Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site in Davao - Philippines

Big Ligid (or Liguid) Island has two wonderful dive sitesLigid Cave and Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site. Located at the southeastern tip of Big Ligid Island it shows off the amazing deep sea features of Davao Gulf.

Big and little Ligid Islands are tiny splatters of earth at the northeastern part of Samal in Davao. They face Davao Del Norte directly and lie along the coast of the Libuak, Balet, and Tagpopongan coastal towns in the quiet and alluring district of Babak. Getting to Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site is easy.

From the Sta. Ana Wharf in mainland Davao we take a 20-minute boat ride to the Babak Wharf northwest of Samal. Or we may opt to land on the ferry dock at Kinawitnon town. Then we travel by land to Balet, enjoying the panoramic plains of Samal, and take another boat ride from there to Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site.

Its a very challenging dive spot. Head south and well stumble on a gorgeous coral and rock wall robed with gorgonians with lots of crinoids attached. Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site is a posh habitat for moray eels, some octopus, and cardinal fish darting in and out of fissures abundant on the wall. At 10 to 20 meters down curious-looking rock formations welcome us.

Being enclosed in a cove formed by the concave coastlines of Davao Del Sur, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, and Compostela Valley, the waters around Samal, more so the northeastern tip, are generally calm. Diving at Ligid Pinancles Dive Site at Big Ligid Island is favorable even to novice divers. Descending straight down is not a problem as we enjoy sights of deep sea fish species gliding to and fro. There are butterfly fish, jacks, emperor and surgeon fish.

It is here we find rare brightly colored beds of corals available only to a few sites. The middle peak or pinnacle of the coral formations blooms with soft red corals. Along the protected areas of Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site we see impressive black corals and gorgonians embellished with various marine plant coverings. As we ascend back to the surface we note the Ligid Island shorelines mostly of rock with the edges overhanging on the white sand shore. Within 30 feet below us we could make out the beautiful rock and coral formation.

Ligid Pinnacles Dive Site is an exhilarating experience. Everywhere we look wonders mostly endemic to the islands overwhelm us. Most dive enthusiasts decide to stay for the night and book at the resort on Small Ligid.