Best Snorkeling Spots in Siquijor?

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Seven community-protected marine sanctuaries with Internationally trained local guides. One of the most biodiverse coastlines in the Bohol Sea.

Where to Snorkel in Siquijor?

A network of sanctuaries, anchored in ocean conservation.

If you’re planning on visiting Siquijor, you’d be missing out if you didn’t take advantage of some truly remarkable snorkeling and freediving. Siquijor is blessed with incredible marine biodiversity and a culture that deeply values the protection of these ecosystems. With 23 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) encircling the island, it is one of the most protected coastlines in the Philippines.

These spots offer the perfect "lunch break" or post-work escape, and all are swimmable straight from the shore. Most of these sites aren’t open for tourism. In partnership with Ankora Freediving and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Philippines, seven of these sanctuaries have been designated as part of the Siquijor Ecotourism Circuit. 

Each site has its own personality, its own marine life, its own feeling, and its own community. And most of them are off the beaten track.

When you visit these sanctuaries, not only do you experience some of the best snorkeling, you support the local guides and communities who keep these sanctuaries intact. You are not just a visitor here. You are a small part of what makes the whole thing work! 

23 MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

7 TOURISM-OPEN SANCTUARIES

100% COMMUNITY-GOVERNED

For Freedivers! You Are Going to Love This

Many freediving destinations require a boat to reach any real depth. Not here. Every one of the seven sanctuaries has shore entry with access to 50m for training, swimmable from shore. Whether you are doing a Molchanovs Wave program, or continuing to train to get deeper, these sites are complete training environments. 

Ankora Freediving offers Molchanovs Wave 1 and Wave 2 certifications on-site.

When is the best time for snorkeling in Siquijor?

All the time! Here is something most people miss. Siquijor does not have a ‘bad season’ for snorkeling. It has two good seasons on opposite sides of the island. The trick is knowing which coast to be on.

AMIHAN SEASON Northeast Winds · October to May The ‘high’ season. San Juan and the southwest coast are at their calmest and most accessible. North-facing coasts can be rough. Foreign visitor numbers peak. Waters are clear and around 26 degrees. Avg. water temps: ~26°C

HABAGAT SEASON SW Monsoon · May to October · The Secret Season The southwest gets rough (kite surfers love it). But the north-facing sanctuaries open up to flat, glassy conditions. Warmer water, almost no crowds, and some of the best visibility of the year. Avg. water temps: ~28 to 29°C

The thing to understand is that wind tells you everything. The night before you plan to go out, check the forecast on windy.com and look at wind direction. That one habit will save you a wasted morning and point you toward flat, clear water every time, no matter what month it is.

Do I need to bring/rent my own gear?

Every sanctuary is newly equipped with both snorkeling gear (short fins, masks, snorkels) AND proper freediving gear (low-volume masks, plastic long fins). If you’re a non-swimmer, there are life vests you can use, and the guides are happy to have you hang on a buoy and show you the best their sites have to offer. If you want to rent snorkeling or freediving gear for a longer period, reach out to Ankora Freediving, and they can help sort you out.

8 of the Best Snorkeling Spots in Siquijor: The Siquijor Ecotourism Circuit (SecoTour)

Every site below has a trained local guide who knows it intimately. The guides are certified to international Molchanovs standards. They know the wildlife, the rescue protocol, and where the turtles sleep. All seven sites have shore entry down to 50 metres.

Tubod Marine Sanctuary

Giant clams, many many different schools of fish, a lonely barracuda, at least 3 or 4 turtles. This is one of my favourite Marine Sancturaries. Very well located, with renting shop for equipment, and good almost all year around (excepted during the rainy season)

Caticugan Marine Sanctuary

Giant clams, pristine coral, and consistently outstanding visibility. This is one of the most beloved snorkeling spots on the island. They have waterproof cases on site, and you will want one.

Maite Marine Sanctuary, San Juan

Sea turtles come here to rest, and the coral garden is genuinely beautiful. There is also an underwater cave for anyone who wants to push a little deeper.

Lalag Bato Marine Sanctuary, Lazi

This one is special. It is rarely visited, the corals are extraordinary, and on most days you will have the entire site to yourself. The only five-star rated sanctuary on this list, and almost nobody knows it exists.

Olang Marine Sanctuary, Maria

You get there by walking through a fishing village, which tells you something about what kind of place this is. Giant turtles, massive clams, rich coral, and a community that genuinely welcomes you. Bring a picnic; you won’t regret it.

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, Enrique Villanueva

Blacktip reef sharks, green turtles, octopus, pufferfish, grouper, giant trevally. All of it in shallow water you can reach straight from shore.

Bitaug Marine Sanctuary

Siquijor’s newest sanctuary, and twice as big as all the rest combined. Being the newest, the infrastructure is still in development, but you can access it with guides, alongside beautiful mangroves that lead out to the reef.

Cangbagsa Marine Sanctuary

Undisturbed and off the map. This one rewards the patient and curious. Community-managed and full of life waiting to be noticed. Beautiful soft coral colours and diversity, in a great community, on a beautiful, secluded beach.

View them here on the map:

Pair it with a wind check the night before on windy.com and you are good to go!

Common Questions About Snorkeling in Siquijor, Philippines

What are the best snorkeling spots in Siquijor?

The seven WCS-partnered marine sanctuaries operated by the Siquijor Ecotourism circuit in partnership with Ankora Freediving. Caticugan, Maite, Lalag Bato, Olang, Tulapos, Bitaug, and Cangbagsa. Check the map here. 

When is the best time to snorkel in Siquijor?

Any time of year, as long as you pick the right coast. Amihan season (October through May) opens up the southwest side around San Juan. Habagat season (May through October) is the secret season: the north-facing sanctuaries are calm, warm, and nearly empty of tourists. Check windy.com the night before to read the conditions.

Can freedivers train at Siquijor’s marine sanctuaries?

Yes, and the setup is excellent for it. Every sanctuary has shore entry down to 50 metres depth with no boat required.

Do I need a guide to snorkel in Siquijor?

Yes. All seven sanctuaries require a certified local guide. The guides are trained in wildlife interaction, rescue skills, and emergency response to international Molchanovs standards

What marine life can I see snorkeling in Siquijor?

Green sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, giant clams, octopus, pufferfish, grouper, giant trevally, moray eels, and hundreds of coral reef fish species.