Dauin is a unique diving destination in the Philippines that offers the best of both worlds: world-class muck diving and stunning reefs with big animal encounters. The diving here is mainly done along the Dauin coast or at Apo Island, which is only a 30-minute boat ride away. The coastline has over 20 dive sites with gentle sandy slopes that are home to a huge variety of critters. Apo Island, a small but significant piece of land, is home to the Philippines’ longest-running marine protected area. Its reefs are covered in over 400 species of coral and inhabited by more than 600 species of fish. The shallow coral gardens are a popular feeding spot for endangered green turtles. It’s a must-see for any diver visiting the area. The list of creatures you can find in Dauin is like a ‘who’s who’ of the critter world. You can find octopus, cuttlefish, and 12 different species of frogfish. Other residents include nudibranchs, flamboyant cuttlefish, mantis shrimp, harlequin shrimp, and many more. This is a macro photographer’s dream destination. The best time to look for frogfish is from February to August. At Apo Island, the diving changes from gentle slopes to sheer walls covered in sponges and soft corals. Some sites like Rock Point East and Rock Point West can have strong currents, where large schools of jacks gather. You might also get a glimpse of pelagic visitors like manta rays and sharks. In addition to the muck diving, you can explore beautiful reefs teeming with wildlife, including over 300 resident Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Dauin is truly a macro mecca and a wide-angle paradise.
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