18. Manta Bowl
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    Location: Ticao Island Channel
    Depth: 55 to 80 ft. (17 to 25m)

This is one of the major pelagic
dive sites in the Philippines and is
normally current swept and full of a

variety of open water marine life.

Divers bring reef hooks, hook in

and wait for the large creatures to

show up. This is a tricky dive,

however, and should be done only

with an experienced guide.

From Donsol, its about an hour

ride in calm seas to the dive area.

Much shorter from Ticao dive

resorts. There are no moorings and

an open water fast descent is

required to get down to the reef top.

Since the reef is only 55-60 ft. (16-

18m) in many spots, this is done

fairly handily.

T

he Manta Bowl Shoal is a

submerged atoll covering

around eight hectares. There are five

different dive sites here ranging

from 55 to 105 ft. (14 to 29m) and

all offer the chance to see Mr. Big.

Manta Bowl lies in the Ticao Pass

and Burias Pass. This area is known

for plankton-rich water and a

Mt. Mayon from Donsol area

Manta Bowl manta