Reef · Muck · Shore

A geological oddity on the Mabini coast where volcanic gas — theorized to seep from the submerged solfataric system of Mount Panay — streams up through pale sand like a glass of champagne. The bubbling patches sit shallow on a gentle slope near the shoreline hot springs that give Mainit its name, with a small reef and wall section running deeper. Between the warm vents, the volcanic sand works as a relaxed critter hunt: frogfish, ghost pipefish and the occasional mimic octopus, with turtles and snappers cruising the reef line. An easy, novelty-rich dive suited to all levels — and a genuine shallow CO₂-seep system that scientists study as a natural ocean-acidification analog.
Typical current strength at this dive site
Light current that is easy to swim against. Comfortable for most certified divers.
Strength Scale
None
Mild
Moderate
Strong
Monthly conditions and seasonal highlights — tap a month
Shoulder season with generally good conditions. Some variability in weather and visibility.
7 species recorded at this site
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Hawksbill Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Frogfish
Antennariidae spp.
Ornate Ghost Pipefish
Solenostomus paradoxus
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Mimic Octopus
Thaumoctopus mimicus
Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray
Taeniura lymma
Nudibranch (assorted)
Nudibranchia spp.
Be aware of these potential hazards at this dive site
Boat traffic
LowBanca lanes close to the near-shore site
Silting
LowFine volcanic sand around the bubble vents is easily disturbed
Current
LowMild current generally; can pick up near the reef wall section
Certification Required
A minimum of Open Water certification is required to dive this site.
Immersive panoramic view of this dive site
360° panorama coming soon
Immersive underwater views will be available when panoramic imagery is uploaded
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Vertical range at this site
Minimum Depth
16 ft
Shallowest point
Average Depth
33 ft
Typical dive depth
Maximum Depth
66 ft
Deepest point
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