Cebu has consistently been named one of the best diving spots in Asia.
Cebu is yet again considered one of the world’s top diving destinations after international travel site Agoda ranked it the fourth most popular diving spot in Asia.
The list was released on August 6th, also known as International Scuba Day. A report from the Associated Press highlighted the island’s diverse marine life and stunning underwater scenery.
The top spot was given to Bali in Indonesia, while Phuket in Thailand and Okinawa in Japan were awarded the second and third spot, respectively. The fifth spot was given to Nha Trang in Vietnam.
Agoda recognized Malapascua as one of Cebu’s best diving areas because of its abundance in massive thresher sharks. Cebu is also home to vibrant coral reefs and various species of fish.
A report from The Freeman pointed out that the Philippines is home to more than 500 species of coral and over 2,000 species of fish, putting it among the world’s mega-biodiverse countries.
The news report also pointed out that there are many diving sites suitable for all levels of divers. There are internationally renowned scuba diving and freediving areas around the island, including Panagsama Beach, Pescador Island, and Capitancillo Islet.
Other than that, Cebu is home to notable underwater attractions such as the Sardine Run in Moalboal and the whale sharks in Oslob that have become iconic symbols and tourist spots for the island.
A RISE IN REVENUE
Last February, The Freeman reported that the diving industry contributed to Php 73 billion of the national economy, as reported by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco during the Philippine International Dive Expo 2024 (PHIDEX).
The DOT has launched several dive-related programs encouraging locals and foreigners to explore the crystal clear waters of the country. This includes seminars on hyperbaric medicine, which is used to prevent harmful conditions caused by entering undersea environments.
They opened more diving spots as well, especially in lesser-known locations in the country, bringing the total number of dive spots to 120.
As a result, tourism has become one of the Philippines’ strongest economic contributors, especially since the pandemic.
Cebu continues to be among the top diving areas nationwide, bringing hundreds of scuba and free divers to its breathtaking beaches.
Aside from the already existing attractions, the DOT has discovered several more diving spots in emerging tourist destinations like Medellin and Asturias.
The DOT is also planning to support diving in the country by building more hyperbaric chambers, which are pressurized vessels used to provide oxygen to divers.
Moreover, the country has been considered one of the world’s top diving destinations for five straight years by the prestigious World Travel awards.
Associated Press. 2024. “Cebu among top dive destinations in Agoda survey.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-among-top-dive-destinations-in-agoda-survey?fbclid=IwY2xjawEg0H1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeNpRSx6NIO3ozkatlLpKei52EIErHouBPyLx3E5lobtuU8Zb_sTw48Hdw_aem_Cd_r9W2pz3Zd7J81Dx55ZQ#google_vignette.
Magsumbol, Caecent No-ot. 2024. “Philippines dive industry doubled in revenue in 2023.” The Freeman.
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/02/26/2336258/philippines-dive-industry-doubled-revenue-2023.
