1. Apo Reef, Apo Island, Negros
Dive classic drop-offs, plus see manta rays and white-tip sharks off isolated atolls.
2. Bacuit Archipelago, Palawan
Rugged limestone islands surging up from aquamarine waters, perfect for kayaking between and picnicking on.
3. Coron Bay, Palawan
Explore sunken WWII Japanese wrecks around Busuanga Island.
4. Bulabog Beach, Boracay
Tourist-brochure stunner – utilise the breezy conditions and take to a windsurf.
5. Whale shark watching, south-east Luzon
Don a snorkel and swim with the marine world’s gentlest monsters.
6. Malapascua, Cebu
Great for wall dives and close encounters with thresher sharks and banded sea snakes.
7. Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, Palawan
Fin amid coral atolls of extensive gorgonians, alongside mesmerising shoals of angelfish and eagle rays.
8. Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros
Picture-perfect west-facing slice of sand, super for sunsets and sundowners.
9. Dimakya Island, Palawan
Get in the water with the giants of the sea, dugongs.
10. Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Sail between the coves and inlets of this picturesque harbour, popular with yachties.
11. San Fernando, Luzon
Surf the breaks off Luzon’s east coast from October to March – San Juan has surf schools for beginners.
12. Anilao, Luzon
Dive close to the capital in this low-key resort; coral gardens here are good for novices.
