Sogod Bay
Philippines · Southern Leyte
Sogod Bay hosts the second largest whale shark aggregation in Asia, with LAMAVE researchers having identified more than 350 individual sharks over a decade of monitoring. The outer reefs around Panaon Island reached 60 to 70 percent live coral cover in 2020 Oceana surveys — roughly three times the Philippine national average. Panaon Island was formally designated a Protected Seascape under national law in August 2025. Few dive operators work here and crowds are minimal even during peak whale shark season from November through April.
How this reef is doing
ⓘ How we measure thisReef state
The outer reefs around Panaon Island are among the healthiest in the Philippines — coral cover well above the national average and whale shark encounters virtually guaranteed from November through April. This is one of the quietest major aggregation sites in Asia. LAMAVE researchers are regularly in the water and welcome diver observations.
Coral cover
Fish life
Heat
Warmer than usual right now, but not hot enough to bleach.
Fishing
Some fishing is allowed here, in marked zones.
Sources · Reef survey · NOAA Coral Reef Watch · Global Fishing Watch and reef gravity
Coral cover over time
Live coral cover, by survey year
Across surveys in 2004 and 2020, live coral cover here has risen from 12% to 45%. Every point is a real survey reading, never a projection.
Live coral cover, percent by year
| Year | Coral cover |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 12% |
| 2020 | 45% |
What you will see
14 species across the dive sites here
Whale Shark
Seen 2 months ago
at Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Endangered
Green sea turtle
Seen 2 months ago
at Coral Garden
Least concern
Giant Trevally
Seen 4 months ago
at Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Least concern
Pygmy seahorse
Seen 4 months ago
at Coral Garden
Least concern
Bargibant's Pygmy Seahorse
Seen 4 months ago
at Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Least concern
Parrotfish
Seen 5 months ago
at Coral Garden
Hawksbill turtle
Seen 6 months ago
at Coral Garden
Critically endangered
Anthias
Seen year round
at Coral Garden
Barrel sponge
Seen year round
at Coral Garden
Blacktip Reef Shark
Seen year round
at Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Vulnerable
Frogfish
Seen year round
at Coral Garden
Napoleon Wrasse
Seen year round
at Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Endangered
Nudibranch
Seen year round
at Coral Garden
Chevron Barracuda
Seasonal visitor
at Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Least concern