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.
Reef condition
Live coral covers 45% of this reef. The water is warmer than usual right now, so expect some pale coral.
Coral cover over time
Live coral covers 45% of the reef as of 2020. Up from 12% in 2004.
Heat right now
Warmer than usual
No bleaching yet
Fishing
Limited
Some fishing allowed in zones
Reef state
Under pressure
A reef in transition
Gear