Davao Gulf & Samal Island · Philippines · Reef
Mushroom Rock
Mushroom-shaped rock formations off Samal's south-eastern tip
Mushroom Rock sits towards the south-eastern tip of Samal Island in the Davao Gulf and takes its name from its mushroom-shaped underwater rock formations. The site reaches 25 m, inside Advanced Open Water limits, and large pelagics pass by.
Where it is and how deep
6.9286° N, 125.7932° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The dive centres on the underwater rock formations whose mushroom shapes gave the site its name, and on the reef around them, to a maximum depth of 25 m. Octopuses live on the reef, while large pelagics and the occasional dolphin pass the rocks.
Marine life and season
- Dolphins
- Octopus & cuttlefish
| 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.
Sources
- Mushroom Rock dive site | PADI — PADI
- Philippines dive sites :: Davao : Samal Island — Asia Dive Site
- Special diving destinations — South Shore Divers
More dive sites in Davao Gulf & Samal Island
Reef
A shallow reef slope off Talikud Island, named for its resident angelfish
A vertical wall of soft corals and gorgonians on Samal's west coast
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
Lionfish and scorpionfish resting on table and brain corals
A bommie at 16 to 25 m ringed by snappers, trevallies and batfish.
Reef
Ella's Garden
Kota Belud · Malaysia
Schooling barracuda in a sandy channel, cuttlefish in the boulders
Panglao's critter slope, five minutes off Alona Beach