The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia and has 7,107 islands. The islands are in three groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest island and Mindanao is the second largest. The Visayas are the group of islands in the central part of the Philippines. The busy port of Manila, on Luzon, is the country's capital.

The climate is hot, humid and tropical. The average temperature all year is around 26.5°Celsius. Filipinos usually say there are three seasons: Tag-init or Tag-araw (the hot season or summer from March to May), Tag-ulan (the rainy season from June to November), and Tag-lamig (the cold season from December to February).

The Philippines is in the Pacific Ring of Fire (zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions).  Many volcanoes in the country, for example Mount Mayon, are still active. The country also has about 19 typhoons per year.

There are environmental problems because the rainforest is becoming smaller and marine pollution is increasing.

[Photo credit: Vanessa Lafaye]

• The Sulu Sea (arguably the premier live aboard destination in the Philippines) covers numerous dive spots, the largest and most popular of which are the Tubbataha Reefs.  Visibility often exceeds 100ft and when the current is running you can expect to see plenty of sharks, tuna, manta rays and jacks. These Atolls are a nesting ground for turtles.
• The island of Cebu caters for both novice and experienced divers. Blessed with year round tropical weather, Cebu is fast becoming a favorite destination for divers looking for crystal clear water, endless variety of macro subjects and walls that drop down to eternity.  Because of its central location, Cebu is a perfect base from which to explore the numerous divesites within the Visayan region of the Philippines.
• Busuanga comprises numerous islands and atolls where there are thirty Japanese shipwrecks from WW2. Twelve of these wrecks are accessible to advanced divers. Lying in 30 - 140 feet of water, they present the largest concentration of shipwrecks in one area in the Philippines.
• Whale sharks in Dunsal Bay from February to May.  The bay is off the southern shore of Luzon Islands and you are virtually guaraneed a sighting.

There are two pronounced seasons in the Philippines; the dry season (from March to May) and the rainy season (from June to February).

Tropical depressions affect parts of the country from June to October, especially in the so called "Typhoon Belt" from Southern Luzon to the Visayas.

December through February are the coolest months. Average temperature is 22.3°C humidity is 77%.

There is a risk of Malaria, check the health link below.