Diving At Blue Hole Romblon

Experienced freedivers looking for challenging diving spots in the Philippines should add the Blue Hole to their bucket list. Exploring this underwater sinkhole is not for the faint at heart. But once you do, its sheer depth, amazing cliff and rock formation, and vibrant marine life will leave you in awe.The Blue Hole offers an adrenaline-pumping experience with its stunning vertical walls and the opportunity to encounter unlimited classes of sea creatures, including turtles, sharks, and diverse schools of fish. It's a dive that combines both the thrill of a deep-water adventure and the reward of experiencing one of the most beautiful and iconic underwater sites in the world.

What is the Blue Hole?

The Blue Hole is the only documented blue hole in the Philippines. Some of the famous underwater sinkholes in the world include the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea, the Great Blue Hole in the Caribbean, and Dean's Blue Hole.

Blue holes are natural underwater sinkholes or caves formed through geological processes over thousands of years. The Blue Hole in Romblon, located at Punta Gorda in Barangay Cawayan on the northeastern tip of Tablas Island, is a steep-walled vertical chimney formed after an earthquake 2000 years ago. Its striking deep blue color results from the high transparency of the water and white carbonate sand reflecting the blue light spectrum. It has drawn tourists for its scenic cliff jumps, breathtaking rock formations, and deep waters, which make it a popular swimming and exploration spot.

How to Get There

You can drive to Long Beach in Tablas, the area along the coastline and the foothills of the recognizable 665 meter Mt. Payaopao. Follow the newly paved road straight uphill to Barangay Cawayan, pass through the town hall and covered court and be on the lookout for a steep declining road downhill on the right hand side. At the end of this short road is a staircase leading you to Blue Hole. Prepare for this trek, as there are about 320 steps! 

This will lead you to a beach, where you will swim along the rocks on the right side to the point where the massive gorgeous Blue Hole will greet you.

There is a much easier way to see Blue Hole, by boat. You can hire a boat from Carmen Port, Calatrava Fish Pier, or even from San Augustin. The closest port would be Carmen, and is an easy drive from the main highway. Hiring a boat for the day from Tablas should cost less than PHP2,000.

There are also tours from the Island of Romblon going to Blue Hole. With Romblon Freediving being the most notable island hopping and freediving tour operator in the Municipality of Romblon.

The Blue Hole is found at the northern tip of Tablas Island in Romblon province, near a landmark called Punta Gorda. By boat, once you pass the Lapus-Lapus area and follow the coastline, you'll arrive at Gorda's Point, marked by a small cliff with a flag on it. Just below this cliff lies the Blue Hole.

The Dive Experience

The dive begins at a shallow reef just 5 meters deep, leading to a 6-meter-wide volcanic chimney that drops 22 - 28 meters (depending on the tide) into a massive underwater chamber. If you can reach the bottom, you will see an opening! Yes, a short 3 meter tunnel leading to open water. The exit point lies at a depth of 30–40 meters, requiring skill and preparation. The strong currents sometimes make this dive both exhilarating and challenging, and this is where your experience comes in.

The Blue Hole area is a paradise for snorkeling, freediving and scuba because of the surreal landscape and unbelievable amounts of fish species and corals. Divers can encounter stonefish, humpback scorpionfish, lobsters, giant moray eels, and sea snakes within the coral-covered walls. The occasional sighting of reef shark, whale shark, and blacktip shark is possible, while manta rays, tuna, barracudas, and jacks are often seen passing by, creating an unforgettable underwater fireworks display. Small caves near the reef's opening hide Durban dancing shrimps and large lobsters, adding to the site's biodiversity.

Given the depths, current and wave conditions, the Blue Hole is considered an advanced dive. We recommend freedivers being at least Wave 1 (Molchanovs) certified, with the ability to dive at least 20 meters. Diving conditions may also vary due to currents, so you should plan your dives during optimal times, ideally during the peak summer months (March - May), around midday when sunlight illuminates the chamber's beauty.

Things to Keep in Mind When Freediving at Blue Hole

1. Never Visit Blue Hole Alone

This area is volatile, from the sea conditions to the potentially hazardous marine life. We recommend you to enjoy this trip with groups of at least 4 experienced freedivers or scuba divers.

2.Experience is required

The Blue Hole is recommended only for advanced divers. The challenging conditions, including strong currents and significant depth, require experience and confidence underwater. Beginner divers should use caution, and have access to a buoy while under the strict supervision of trained divers, familiar with emergency water rescue procedures.

3.Plan Your Dive

Always dive with a licensed operator familiar with the Blue Hole. They can guide you through the volcanic chimney, help you navigate currents, and ensure a safe entry and exit. Dive conditions can change rapidly, so plan your dive around optimal times, ideally midday, to benefit from better lighting inside the chamber.

4.Be Aware of Currents

The Blue Hole is known for its strong currents, especially near the exit points. Stay close to your guide, and be prepared for changes in current strength. Practice good buoyancy control to avoid being swept off course.

5.Stay Calm and Confident

The steep walls and depths of the Blue Hole can be intimidating, even for experienced divers. Focus on your breathing and maintain a calm mindset throughout the dive.

By following these tips, you’ll have bragging rights for experiencing one of the most amazing and unique dives in The Philippines, at the Blue Hole in Romblon.