Diving in Moalboal

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident; frequently seen grazing on seagrass at Pescador Island and resting on Sardine Run reef, especially during dry season

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Year-round sightings possible in Tañon Strait and during boat transits to Pescador Island; most common during calm dry season conditions when surface visibility allows spotting

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident, particularly around Pescador Island and Tongo Point; best viewed during calm weather when turtles surface to breathe between feeding sessions

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Occasional visitor at Pescador Island wall and Sunken Island; most frequently sighted during dry season (Dec-May) when plankton-rich upwelling in Tañon Strait draws pelagic species closer

Bignose Unicornfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A large unicornfish with a prominent bulbous snout and elongated filaments extending from the caudal fin. Body is blue-grey with irregular dark spots and wavy lines. Has two fixed sharp spines on the caudal peduncle for defense. One of the largest surgeonfish species in the Indo-Pacific.

Ringed Pipefish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A slender pipefish with a long tubular snout, banded body, and a tendency to hover close to reef crevices or sea urchins. Its narrow shape and ringed pattern provide camouflage among branches, spines, and rubble. Like other pipefishes, males carry the eggs, making the species part of the seahorse and pipefish family's unusual reproductive group.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Year-round resident, especially abundant at Sunken Island (schools of 20+) and Airplane Wreck; most visible during dry season

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Year-round hunter at Sardine Run and Sunken Island; most actively hunting during early morning and late afternoon when baitfish are most consolidated

White-mouth Moray

General species description, not specific to this destination

A mottled moray eel with a dark body covered in pale spots and a conspicuously pale or white mouth lining. Its speckled pattern blends with coral and lava-rock crevices. As a nocturnal predator, it occupies an important role in reef food webs.