Limasawa Island sits within Sogod Bay and draws divers primarily for its exceptional macro life and dramatic topography. Reefs drop away into walls and drop-offs across most sites, with boat access the norm. The signature species list tells the story: multiple frogfish species, Warty Anglerfish, and Pygmy Seahorse share reefs with Green Sea Turtle and occasional Whale Shark. Sites range from shallow reef encounters at San Ricardo to deep walls at Bujong Shoal, suiting beginners through intermediate divers.
Monthly water temperature across Limasawa Island's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, nudging slightly higher from late spring through autumn. The best-months data points clearly to April, May, November and December as peak periods, with conditions easing at either end of a mid-year quieter stretch. Divers planning visibility-sensitive dives at deeper sites such as Heaven's Gate or Bujong Shoal will find the shoulder months around April and May particularly rewarding.
7 operators
Padre Burgos, Philippines
Philippines
Philippines
Philippines
11 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Limasawa Island ranges from about 28°C in January to 30°C in June, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 28–30°C, a rash guard or 3mm shorty works in Limasawa Island year-round.
Fin maps 18 sites in Limasawa Island (15 scuba diving sites and 3 snorkelling spots).
Limasawa Island is particularly strong for macro enthusiasts. Warty Anglerfish and Giant Frogfish are very commonly sighted, joined by Painted Frogfish across multiple sites. Nudibranchs are a highlight, with Chamberlain's Nembrotha, Lined Nembrotha, Magnificent Chromodoris and Ringed Velvet Dorid all recorded as common sightings. Green Sea Turtle, Whale Shark and Pygmy Seahorse round out the signature species list.
A portion of sites cater specifically to beginners, including Coral Garden and Padre Burgos Pier. Coral Garden offers reef and wall topography at manageable depths, while Padre Burgos Pier is a rare shore-entry option combining natural reef, a wreck and artificial reef structure. The majority of sites across the island are rated intermediate, so newer divers should plan their itinerary with their operator.
Almost all dive sites around Limasawa Island are reached by boat, and several operators based in the area run regular trips. The one notable exception is Padre Burgos Pier, which offers convenient shore entry. Operators including Southern Leyte Divers, Sogod Bay Scuba Resort and Peter's Dive Resort are among those serving the area.
Shallower sites such as San Ricardo Whale Sharks focus on reef and drop-off exploration at relatively slight depths, and are associated with whale shark encounters. Deeper sites like Bujong Shoal and Heaven's Gate plunge into serious wall and drop-off terrain, demanding intermediate experience. Sunok adds variety with artificial reef structures alongside natural wall and drift diving, making it one of the more varied single sites on the island.
