Four major areas make up the extent of diving in Southern Leyte. All of them are in the extreme southern tip of the island. Limasawa Island sits just off the southern point of Leyte. This area is perfect for all levels of diving.
Environments include deep canyons, steep walls and healthy reefs. The current can be strong, but the variety of fish and huge black corals make any effort worth your while.
Further north from Panaon Island, Libagon is a pelagic-lover’s dream. Everything from manta rays to whale sharks and dolphins can be seen here if you are lucky. Because of the variety in diving offered by Leyte, it’s best to schedule a few days for diving in the area. Your dive log will thank you.
Panaon Island and Sogod Bay are the main drawcard for the region. It is here that whale sharks are spotted every November until May. When the whale sharks are not present, whales, dolphins and manta rays serve as entertainment.
In addition, the Napantao Fish Sanctuary is home to barracuda, turtles, sweetlips and huge gorgonian corals.
Your journey to Southern Leyte will begin at either Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu to which most international flights destined for the Philippines terminate.
Once you have reached either of these airports, use AirPhil Express, Zest Airways, Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air to fly to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City.
From Tacloban City, a taxi, minibus or public bus is required to travel to southern Leyte where most diving takes place. Alternatively, local ferries are available for divers traveling from Bohol and Cebu.