As an island nation located within the biodiverse Coral Triangle region, the Philippines’ underwater world is teeming with all sorts of marine wildlife species and healthy coral reefs. The country has become one of the world’s top diving destinations, where you can have the rare opportunity to swim along various unique species and/or spot elusive critters hidden between the corals throughout your diving experience.
In this article, we’ll get to know all sorts of marine animals in the country, showcasing why this region is a must-visit for any divers!
How Diverse is the Marine Life in the Philippines?
The Philippines marine life is one of the most diverse in the world. In fact, this country is located within The Coral Triangle, a marine region that is home to 76% of the coral species in the world and a wide range of marine life species, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and even rare, strange creatures, such as the flamboyant cuttlefish.
The region encompasses over 7,600 islands and a wide range of landscapes that are teeming with life, from coral reef ecosystems and seagrass beds to mangroves. With such remarkable diversity, this country promises exciting diving or snorkeling adventures.
10 Amazing Marine Life to Spot in the Philippines
1. Whale Shark
As the largest fish in the ocean, many divers dream of encountering a whale shark in the ocean. These plankton-feeding fish can grow over 12 meters and they are famous for the distinct light spots and strips covering their body.
In the Philippines, the best spots to see whale sharks are in Donsol Bay and Oslob. They also occasionally pass through Tubbataha Reef.
2. Thresher Shark
The thresher shark is an elusive shark species known for its long, whip-like tail, which it uses to stun prey. They are more commonly spotted in the early morning, appearing in deep waters to clean and feed.
Thresher sharks can be found in various parts of the world, but this country is one of the best places to encounter them, particularly in Malapascua Island.
3. Pygmy Seahorse
This tiny seahorse is known for its ability to camouflage with the hard and soft corals around it. With a size no larger than a finger, this is one of the smallest seahorse species in the world. They also have unique coloration in their bodies, making them highly sought after by macro photographers and divers.
To spot this unique creature, you can head to Anilao or Tubbataha Reef, which are known as prime locations to find ocean critters.
4. Mandarinfish
One of the most distinct fishes in the ocean, Mandarinfish is easily distinguished by its bright, neon-like colors. This unique coloration also makes them very popular among underwater photographers. They are typically found in sheltered coral reefs, especially during dusk or nighttime, where they emerge from their hiding spots to swim in pairs.
Anilao is one of the best spots to see mandarinfish and other similar macro marine life and critters.
5. Flamboyant Cuttlefish
Like mandarinfish, the flamboyant cuttlefish is a favorite among macro photographers. This creature can display vibrant, shifting colors to help them communicate with other cuttlefish or camouflage.
The flamboyant cuttlefish are rare and elusive, but you can find them in Anilao during night dives.
6. Green and Hawksbill Turtle
The green and hawksbill turtles are two marine turtle species in the Philippines. The green turtle is known for its large, round shape, while the hawksbill turtle is famous for its beautiful, sharp-edged shell.
You can find these magnificent creatures in Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its pristine and healthy coral reefs.
7. Manta Ray
The next marine animals in the Philippines to see is the manta rays. Often regarded as some of the most majestic creatures in the ocean, manta rays attract divers with their graceful movements and large fins. With planktons as their main diet, gentle giants are harmless to humans and may sometimes curiously approach divers.
Manta rays can be spotted at various dive sites across the country, including the Tubbataha Reef and Anilao.
8. Blue-Ringed Octopus
The blue-ringed octopus is another fascinating critter you can encounter when scuba diving in the islands of the Philippines. This creature is small, with striking blue rings that light up when they feel threatened. They are also infamous for their potent venom, so be mindful when you encounter them in the wild.
While they are rare, you can spot these creatures in different parts of the region, including Anilao, Malapascua Island, and Apo Island.
9. Oceanic Sunfish (Mola Mola)
With its massive size and flat body shape, the oceanic sunfish or mola mola is one of the most interesting marine species you can encounter in the Philippines. Growing up to 10 feet in diameter, you may find these fishes drifting slowly in the open ocean.
The Tubbataha Reef, Cebu, and Bohol are prime locations to spot sunfish or mola mola, particularly in the deeper waters.
10. Harlequin Shrimp
The harlequin shrimp is a beautiful shrimp species with bright blue, white, and orange patterns. They are small but captivating, often found in pairs, and have unique hunting behavior. Harlequin shrimps are considered one of the rarest sea creatures and they are often sought after by underwater photographers.
Luckily, you can find this shrimp in the waters of the Philippines, particularly in dive sites in Anilao.
Underwater Photography Opportunity in the Philippines
With rich marine biodiversity and pristine waters, this Southeast Asian nation is a great destination for underwater photographers. Here, you can capture the vibrant colors of macro creatures like shrimps, nudibranchs, and octopus, or take wide-angle shots of pelagic species like the whale sharks.
If you’re looking to refine your skills, Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao offers specialized underwater photography workshops, where you can learn everything about underwater photography with guidance from experts in the field.
Let’s Dive in the Philippines with Solitude World Liveaboard and Resorts!
Let’s go scuba diving in the Philippines and encounter different species of underwater creatures with Solitude World Liveaboard and Resorts!
With our liveaboards or resorts, your diving adventures are limitless. Our liveaboards are ready to take you on a journey to the best dive sites across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. But if you prefer land-based diving, we also have resorts in the Philippines and Indonesia, combining world-class service with easy access to some of the world’s best diving spots.
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!