Scuba Diving Sumilon Island
Sumilon Day Trip – Deep Walls, Clear Water, and Big Fish
Explore Two Unique Dive Sites Around Sumilon Island
A day trip to Sumilon Island is a great way to add variety to your diving while staying in Moalboal. Known for its clear water, healthy reefs, and marine life, Sumilon offers two contrasting dive zones that each have something special to offer.
On the northeast side, a white sandy slope is dotted with coral patches and is a known resting ground for whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. You’ll also spot schooling snappers, turtles, and occasionally trevally passing by.
The southwest side is home to Sumilon’s marine sanctuary, featuring a dramatic wall that drops into deeper water. This area is rich in hard and soft corals, sponges, reef fish, anthias, and macro life. With excellent visibility, it’s a favorite among underwater photographers.
A Pioneer in Marine Conservation
Sumilon isn’t just a beautiful dive site — it’s also a piece of conservation history. In 1974, it became the first officially protected marine area in the Philippines, established by marine biologists from Silliman University. Thanks to decades of protection, the reef remains in excellent condition and continues to support diverse marine life.
Trip Option: Add a Whale Shark Dive
You can combine this trip with a dive with whale sharks in Oslob. This popular add-on offers a chance to encounter these gentle giants up close, before heading to Sumilon for two more reef dives.
Trip Itinerary
We start early in the morning with a van or minibus transfer from Moalboal to Oslob. If you choose the whale shark dive, it will be your first dive of the day, followed by a short boat ride to Sumilon Island. There, you’ll complete two guided reef dives, with a surface interval to relax, eat, and enjoy the surroundings.
Shark sightings are common, including blacktip and whitetip reef sharks. We return to Moalboal in the afternoon. Snacks, drinks, and a packed lunch are included throughout the day.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transport (Moalboal to Oslob and Sumilon, van + boat)
- Two guided boat dives at Sumilon with Divemaster
- Optional whale shark dive in Oslob (can be added to itinerary)
- Dive tanks and weights
- Packed lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, and water
- Marine park entrance fee
Not Included
- Rental dive equipment (available at our dive shop)
- Personal dive computer or torch (available for rent)
- Nitrox (available on request for a surcharge)
Why Dive Sumilon?
Sumilon Island offers a refreshing contrast to Moalboal’s reef and wall dives, with its mix of sandy slopes and deep vertical drop-offs. It’s one of the Philippines’ most established marine sanctuaries, with rich biodiversity and a strong conservation legacy. Expect reef sharks, turtles, schooling fish, and excellent visibility. The trip is best suited for divers with good buoyancy control and recent experience.
Interested in Joining?
Send us a message to check availability or reserve your spot. We’ll handle the logistics — you just need to show up and enjoy a full day of diving at one of the Visayas’ most iconic marine sites.
