Diving atChocolate Island, Malapascua (Philippines)
For divers seeking an immersive macro photography experience, Chocolate Island delivers a treasure trove of tiny wonders. This site, easily accessible from Malapascua, promises an exciting exploration of vibrant, small-scale marine life. It's an ideal spot to refine your spotting skills and capture incredible close-up shots within its shallower, healthy reef habitat.
Tonight's objective overview for Chocolate Island, Malapascua shows an air temperature of 28.1°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.28m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
11.3055, 124.0642
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Emerging from the water as little more than a rocky outcrop, Chocolate Island is a shallow reef dive known for its abundant macro life. Located approximately 30 minutes south of Malapascua, its walls gently slope down to a maximum depth of 18-20 m (59-66 ft).
This makes it an accessible dive site for a wide range of experience levels, from Open Water certified individuals to more advanced enthusiasts. Healthy soft coral blankets much of the seabed, creating a rich environment that supports a diverse array of smaller creatures. Predominantly a sloping hard and soft coral garden, the reef offers numerous nooks and crannies that serve as ideal hiding spots for many critters.
While primarily a macro site, and its intricate details demand attention, it's not uncommon for occasional larger pelagics to pass through the wider Malapascua area. Nevertheless, at Chocolate Island itself, the primary focus remains on observing and photographing its smaller inhabitants.
Boat entry is typical for this dive, allowing flexible access to various sections of the sloping reef and its rich benthic ecosystem.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving conditions at Chocolate Island generally prevail from March through September, when dive scores consistently rate as 'Excellent'. During these months, air temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging between 27.5°C and 29.1°C. Rainfall is also notably lower, especially from March to May, which can contribute to better underwater visibility and more pleasant surface intervals. While the months of October through February are still considered 'Good' for diving, characterized by average air temperatures ranging from 26.8°C to 27.7°C, there's a slight increase in wind speed and wave height, potentially affecting boat comfort on the way to the site. Water temperatures are not consistently reported but generally fall within typical tropical ranges, making a wetsuit a common choice year-round.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Upon entering the salt water by boat, divers descend onto a vibrant reef that gently slopes down to its maximum depth. Navigating the reef, divers will find themselves exploring an environment rich with soft corals and rocky formations, providing ample hiding spots for various marine species. Depths hover comfortably within recreational limits, primarily ranging from the shallowest sections near the island to the maximum depth of 18-20 m (59-66 ft). Currents at Chocolate Island could be strong at times, necessitating attentive diving and potentially a drift dive approach depending on daily conditions. Visibility typically ranges from good to excellent, although it can vary with tides and recent weather patterns. This site is a popular choice for divers seeking a relaxed yet engaging exploration, especially those keen on spotting intricate smaller organisms on the reef.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving at Chocolate Island requires attention to currents, which are sometimes reported as strong; therefore, divers should be prepared for potential drift conditions. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Utilizing a dive computer is essential for managing no-decompression limits and ascent rates throughout the dive. A Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) is highly recommended for signaling the boat, particularly if currents necessitate surfacing away from the initial drop-off point. Maintaining proper buoyancy control is crucial to protect the delicate soft coral ecosystems that thrive here. Adherence to responsible diving practices, such as avoiding contact with marine life or the reef, helps preserve this site for future enjoyment.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
According to recent observations, water temperatures near Chocolate Island, Malapascua are approximately 29°C (84°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 28°C (83°F).
Current forecasts indicate relatively stable conditions for the coming days.
Most divers exploring waters at this temperature rely on dive skin or rash guard for effective insulation. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Water temperature is only one factor influencing overall comfort during a dive.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
PHP
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Chocolate Island, Malapascua
Beneath the surface, the diverse reef habitat of Chocolate Island teems with intricate macro life. Nudibranchs are a primary draw, with various species like the striking Melibe Viridis and the camel-backed Chelyonotus Semperi frequently observed among the soft corals. Flatworms are common, and lucky divers might even witness their 'jaw-dropping mating ritual'. Additionally, the reef is home to numerous other fascinating creatures, including flamboyant cuttlefish, sea snakes, snake eels, and moray eels. Look closely for ornate ghost pipefish, blue-ring octopuses, seahorses, and even small frogfish, both hairy and 'plain' varieties. Juvenile batfish and large crabs also inhabit this rich underwater landscape, making every dive a unique opportunity for discovery.
Ornate Ghost Pipefish
Moray Eel
Crab
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
Batfish
Octopuses
Frogfish
Cuttlefish
Sea Snake
Nudibranch
Seahorse
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Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is required to dive Chocolate Island?
Chocolate Island is considered suitable for divers of all levels, including Open Water certified individuals. Its maximum depth typically ranges from 18-20 meters (59-66 feet), making it accessible while offering plenty to explore.
Are strong currents common at this dive site?
Currents at Chocolate Island can occasionally be strong. Divers should be prepared for potential drift diving conditions and listen carefully to their dive guide's briefing for daily conditions. A DSMB is highly recommended for signaling the boat.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
This site is a macro photographer's delight, known for its nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimp, cuttlefish, and frogfish. You might also encounter sea snakes, snake eels, moray eels, seahorses, and various other small, fascinating creatures inhabiting the reef.
Is a wetsuit necessary for diving at Chocolate Island?
While water temperatures are generally warm in Malapascua's tropical climate, many divers prefer wearing a wetsuit, such as a 3mm shorty or full suit, for comfort and protection during longer dives. A dive skin or rash guard may suffice for those who prefer minimal thermal protection.
What is the typical dive depth?
Diving at Chocolate Island involves a gentle slope, reaching a maximum depth of 18-20 m (59-66 ft). Its most vibrant sections, rich with macro life, are typically found in the shallower areas of the reef.
How long is the boat ride to Chocolate Island from Malapascua?
Chocolate Island is located approximately 30 minutes south of Malapascua by boat. The journey provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.
Liveaboards Sailing to Chocolate Island, Malapascua
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Resorts & Accommodation
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