This dive site, Baring, is located just off the northern tip of Olango Island, making it accessible via a pleasant 30-minute boat ride from Mactan. The site uniquely transitions from a large, gently sloping sand flat into a dramatic, deep wall adorned with superb, vibrant corals. Divers typically explore the sand flat's shallower sections before descending to navigate the beautiful contours and features of the wall, offering varied experiences within a single dive.
Baring is renowned for its immense quantity and variety of marine life. Encounters are common with impressive schools of thousands of juvenile jack fish, graceful sea turtles, and an incredible array of macro subjects including the tiniest nudibranchs and diverse species of shrimps. The healthy coral structures on both the sand flat and the wall support a rich ecosystem of colorful reef fish.
The best time to visit Baring aligns with the Philippines' peak diving season, typically avoiding the typhoon months to ensure optimal conditions and visibility. This site is highly recommended for both wide-angle photographers, keen on capturing the schooling jacks and stunning wall formations, and macro enthusiasts, due to its abundant tiny creatures. Freedivers will also find the site appealing, with accessible shallow areas and the deeper wall providing excellent opportunities for breath-hold diving.
