Diving in General Santos

[ScubaBabe21]

Hi, a couple of girlfriends and I are doing a dive safari adventure in General Santos and also some dives in Pearl Farm in Davao (Southern Philippines - Mindanao) at the end of the month. I haven't been there before and would like some inputs as to the diving conditions there - ie, what to see (pelagics, macro?), expect (current?), etc.

Would appreciate all your help! Thanks

 

[Vyper]

hi there!

nothing great in davao (in my opinion) if you compare it to other more popular dive destinations in the phils. i.e. tubbataha, apo reef, malapascua, anilao, etc

last time i dove there it's mostly rubble with occassional coral patches - talikud island, samal island, etc. pearl farm has a relatively healthier reef system

however, in the past 2 years, the diving community became active in preserving the sites. they installed artificial reefs, has done some clean-up dives, and explored new sites. 2 weeks ago they spotted a whale shark outside davao gulf!

e-mail me if you're interested so i can forward you contact persons/dive shop in davao. they may also be able to help you with regards to dive destinations in in gen. santos.

safe diving!

 

[kraken]

I've heard the diving in south Mindinao is only so-so compared to the rest of the Philippines, and safety is somewhat of an issue if you are not a local (like me). I did a week at Mantagale in Camigiun and was impressed. Its one of the better dive resorts I've been to in the philippines. If there is a group of you stay in the presidential suite, great for a group. Dudong and crew will deliver food/beer to your room. Great soft corals, pgymys, mardarins, and other special treats.... (we saw turtles, a manta, and huge neo wrasses.

I would also like to add Apo Island to the list from Vyper, near the top of the places I've been. but nothing beat tubataha if you like big stuff.