Diving in Butuan

The ancient city of Butuan has always s been a tourist attraction due to its historical landmarks, but in recent years its tourism industry has been growing, and one of the vital cogs boosting this sector are its dive sites.

Carmen

Dive sites in and around Butuan City are plentiful, but most tourist will tell you that Carmen is one place you can’t skip.

The waters around Carmen are so clear that even at depths of 55 meters (180 ft) one can still see very clearly the myriad forms of coral reefs and the creatures residing in them. The sloping walls are filled with pelagic fish, and the bottom of the mounds are covered with smooth sands.

Vinapor

Among the dive sites in Butuan City, the one located in Barangay Vinafor is considered by many as being suitable for beginners, especially those new to diving in general.

The currents in this dive site is generally stable, making it easy to navigate. You also need not go in too deep before you begin to see the different types of fish, including frogfish, manta rays, nudibranch and various types of sea shells.

Poblacion

The Poiblacion dive site is one of the most popular in Butuan City, owing to the numerous types of fauna in its waters.

Once you get to the Poblacion diving range and take the plunge, you will, depending on the current, find the sloping walls covered by several types of corals, and it is also very likely that you will see clusters of colorful fish moving in and around the reefs, alongside the other life forms that inhabit corals.

Jabonga

The Jabonga dive site actually consist of several diving options, each one more exciting than the last.

Whichever one you choose from the selections available in Brangay San Vicente and Lawigan, you will be in for a treat. There are several fantastic rock formations beneath its waters; from crevices to underwater caves, there is never a dull moment, and you will have plenty to explore.

Tagcatong

The Tagcatong dive site, located in the barangay of the same name, is one of the favorite haunts of both seasoned divers and even beginners and those with intermediate skills. While it is certainly navigable, newcomers should have a guide with them.

The Tagcatong dive site has an extensive number of hard corals, with numerous types, including gorgonians. There are also plenty of grouper, sweetlips and surgeons swimming around the sloping walls.

Punto Diwata

Punto Diwata is very near Barangay Vinafor, and is favored by professional and seasoned divers looking for adventure.

The word diwatta means “fairy” and there is certainly something magical about the site. From the beach shore, descending into the waters will eventually take you down to the steep sloping walls. The currents can be quite strong but that should pose no problems
for experienced divers.

Once the sandy bottom is reached, clusters of colorful corals await the diver. For fish lovers there are fusiliers, wrasse and lionfish galore.

Binaba Falls

Just off the coast of Agusan Del Norte near Butuan City, Binaba Falls is both a diver’s dream and also the site for nature lovers.

If you are in Butuan, you will need to take a speedboat to get to Binaba Falls (usually this will only take 10 minutes or less). Once you get there, a virtual paradise awaits. Besides the virgin forests and exotic flora, the waters here are some of the purest in the entire region and perfect for diving or swimming.

Butuan dive sites are an exciting mix, offering something for beginners and experts. Whatever your level of expertise, if venturing into deep waters is your idea of fun, you will not be disappointed.