Amihan: the Northeast Wind The word “Amihan”  traditionally refers to a cool, dry wind coming from the northeast . In Philippine culture, it is associated with cooler temperatures, clear skies, and calmer conditions . Historically, fishermen and seafarers used this term to anticipate favorable sea conditions, especially along protected coastlines. Today, Amihan remains synonymous with the dry and stable season , making it particularly sought after for activities such as divin

If you’re planning a diving trip to the Philippines, one question always comes up: when is the best time to dive in Coron? The answer comes down to two essential words you need to know: Amihan  and Habagat . These two seasonal wind patterns, unique to the Philippine archipelago, directly influence visibility, sea conditions, and your overall diving experience. Understanding these seasons means optimizing your trip and diving in the best possible conditions. Amihan: The Best S

Amazon of the oceans If you are looking for one of the most extraordinary diving destinations in the Philippines , the Verde Island Passage (VIP)  should be at the top of your list. Nicknamed the “Amazon of the Oceans” , this narrow stretch of water between Luzon  and Mindoro  is globally recognized for its exceptional marine biodiversity  and its vital role in the world’s ecosystem. Beyond its underwater wealth, the VIP is also a symbol of the oceans’ fragility in the face o

Off the coast of Palawan in the Philippines archipelago, a small island of only a few hectares has become a symbol of hope for ocean protection. Pangatalan Island, once degraded by destructive fishing and deforestation, is now a true laboratory of ecological restoration thanks to the work of the Sulubaai Environmental Foundation. Behind this spectacular transformation: French entrepreneur Frédéric Tardieu, passionate about diving and an environmental advocate. An island that

In 2024, a new mission of Gombessa Expeditions , led by marine biologist and underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta, took place in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote marine sanctuary located in the heart of the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park protects two large coral atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef, forming one of the most pristine coral reef ecosystems on Earth. While the shallow reefs of Tubbataha are well known

The Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition has revealed the grand winner of its 2026 edition. Australian photographer Matty Smith wins the title with Rockpool Rookies , a spectacular image showing two baby elephant seals discovering water in a rocky pool in the Falkland Islands. Beyond the touching aspect of the scene, the photograph stands out for its highly advanced technical execution . particularly through the use of an over-under composition (split sh

Sunken memory: when Holger Buss digitized the shipwrecks of Coron Bay in 3D Off the coast of Coron Island lies a silent museum. In the depths of the bay, dozens of World War II shipwrecks lie on the sand, frozen in time. For a long time, they were accessible only to divers lucky—or brave—enough to descend and explore them. Today, thanks to the patient work of German diver and photogrammetrist Holger Buss, these sunken ships can be explored in a different way: in three dimen