22/09/2026
7-YEAR STREAK 🪸
From colorful coral reefs to historic shipwrecks and encounters with some of the ocean’s most remarkable wildlife, Philippine waters have once again earned global recognition.
The Philippines was named World’s Leading Dive Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards, marking its seventh consecutive global win in the category. The country has held the title every year since 2019, beating destinations from around the world.
Its reputation is backed by extraordinary marine diversity. The Philippines sits within the Coral Triangle, recognized as the global center of tropical marine biodiversity, and offers diving environments ranging from coral walls and seagrass habitats to wrecks and offshore reefs.
Among its most important underwater treasures is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting nearly 100,000 hectares of marine habitat. UNESCO records more than 360 coral species and almost 700 fish species in the park, alongside sharks, turtles, whales, dolphins and other marine life.
Other renowned destinations, including Anilao, Apo Island, Coron, Malapascua, Moalboal, Panglao and Puerto Galera, offer everything from macro photography and coral gardens to wreck diving and encounters with large marine species.
But being called the world’s leading dive destination also carries responsibility.
Philippine coral reefs continue to face pressures from climate change, pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing and unsustainable coastal development. Protecting them requires effective marine protected areas, responsible tourism, scientific monitoring and strong participation from coastal communities.
Seven straight global titles celebrate what lies beneath Philippine waters, but keeping that recognition depends on ensuring these ecosystems remain alive for generations to come. 🪸💙
