Night Dive Spots in Boracay

Night diving in Boracay offers a unique perspective of the underwater world, revealing nocturnal marine life that’s often hidden during the day. While many of the dive sites around Boracay can be explored at night, some spots are particularly popular for night diving due to their accessibility and abundance of marine life. Here are some recommended night dive spots in Boracay:

1. Angol Point:

• Located between Station 3 and Angol, this is a gentle slope with soft corals, sea fans, and anemones. At night, you can spot moray eels, lionfish, and various crustaceans.

1. Crocodile Island:

• While it’s a popular day dive site, night diving here reveals different critters like nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and the occasional blue-ringed octopus.

1. Friday’s Rock:

• This dive site near Station 1 is known for its variety of marine life. Night dives can reveal sleeping parrotfish, active crabs, and shrimps.

1. Balinghai:

• Located to the north of White Beach, Balinghai offers a mix of hard and soft corals. Night divers can encounter cuttlefish, squid, and bioluminescent plankton.

1. Laguna de Boracay (LdB):

• Situated on the northern end of Bulabog Beach, this site is shallow and protected, making it ideal for night dives. Expect to see seahorses, pipefish, and various crustaceans.

1. Camia Shipwreck:

• This purposely sunk fishing boat has become an artificial reef teeming with life. Night diving here can be thrilling as you explore the wreck and encounter large groupers, lionfish, and schools of batfish.

1. Punta Bunga:

• Located to the north of the island, this site is known for its coral gardens. Night dives reveal active feather stars, basket stars, and nocturnal fish.

Tips for Night Diving in Boracay:

• Guided Dives: Especially if it’s your first time night diving or diving in Boracay, consider going with a guide. They’ll be familiar with the dive sites and can point out interesting marine life.
• Equipment: Ensure you have a reliable dive torch. It’s also advisable to have a backup light. Some divers use glow sticks or marker lights attached to their tanks for easy identification underwater.
• Safety: Always dive with a buddy. Before the dive, agree on signals and the plan for the dive. Be cautious and avoid touching or disturbing marine life.
• Briefing: Pay close attention to the dive briefing. Night diving can be disorienting, so it’s essential to be familiar with the dive site’s layout and potential hazards.
• Marine Life: Night is when many marine creatures come out to hunt or feed. Move slowly and shine your light under ledges and in crevices to spot hidden critters.

Boracay is home to numerous dive shops, each with its own specialties, courses, and dive packages. When choosing a dive shop, it’s essential to consider factors like safety standards, equipment quality, staff expertise, and customer reviews. Here are some of the best and most reputable dive shops in Boracay:

1. White Beach Divers:

• Established by British PADI Master Instructor Matt Reed, this dive center is known for its high standards of safety and professionalism. They offer a range of PADI courses and fun dives.

1. New Wave Divers:

• This dive shop has a reputation for its friendly staff and personalized service. They offer PADI courses, from beginner to professional levels, and prioritize eco-friendly diving practices.

1. Calypso Diving:

• Located at Station 3, Calypso Diving is part of the Calypso Resort. They have a spacious dive center with modern equipment and offer a range of PADI and SSI courses.

1. Fisheye Divers:

• A PADI 5-Star Dive Center, Fisheye Divers emphasizes small group dives to ensure personalized attention. Their experienced instructors and dive masters are known for their knowledge of local dive sites.

1. Lapu-Lapu Diving Center:

• Located in Station 3, this dive shop is known for its friendly staff and commitment to preserving the marine environment. They offer a variety of dive packages and courses.

1. Victory Divers:

• Situated in Station 2, Victory Divers is one of the older dive shops on the island. They offer a wide range of diving courses and fun dives, and their beachfront location is convenient for post-dive relaxation.

1. Boracay Scuba:

• This SSI Diamond Dive Center offers a range of courses and emphasizes safety and quality instruction. They also have a dive shop where you can purchase or rent equipment.

1. Freedive Boracay:

• For those interested in freediving (diving on a single breath without tanks), Freedive Boracay is the island’s premier freediving school. They offer courses for all levels and have experienced instructors.

Tips When Choosing a Dive Shop:

• Certifications: Ensure the dive shop is certified by recognized agencies like PADI or SSI. Check the credentials of the instructors and dive masters.
• Reviews: Look for reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google. Past divers’ experiences can give you a good idea of what to expect.
• Equipment: If you’re not bringing your own gear, check the quality and maintenance standards of the dive shop’s equipment.
• Safety: Prioritize dive shops that emphasize safety, have clear safety protocols, and offer insurance.
• Conservation: Given the environmental challenges Boracay has faced, consider dive shops that practice and promote eco-friendly diving.

Remember, the best dive shop for you will align with your diving goals, whether you’re a beginner looking to get certified, an experienced diver wanting to explore, or someone interested in specialty courses.