Diving Dolphin House, Cebu: exploring a coral wall

Diving Dolphin House in Cebu offers an immersive experience along a vibrant wall, transitioning into a sandy slope at its deeper sections. The dive begins with the wall itself, which descends to 25 meters before giving way to the sandy expanse. This initial descent immediately brings you into the realm of large schools of Anthias, darting through the water column, adding a dynamic layer of motion and colour to the reef's surface. The entire wall is draped in an abundance of soft corals, including striking leafy rose corals, which sway gently with the subtle currents.

As you continue your exploration along the wall, the topography shifts to reveal a series of fascinating features. Midway through the dive, typically between 17 and 22 meters, you'll discover numerous small grottos carved into the coral. These formations are characteristic of Dolphin House and offer a unique interaction with the resident marine life. It is within these protected recesses that you should look closely, as there is a strong possibility of encountering green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a state of rest, a truly peaceful sight among the intricate coral structures.

The wall canyons at Dolphin House are particularly distinctive, setting this dive site apart from others in the region. These natural indentations and cutaways create varied habitats and offer shelter, making them prime locations for observing the smaller, more elusive reef inhabitants. The abundance of soft corals contributes significantly to the health and biodiversity of the site, providing food sources and protective environments for countless species, particularly attracting turtles which frequently graze here along the wall.