Masaplod North

Masaplod North (Dauin)

Welcome to Masaplod North, a truly exceptional dive site along the vibrant Dauin coastline, renowned for its unique blend of muck and reef diving. This site offers a gently sloping underwater landscape, making it an ideal destination for divers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned macro enthusiasts.

Dive Conditions

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Certification Required: Open Water certification is all you need to explore the wonders of Masaplod North.
• Depth: Divers will typically explore depths ranging from 5 m to 25 m, though the sanctuary extends deeper to 30 m in some areas.
• Current: While currents are generally mild, they can be variable and occasionally moderate during tidal changes. However, they typically run parallel to the shore, making for safe and often enjoyable drift dives.
• Water Temperature: Expect comfortable water temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C year-round, with the coolest months typically from January to March and the warmest from May to June.

Marine Life

Masaplod North is celebrated as one of the richest small-critter sites in the region, a true macro photographer's paradise. Divers will find an incredible diversity of marine life, often in spectacular displays:

• Cephalopods: Keep your eyes peeled for the incredibly charismatic Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi), a highlight for many, and the elusive Pygmy Squid (Idiosepius spp.). This dive site is particularly active with cephalopods during the peak season from September to December.
• Camouflage Masters: You can encounter multiple species of Frogfish (Antennariidae spp.) and the exquisitely camouflaged Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus).
• Ghostly Beauties: Look closely for the delicate Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) hiding among corals and debris.
• Reef Residents: We frequently spot graceful Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) resting on the bottom or cruising the reef. You'll also see schools of Longfin Batfish (Platax teira) and various other reef fish like snappers, trumpetfish, and barracudas.
• Macro Marvels: The site is teeming with nudibranchs, moray eels, garden eels, seahorses, and blue-spotted stingrays, offering endless opportunities for discovery.

Special Features

Masaplod North is more than just a natural reef; it's a testament to marine conservation efforts:

• Marine Sanctuary: This dive site is one of Dauin's municipal no-take sanctuaries, an oldest marine protected area, ensuring the thriving marine biodiversity you will witness. Fishing and boat traffic are prohibited within the sanctuary boundaries, contributing to its vibrant ecosystem.
• Artificial Reef: In the shallower areas, divers will find an impressive artificial reef constructed from concrete blocks and "reef balls." These structures are specifically designed to mimic natural reefs, supporting habitat restoration and providing shelter for countless marine species, contributing significantly to the site's rich fish life and macro opportunities.

Best Time to Dive

Dauin offers excellent diving year-round. However, for the calmest conditions and best visibility, we recommend visiting during the dry season, from November to May. This