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● Dive SpotsTingloy – Sombrero Island
reefwall

Sombrero Island

Coral walls ringing the iconic hat-shaped island off Tingloy. Turtles, rays, trevally, blue-ringed octopus. Moderate current, intermediate, 5–30m.

Tingloy – Sombrero IslandAlso known as Sombrero Reef
Intermediate5 – 30 m depthReefCurrent: StrongOkay for freedivingHigh traffic

About this spot

Stunning coral walls and slopes encircling the iconic hat-shaped island, 5–25/30m range. Vibrant soft and hard corals, bright visibility, active currents bringing schooling fish. Turtles, rays, trevally, snappers, and blue-ringed octopuses. Behind the island, Batok ('nape') is a coral garden with millions of fusiliers playing in the water column. Popular island-hopping and snorkeling destination above water. Best dived at neap tides.

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Marine life you'll see

Commonly sighted

Soft corals

Hard corals

Schooling fish

Turtles

Rays

Trevally

Snappers

Blue-ringed octopus

Conditions

What to expect
Entry
Boat
Visibility
20–30m
Best months
Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
Difficulty
Intermediate
intermediate
Current
Strong
moderate to strong due to exposed location
Spearfishing
Regulated

For freedivers

Apnea notes
Okay for freedivingNo permanent line

Multiple entry points depending on current direction. The eastern face is calmer and more suitable for freediving. A top day-trip from any Mabini resort.

Location & access notes

Hat-shaped island belonging to Tingloy municipality, ~20–25 min by boat from most Mabini resorts. The perimeter has multiple named sub-sites: Batok (Tagalog for 'nape', behind the island — coral garden with schooling fusiliers), the NE corner (adjacent to Beatrice Rock), and the more sheltered east face.

Instructors & shops at this spot

18 operators
DDive Solana ResortResort→SSaltitude Dive & Beach ResortResort→EEagle Point Beach and Dive ResortResort→BBuceo Anilao Beach & Dive ResortResort→BBlue Ribbon Dive ResortResort→CCasa Escondida Anilao Resort & Dive CenterDive shop · Resort→SSolitude Acacia ResortResort→PPier Uno Dive ResortResort→TThe Philip Ann ResortDive shop · Resort→Balai Lawom logoBalai LawomLodging→Freedive Tribe PH logoFreedive Tribe PHSchool · Lodging→Maximum Freediving and Hostel logoMaximum Freediving and HostelSchool · Lodging→WWetified FreediversSchool · Lodging→RRustique RueLodging→Lawom Freedivers PH logoLawom Freedivers PHSchool→OO2 Dive ResortDive shop · Resort→SSearendipity Diving ResortDive shop · Resort→See Turtles Apnea logoSee Turtles ApneaSchool→

Where it is

Tingloy – Sombrero Island
Area
Tingloy – Sombrero Island
Coordinates
13.6992°, 120.82927°

Frequently asked questions

About Sombrero Island

How deep is Sombrero Island?

Sombrero Island ranges from 5 to 30 metres deep, with its deepest point around 30 m.

Is Sombrero Island good for beginners?

Sombrero Island is rated intermediate — comfortable for certified divers with some experience, but not ideal for a first dive.

What will I see at Sombrero Island?

Divers at Sombrero Island commonly see Soft corals, Hard corals, Schooling fish, Turtles, Rays, Trevally.

Is Sombrero Island good for freediving?

For freedivers, Sombrero Island is rated 'Okay for freediving'. Multiple entry points depending on current direction. The eastern face is calmer and more suitable for freediving. A top day-trip from any Mabini resort.

Where is Sombrero Island and how do you get there?

Sombrero Island is located in Tingloy – Sombrero Island, reached by Boat entry.

When is the best time to dive Sombrero Island?

The best months to dive Sombrero Island are Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar and Apr.

Can you spearfish at Sombrero Island?

Spearfishing at Sombrero Island is Regulated. Always check current local regulations before spearfishing.

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Last verified May 2026