Davao Gulf & Samal Island · Philippines · Wall
Marissa Sea Mounts
A vertical wall of soft corals and gorgonians on Samal's west coast
Marissa Sea Mounts is one of the Marissa sites that the west coast of Samal Island is best known for. A vertical wall dressed in soft corals, sponges and gorgonians reaches 40 m, and strong currents are possible, so it is a dive for advanced divers.
Also known as Marissa, Marirssa.
Where it is and how deep
7.0277° N, 125.7149° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Divers drop onto a vertical wall covered in soft corals, sponges and gorgonians, with the deepest point of the site at 40 m. Overhangs and crevices break up the face, where angelfish and jacks gather. The possibility of strong current on the wall is the reason a guide is recommended here.
Marine life and season
- Trevally & jacks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime |
Season follows Davao Gulf & Samal Island: November to May is the best window for diving around Samal Island.
Know before you go
- Strong current is possible on the wall; a guide is recommended.
Dive videos
Scuba Diving at Marissa Reef, Samal Island, Davao, Philippines · Jayward Cagang on YouTube
Sources
- Marissa Sea Mounts dive site | PADI — PADI
- Philippines dive sites :: Davao : Samal Island — Asia Dive Site
- Weekend diving — South Shore Divers
More dive sites in Davao Gulf & Samal Island
Reef
A shallow reef slope off Talikud Island, named for its resident angelfish
Reef
Mushroom-shaped rock formations off Samal's south-eastern tip
Wreck
Two Japanese hulls from the Second World War off Samal Island
Wall
Black corals and gorgonians under the overhangs of a sanctuary wall
Pinnacle
A current-swept pinnacle beside the Ligid Caves
Similar dives elsewhere
Coral outcrops one side of the village, a wall past 40 m on the other.
Limestone and white sand, a wall to 35 m, rarely any current
A drift from schooling fish on the point to macro on the slope
The far end of the Tulamben volcanic wall, to 40 metres