The Philippines Department of Tourism has announced that as of June 2022, they have reopened their borders without restrictions.
The once highly-sought-after-travel destination is back in full swing after taking the time during the pandemic to train more than 80 different dive guides and spotters in preparation for tourism returning to normal.
In the last two years while the borders were shut down, dive resorts all across the Philippines were busy training dive guides, creating resource books such as Fish ID, and developing new and exciting dive opportunities like deep water diving. Destinations such as Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte, Davao and Camiguin are all being highlighted as never-opened-before locations that are now open to divers of all skill levels.
The Philippine International Dive Expo was held in the Philippines in 2021 to kick things off post-pandemic, but the most coveted event will be the Anilao Underwater Shootout being held in February 2023. The Shootout is open to any underwater photographer interested in competing, and categories such as wide angle, macro and more will be available to compete in. The competition will run for four days total and will have award-winning photographers acting as the judges panel.
For more information about diving the Philippines or to inquire about the ShootOut, email divephilippines@tourism.com or visit the Dive Philippines Facebook page.