Sanctuary
Philippines / Donsol
Sanctuary is a reef diving and whale shark encounters dive site lead in Donsol, Philippines. The reference depth is 6-18 m, entry is usually by boat dive, and the planning level is OW and above. This entry is based on the source card's type, depth, and entry notes. Confirm tide, visibility, and guide briefing before adding it to an itinerary.
Recommended level
OW
Recommended dives
10+
Max depth
18 m
Average depth
12 m
Current
Mild
Visibility
10-25 m
Water temperature
27-30°C
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Best for
Highlights
- • Donsol dive-site lead for reef diving and whale shark encounters
- • Reference depth: 6-18 m
- • Entry: boat dive
- • Recommended months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
- • Likely highlights: whale sharks and coral gardens
What this page helps you answer
If you are comparing Sanctuary by depth, current, visibility, diver level, and itinerary fit, this page gives a faster planning summary than a simple site name list.
Marine life
Dive types
Safety notes
- • Plan conservatively around the 6-18 m reference depth and stay within certification limits.
- • Treat current as mild, but follow tide, captain, and guide briefings on the day.
- • boat dive requires confirming entry, exit, and backup procedures before the dive.
- • This record is reference-derived; verify depth, visibility, and suitability with a local operator before diving.
- • Entry type: Boat.
- • Adjust depth and route based on local guide judgment.
Map and coordinates
Sanctuary
12.910, 123.608
Continue with related pages
Donsol destination guide
Review Donsol by season, diver level, and signature sites before deciding where Sanctuary fits in the trip.
Donsol dive sites
Compare Sanctuary with other Donsol dive sites by current, depth, and best months.
Beginner-friendly dive sites
If you still need an OW-friendlier shortlist, this topic page is a quicker starting point.
Nearby dive sites
Buenavista
Philippines / Donsol
- Max depth
- 18 m
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
- • Donsol dive-site lead for reef diving and whale shark encounters
- • Reference depth: 6-18 m
San Rafael Points
Philippines / Donsol
- Max depth
- 18 m
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
- • Donsol dive-site lead for reef diving and whale shark encounters
- • Reference depth: 6-18 m
7 Seas Reef
Philippines / Mactan Island
- Max depth
- 50 m
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
- • Mactan Island dive-site lead for drift diving and reef diving and wall diving and macro diving
- • Reference depth: 30-50 m
FAQ
Is this dive site suitable for OW divers? +
Sanctuary is relatively suitable for OW divers, but conditions and guide decisions still matter.
What are the best months to dive here? +
The recommended months for Sanctuary are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec. Confirm current local conditions before booking.
Is the current strong here? +
The current rating is Mild. Tide and operator judgment should guide the final decision.
What marine life can be seen? +
Common highlights include whale shark, coral.