Talisay
A must-visit muck dive for underwater photographers, where Rhinopias, hairy frogfish and wonderpus octopus are on the wish list.
Talisay is a classic muck dive and a fantastic opportunity to spot some fascinating macro life. It is a must for underwater photographers and anyone fascinated by unusual marine creatures, and it lies inside a marine sanctuary.
The dive
The maximum depth is between 18 and 24 metres. Like most muck dives, Talisay rewards a slow pace: the best subjects are well camouflaged, and a careful search over the sand turns up far more than a quick swim.
What you might see
- Rhinopias, rare relatives of the scorpionfish and high on many photographers’ wish lists
- Hairy frogfish, which wave a small lure to attract their prey
- Wonderpus octopus, with long, banded arms and a different pattern on every animal
- Nudibranchs and other small critters on the sand
When to dive Talisay
Talisay can be dived all year, and the water stays between about 25 and 29°C. Sightings of animals like Rhinopias come and go, so ask our team what has been seen recently. See when to dive Dauin.
Who it suits
Macro photographers and critter lovers. Good buoyancy helps you get close to the subjects without disturbing the sand.
Our tip
Bring your macro lens. This is one for critter lovers.
Good to know
- Talisay is a marine sanctuary. The standard sanctuary fee is included in our dive price; with a camera, add PHP 50 per dive.
- Rhinopias and other scorpionfish have venomous spines: look, photograph, but never touch.
- For more octopus, try Secret Corner.
Dive Talisay with us
We dive the Dauin coast every day, with full rental equipment included in our dive rates. See our Dauin diving and prices, or build your dive trip and tell us which sites you would like to see.