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DIVING MISAMIS ORIENTAL

Destinations : Misamis Oriental : Divesites & Snorkelling Spots

DIVE SITES

CONSTANSIA REEF

47 degrees north of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental lies a tiny shoal with the shallowest depth at 20 ft. below the surface. On the south side of the shoal, the coral reef is in good condition teeming with colorful tropical fishes, pelagic and territorial fishes, sea fans and sponges. Among the most dominant species of corals is the Lettuce coral that occupies much of the area offering resident parrot fishes perfect sleeping quarters. Large spotted Eagle rays regularly feed in these waters. Visibility is consistent at more than 80 ft. for U/W photography.

TALISAYAN SHOAL

This is a very small shoal fronting the town of Talisayan. It takes only about 10 minutes to get there from Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort. The shallow part of the shoal is covered with plenty of small colorful fishes, shells and other plant and animals. Turtles are often seen here as well as other pelagic fishes.

STA. INES WRECK

At the sandy and steep slope, there is an old WW2 pontoon wreck at depths starting 30 ft. to about 150 ft. This wreck is now covered with fan corals, black corals, and other marine growth and also serves as home to a lot of big and small fishes such as lapu-lapu, jacks, sweetlips, red snappers, surgeons, and batfishes.

BURIAS SHOAL

Slightly smaller than Jigdup Shoal, Burias is among the favorite spots for high adventure seeking divers. A breezy 30 min. speedboat ride from Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, will haul thrill seeking divers to the shoal to see schools of tuna, jacks, surgeons, mackerel, and barracudas. A lush black coral covered bottom is also one of its treasures. Diving out here can be tricky because the current can be strong. However, the little effort spent finning such current will be worth the excitement.

Snorkelling Spots

AGUTAYA REEF

Also called White Island, Jasaan. This is a small white island with a wide expanse of shallow coral reef. On the East side, there is a drop off starting at 50 ft. down to 150 ft. There are plenty of cracks and crevices along the wall. Pelagic fishes such as surgeon fish, barracuda, tuna, eagle rays, and occasional sharks can be sighted here.

SIPAKA POINT

Just a three minute pleasant boat ride from Mantangle Alibuag Dive Resort, lies Sipaka Point. Known for its strong current, the spot is good for more experienced divers. The nutrient bringing current feeds, the marine ecosystem here resulting to majestic underwater gardens. Huge sea fans, basket sponges, hard and soft corals and feather stars abound in this area as well as stingrays, snappers, groupers and colorful small fishes. For the underwater photographer, the clear waters of Sipaka is ideal for Macro and Wide angle setups.

MEDINA UNDERWATER SPRINGS

Approximately 300 yds. from the white beach at the shallow edge of the coral reef are two excellent dive spots : "The Paradise" is at 90 ft. to 100 ft. deep. It looks like a canyon with lots of cracks and holes. There is a cavern that can be explored using a U/W flashlight. "The Aquarium", is a good spot to make a second dive since the depth ranges only from 20 to 70 feet. In both spots, the unique attraction here are the underwater springs locally known as "alibuag" which spews out large volumes of very cold freshwater the bottom towards the surface. The marine life here is also rich and abundant. The coral growth is very good and there are lots of things to see.

PUNTA DIWATA

Located at the eastern tip of Gingoog Bay and part of the town of Magsaysay, it takes around 1 hour by boat from the resort. This dive spot has a stair type coralline slope. The ledges and walls are beautifully covered with marine out-croppings, seafans, and sponges. Fish inhabitants include colorful tropical fishes, lapu-lapu. sweetlips, snappers, and occasional manta rays glide in these waters. This dramatic seascape is excellent for wide angle photos.

OLD VOLCANO

A unique underwater lava formation is the main attraction in this area that rises from the depths of more than 80 ft. from the bottom forming a series of pinnacles. The coral covered molten rocks are surrounded with tropical fishes such as anthias, clown fishes, damsels and the like. Huge jacks and Napoleon wrasses occasionally patrol these areas in search of food.

SUNKEN CEMETARY

Lying 20 feet underwater in front of Barrio Bonbon, Camiguin Island lies the sunken cemetary, the remains of the past volcano erruption. Coral encrusted tombstones can still be explored by snorkelers and Scuba divers.

JIGDUP SHOAL

Lying approximately 2 nautical miles from the shore of Balbagon, Camiguin Island, the sea bed rises forming a shoal about 10 hcs. in size. Hosting a variety of aquatic life, it is one of the best dive spots in Camiguin Island. Teeming with fishes of all kinds and sizes, and having excellent visibility, it is good for underwater photographers and novice divers as well. It will take only 50 min. by boat from the resort.

CABUAN POINT

Located between Guinsiliban and Benoni ports of Camiguin Island lies a colorful reef recently discovered by the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort exploratory team. Displaying gigantic brightly colored sea fans, branching corals, flashy colored tropical fishes, tangs, angel fishes with elaborate designs, cuttlefish and parrot fishes are common in Cabuan. The pleasant light current offers the divers a free ride making the visit relaxing and fun. Cabuan is accessible by shore entry or by a 25 minute boat ride from the resort. Visibility in the area varies from 40 ft. to 120 ft. making this area ideal for serious U/W photographers and beginners as well.

MANTIGUE ISLAND

Mantigue Island is about 12 nautical miles from Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort. Known for its captivating white sand and crystal clear waters, it is ideal for beachgoers and divers as well. The majestic walls and overhead coral formations are home to small tropical fishes, pelagic fishes, marine turtles and stingrays which are abundant in this mushroom-like island.

MANONGUL

Just out front Mantangale is a busy reef called "Manongul" the Visayan dialect for coral gardens. Here you'll find shallow sandy areas with coral patches excellent for snorkelling or a long easy Scuba dive. Blue spotted Stingrays, convict damsels, lionfishes, colony of soft and hard corals, and a variety of clownfishes are among the permanent inhabitants of the area. Having good visibility for most of the year, it is most suitable for U/W photography, a leisurely paced plunge or an exciting night dive.

All these divesites and snorkelling sites can be reached while staying at the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort.


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