Hidden in the azure waters off the northeastern coast of Tablas Island lies one of the most enigmatic and alluring dive sites in the Philippines — the Blue Hole of Tablas. Shrouded in mystery and known for its dramatic vertical drop and rich marine life, this underwater sinkhole is a dream destination for experienced divers and adventurous souls. Unlike the more accessible beach destinations, the Blue Hole offers an adrenaline-fueled descent into the unknown, surrounded by walls of coral, shadows of pelagic fish, and the silent stillness of the deep. It’s a must-visit for those looking to go beyond the ordinary and explore a geological marvel that few have heard of, but none forget.
Hidden in the azure waters off the northeastern coast of Tablas Island lies one of the most enigmatic and alluring dive sites in the Philippines — the Blue Hole of Tablas. Known for its dramatic vertical drop and rich marine life, this underwater sinkhole is a dream destination for experienced divers and adventurous souls. Unlike the more accessible beach destinations, the Blue Hole offers an adrenaline-fueled descent into the unknown, surrounded by walls of coral, shadows of pelagic fish, and the silent stillness of the deep.
Location and Accessibility
The Blue Hole is located near the barangay of Cajidiocan on the northeastern coast of Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines. Coordinates: 12.660892 N, 122.151834 E.
- From Manila, fly to Tablas Airport (Tugdan Airport) in Alcantara (approx. 1 hour).
- Travel by land to San Agustin or Odiongan (1–2 hours).
- Arrange a boat transfer with a local dive operator to reach the northeastern coast.
Total travel time from the airport to the Blue Hole is around 3–4 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Natural Features
The Blue Hole is a near-perfect vertical shaft plunging over 30 meters deep, beginning about 5 meters below the surface. It's surrounded by reef walls and limestone formations, including stalactites and sponges.
Marine life includes:
- Barracuda, trevallies, and reef sharks
- Nudibranchs, sea slugs, and shrimps
The descent into its dark, silent cavern creates an ethereal and surreal atmosphere treasured by seasoned divers.
Activities and Experiences
The Blue Hole is ideal for:
- Deep diving into vertical shafts and coral walls
- Underwater photography of rare marine life and light rays
- Boat tours to nearby reefs and remote beaches
Some dive packages include visits to Corbin Point or Calatrava Reef for added exploration.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between November and May for optimal conditions — calm seas and visibility up to 30 meters. Avoid June to October (rainy season) due to rough waters and poor visibility.
Facilities and Nearby Amenities
The dive site has no on-site facilities. Coordinate with dive resorts in nearby towns like:
- San Agustin
- Odiongan
- Calatrava
These areas offer:
- Dive resorts and homestays
- Local restaurants with Filipino seafood dishes
- Gear rental and basic amenities at dive shops
Visitor Tips and Guidelines
- Minimum Advanced Open Water certification required
- Bring your own dive gear or check availability in advance
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and practice responsible tourism
- Dive only with a licensed local guide
- Carefully monitor buoyancy and depth due to the vertical structure
The Blue Hole of Tablas is a rare underwater cathedral where silence, depth, and mystery converge. For experienced divers seeking a raw, powerful dive away from crowded reefs, this site offers an unforgettable descent into nature’s quiet, awe-inspiring unknown.
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