfish with its lure out, hoping to catch a fish, or shrimp.

I am planning to go to Dauin, late December / early January. Would 5 -7 days of diving be sufficient? I am keen on critters, muck diving, and to do a few dive trips to Apo island. Is there a dive center you'd recommend? Or decently priced accommodation? Preferably a reputable dive center that offers good accommodation. I got Mike's on my radar but wondering what other options there were. (we are not interested in the luxurious type, but not in the basic category either).
Also, are there interesting excursions to do in the area? Either adventurous or culturally interesting. (it's our first time to the Philippines). fyi, it's a 3 weeks vacation and we would spend a week in Malapascua beforehand. Any tip or recommendation is very much welcome!