Nat-Nat

Nat-Nat (El Nido)

Welcome to Nat-Nat, one of El Nido's most consistently praised and accessible dive sites, perfect for divers of all levels. Located just a short boat ride from El Nido town, this dive site offers a captivating underwater experience that blends vibrant reef ecosystems with intriguing sandy and rubble patches, making it a true delight for both wide-angle enthusiasts and macro photographers alike.

Diving Conditions and Site Features

Nat-Nat is classified as a beginner-friendly dive site, making it an ideal location for those undertaking their Open Water certification or seeking relaxed, enjoyable dives. Divers will find generally mild currents, though occasional moderate to strong currents can be encountered, sometimes allowing for pleasant drift dives. The dive site features a gentle coral slope that transitions into an expansive sandy seabed, dotted with massive coral bommies and dense clusters of staghorn and table corals in shallower areas. This diverse topography, combining reef and sandy areas, offers excellent opportunities for both reef exploration and muck diving, where macro treasures await discovery.

Divers will explore depths typically ranging from 5 m down to a maximum depth of 25 m, with some sources indicating a maximum of 20 m. The water temperature in El Nido is comfortably warm, generally ranging between 26°C and 29°C throughout the year, ensuring pleasant diving conditions.

Marine Life Encounters

Nat-Nat is renowned as a bustling hub of marine activity, particularly famous for its resident sea turtles. Divers will frequently encounter both majestic Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and graceful Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), often seen resting among the corals or visiting specific areas for cleaning services. In fact, Nat-Nat is home to "Lolo," a majestic Green Sea Turtle, often observed enjoying cleaner wrasse services under a rock.

Beyond the turtles, we can expect to see a variety of reef sharks, including Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus), patrolling the reef margins. Keep an eye on the sandy patches for Blue-spotted Ribbontail Rays (Taeniura lymma) resting on the bottom. The site is also a paradise for macro life, with an impressive assortment of colorful Nudibranchs (Nudibranchia spp.) tucked into coral crevices and across sandy areas. Look closely, and you might spot resident Jawfish (assorted) (Opistognathidae spp.) hovering above their burrows. While rare, El Nido is one of the few Philippine destinations with increasing reports of Dugong (Dugong dugon) sightings, offering a truly special potential encounter at sites like Nat-Nat.

Hazards

As Nat-Nat is located close to El Nido town, divers should be aware of surface boat traffic, particularly traditional outrigger bancas transiting the bay.