Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Also known as: Napantao
Best time to dive
November to March; June to October
What you might see
- BarracudaLikely
- FrogfishLikely
- MandarinfishLikely
- NudibranchLikely
- Sea turtleLikely
- Whale sharkLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - Limited - shallow house-reef fringe is snorkelable (a PHP 200 freediving/snorkeling sanctuary fee is documented); main wall/drift section not appropriate for snorkelers
Safety notes
Strong upwelling currents/drift-away risk, ghost nets snagged on coral, Crown-of-Thorns starfish outbreaks, remoteness (San Francisco side of Panaon Island), technical depth for full wall
Permits & fees
Marine Sanctuary Fee via local Bantay Dagat; PHP 200 documented for freediving/snorkeling - separate/higher scuba fee likely applies but unverified
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: San Francisco, Southern Leyte
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.