Manta Bowl

A sunken seamount in the middle of Ticao Pass, where the San Bernardino Strait funnels some of the most plankton-rich water in the world over a shallow plateau. The result: one of the few places anywhere with manta rays essentially year-round — the Bowl works as both a cleaning station and a feeding station, so the giants keep coming back.

What you'll see

Manta rays are the headline act, gliding in to be serviced by cleaner fish at around 20–23 meters. In season (roughly February to May — the same window as neighboring Donsol), whale sharks transit the pass too. Thresher sharks, eagle rays and the occasional hammerhead make cameos — this channel has earned its nickname of "big boys' alley," though nobody can promise you the full cast on any given dive.

Conditions — read this part

This is not a beginner site. The same currents that feed the mantas run strong — up to 3–4 knots — so dives are negative-entry drifts, and a reef hook is essential kit. Visibility can be modest (plankton is the whole point). Operators generally ask for Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience.

Best season: December to May, with March–May the calmest and clearest.
Depth: manta encounters typically 20–23m.
Budget: roughly ₱2,500–3,800 per boat dive including tank, weights and guide.

Operators & bases

Ticao Island Resort & Dive Center (Talisay Beach, San Jacinto) — the established PADI resort on Ticao and the closest base to the Bowl; packages combine cottages, meals and daily boats.
From Donsol (Sorsogon): Bicol Dive Center and Donsol Eco Tour run Manta Bowl trips when seas allow — popular as an add-on to Donsol's whale-shark snorkeling.

Getting there

Most divers come through Bicol: fly Manila → Legazpi, transfer to Donsol or the ports of Bulan/Pilar, then a resort boat across to Ticao. Alternatively fly into Masbate City (via Clark or Cebu) and cross to Ticao from Lagundi port. Either way, your operator will usually arrange the pickup — ask when booking.

Conservation note: Ticao Pass is an ecological frontier for manta conservation, and San Jacinto maintains a manta sanctuary. Keep your distance, never touch, and choose operators who brief properly — the mantas are the reason any of this exists.