Diving in Palawan: Seasonal Concerns About Visibility Due to Algae Bloom?

[diving-kohchang]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a diving trip to Palawan and I'm getting mixed reports about the current conditions. I've heard that this is a great season to dive there, but I'm also reading about algae blooms that can significantly reduce underwater visibility. Can anyone confirm if this is an issue? And if so, is it affecting the entire Palawan area or is it more localized? Any insights from recent divers or locals would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Centrals]

Red Tide Alert: Don't Eat Shellfish from These Areas

Skip the shellfish for now.

www.spot.ph

Only Puerto Princesa and Taytay were mentioned. But most divers go to El Nido which is quite a distance away so you should be fine over there.
Where are you intended to dive in Palawan?

 

[diving-kohchang]

Thank for the info.
We intent to dive at El Nido/Coron. The mixed signals are confusing us.

 

[Centrals]

I would be very surprised if El Nido is affected because:
1. Wide open sea.
2. Very lightly populated in the area.

The wrecks in Coron are scattered over a very large area so highly unlikely all are affected if there is any.
And you should hear more about the red tide because of the pearl farm industry in Coron.

Please do not take my words for it. Do check with the local operators.