CC BY-SA 4.0, Tol.lynx, via Wikimedia Commons

Dive· Gato· Philippines

Gato Island

11° 26.8′ N · 124° 1.2′ E

A sheer 83 m rock in the Visayan Sea 15 km NW of Malapascua, shaped like a sleeping cat, with an underwater tunnel and cave full of whitetip sharks, sea snakes and soft corals - a protected sea-snake and fish sanctuary.

Practical

Sanctuary since 1997, extended in 2001 to 2 nautical miles around the island and managed by Daanbantayan municipality. About 50 minutes by bangka from Malapascua. Landing is almost impossible: wave-cut undercut sides and strong currents; boats can enter the cave opening but not easily at high tide. Yellow-lipped sea kraits are common and venomous - do not handle. Many sea snakes are also reported around the island in Webb's guide. Dive only with an operator; anchoring a yacht nearby is not practical.

Best for

Tunnel dive with whitetips and sea kraits

Season

Calm weather

Nearby