In April 2025, I kicked off a three-week dive trip around the Philippines by heading south to Dauin, near Dumaguete. I had wanted to visit ever since I got hooked on macro photography, and it turned out to be the perfect start to my trip.
Dauin has become famous as one of the world’s best muck diving destinations, and it really lives up to that reputation. Its volcanic black sand slopes are home to some of the strangest and most fascinating marine life you could hope to find. It was also a great warm-up for the next islands I planned to visit, with easy access to Apo Island for a change of pace and colour.
Dauin is known as the muck diving capital of the Philippines. If you love searching for the tiny and unusual, this place is paradise. The sandy slopes off the shore hide incredible macro life, from flamboyant cuttlefish and frogfish to ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and sea snakes weaving through the sand.
The calm conditions and shallow depths mean you can stay down longer, giving you time to photograph even the smallest critters. Each dive feels like a treasure hunt, and you never know what you might find just a few feet from where you started.
All of my dives in Dauin were done right from the coast, each site offering something different for photographers and macro lovers. Here are a few that stood out to me.
This classic muck dive site is one of the best for spotting octopus. Blue-ringed, mimic, and wonderpus species are often seen here, along with hairy and warty frogfish. The sandy slope and small rocks make it a favourite for macro photographers. Conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to dive around slack tide when currents are lighter.
Dauin’s Bongo Bongo Divers house reef was the first marine protected area in the region and remains one of the most popular. The mix of coral, sponges, and anemones creates a colourful habitat for reef fish and clownfish, and turtles often make an appearance. It is shallow and calm, perfect for beginners and photographers alike.
This site offers a blend of coral gardens and black sand terrain. The upper reef is home to small fish and soft corals, while the deeper sections are full of macro life. Look closely and you might find nudibranchs, frogfish, mantis shrimp, and even candy crabs hiding among the corals.
Masaplod Norte has a lovely mix of coral and sand. Schools of yellow snapper and jacks patrol the reef, while closer to the bottom you can find pipefish, nudibranchs, blue-spotted stingrays, and the occasional sea snake. It’s an all-rounder that shows off everything that makes Dauin diving so special.
If you fancy a change of scenery, Apo Island is just a short boat ride away. The reefs here are vibrant and full of turtles, making it a popular day trip from Dauin. Many dive shops include two dives around the island and time to relax on the beach before heading back.
For me, the island was beautiful but not as exciting as the muck dives back in Dauin. The reefs are lively and full of colour, but it was the black sand slopes with their tiny surprises that really stole the show.
I flew into the Philippines from Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia, booking through Trip.com which made it easy to find the best fares. After arriving in Manila, I connected onto a domestic flight with Cebu Pacific to Dumaguete. Honestly, Manila’s domestic departure area was one of the worst I’ve been through. Crowded, chaotic and not particularly pleasant, but once you’re through it, it’s worth it.
From Dumaguete airport, the dive resort, Bongo Bongo Divers, had arranged transport straight to their base in Dauin. It was much more comfortable than trying to arrange something myself on arrival and gave me peace of mind knowing someone was waiting for me. The drive only took about 30-40 minutes.
I stayed and dived with Bongo Bongo Divers, and it turned out to be a brilliant choice. They’re not just your average dive centre. Their family feel and warm Filipino hospitality make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Even the resident furry friends added to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The guides were brilliant, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they do. They took care of the equipment, handled logistics, and kept everything relaxed but organised. The facilities were great too, with an honesty bar, a pool surrounded by tropical gardens, and space to unwind between dives.
My air-conditioned room was simple but clean, with a comfortable bed reached by a short set of wooden steps. It was rustic yet homely, ideal for a dive trip and only a short walk from the main area of the dive centre.
While in Dauin, I also completed my PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) course. The team made the training straightforward and enjoyable, and I finished the rest of my dives using nitrox. I noticed a real difference, feeling less tired after multiple dives, and would recommend doing it if you are staying for a few days.
On my last day, the dive shop organised transport to the ferry port in Sibulan. It was quick, smooth, and made it easy to continue my journey north to Oslob.
If you are looking for a dive centre that combines affordability, great diving, and genuine hospitality, Bongo Bongo Divers is hard to beat. They care about their guests, the marine life, and the overall experience. I would happily dive with them again.
Dauin is a small, friendly town with a handful of local restaurants and shops. It is not flashy, and that is exactly what makes it so enjoyable. I found a brilliant little spot that quickly became my go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even a few beers in the evening. The place was called Dauin Dive Café.
The food was great, reasonably priced, and the staff were welcoming and fun. They really look after you and make you feel at home, whether you are stopping by for a quick coffee or staying later to unwind after diving. I would definitely recommend visiting if you are in the area.
Scuba diving in Dauin was the perfect start to my Philippines adventure. It is relaxed, affordable, and full of marine life you will not find anywhere else. Apo Island is worth visiting for its colourful reefs, but it is the muck diving and macro photography that truly define this part of the coast.
If you love unusual creatures and a slower, more intimate dive style, Dauin deserves a spot at the top of your list.
A few photos from my dives around Dauin and trips to Apo Island. These dives were full of colour, sand, and the tiny surprises that make this part of the Philippines so special. I captured everything using a GoPro 12 with a Backscatter +15 Macromate lens attachment, which worked surprisingly well for macro shots. Since this trip, I have upgraded my camera setup, which you can see on my camera equipment page.
