Marissa Dive Site in Davao - Philippines

Marissa Dive Site is actually three dive spots in one location southeast of Samal Island. It is a whole new world of unique deep sea features visible even at a shallow depth. It is something serious divers must see.

Marissa Dive Site is close to the famous Pearl Farm on Samal Island. The site is so fascinating that the owners daughter loved it and the scuba activities that went on there. Hence, the owner thought of naming it after her. The three spots are named Marissa 1, 2, and 3. It is a mere 15 to 30 minutes away from the Pearl Farm via a banca ride or about 20 to 25 meters.

At a mere depth of 12 meters or shallower, Marissa Dive Site reveals enthralling sights like table and bubble corals, staghorn, and elkhorn around its environs plus a horde of other assorted marine life. The site is perfect for beginning divers aided by dive experts, allowing views of coral reefs and emerging reef fish from safe vantage points. Marissa Dive Site is also characterized by gentle undulating slopes.

Aside from coral beds, Marissa Dive Site also features small fissures and clefts on low coral walls where sea stars, moray eels, and tubeworms abound. When the timing is right and the climate allows gentle water current there are masses of jellies gliding by. A resort nearby manages the site and makes sure the sanctuary for these sea creatures are well protected the year round.

At a depth of 30 meters the coral formations get better. But it is advised not to venture deeper than 30 meters. Visibility becomes a problem. Marissa Dive Site also allows us to spot Hawksbill turtles periodically and is a great place to watch lobsters. Overall, this site is a perfect place for snorkeling and diving.

In the vicinity of Marissa Dive Site, especially in neighboring dive spots, fish types like snappers, sea snakes, and groupers aer found, as well as dolphins and octopus. Surgeonfish, jacks, and sharks may also be sighted now and then. Samal Island is a haven for several dive sites scattered around it.

Marine life in some sites may be identical with those of others, and this is especially true with moving sea creatures. Thus, Marissa Dive Site features are often similar with those of Mile-long dive site, Mushroom Rock, Angels Cove, Coral Garden, among many others.

Marissa Dive Site off the coast of Samal is excellent for shallow water snorkeling or diving. At a shallow depth the site can already reveal deep sea wonders.