Dauin Coast, Negros Oriental

9.1914, 123.2654

The Dauin coast is located south of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental in the Southern Visayas, Philippines.

From its black sand beaches you see the islands of Siquijor and Apo and on a clear day, parts of the island of Mindanao further away. Behind the coast lies the Cuernos de Negros mountain range where you will find the Mount Talinis volcano containing three beautiful crater lakes within its caldera. A very picturesque location indeed.

Dauin diving offers a wide array of dive sites for different levels and interests. The black volcanic sand that stretches along the coast creates a perfect habitat for many rare critters and strange creatures. The dive sites on Dauin consist of sandy, silty bottoms with the occasional small coral reef, but the stars of the show are the unusual, rare animals found in this unique, volcanic environment.

Apo Island, a thirty minute boat ride from the coast is surrounded by coral walls and sloping reefs overflowing with marine life. Schools of jack are often seen, as well as turtles and still the opportunity to see more Frogfish.

Diving is generally easy with limited currents helping the photographer to get the small critters in focus. A drift dive is available at Apo Island.

Many resorts have an excellent house reef right in front of their location. Just grab a tank and walk into the sea.