Basak Muck
Dumaguete · Philippines
Basak is a quieter, less-visited muck site north of Dauin where wider spacing between coral rubble patches concentrates rare species that are harder to find in the busier sanctuaries to the south. The sloping sandy bottom supports clusters of garden eels, razorfish standing sentinel beside sea urchins, and the electric-blue flash of ribbon eels transitioning between their juvenile black, adult male blue, and female yellow colour phases. It is a favourite dawn dive for serious macro photographers who want space and guide attention rather than the crowds that can form at Dauin on high season weekends.
Conditions
Depth
5 to 20 m
Open water and up
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
6 to 15 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
26 to 30°C
3mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Vis (m) | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Current | Still | Still | Still | Still | Still | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Still | Still | Still |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Blacksaddle Toby
Last confirmed May 4, 2026 · 120 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Shortfin Lionfish
Last confirmed Apr 25, 2026 · 50 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Ornate Ghostpipefish
Last confirmed May 4, 2026 · 76 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Banded Coral Shrimp
Last confirmed Apr 27, 2026 · 63 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Dusky Nembrotha
Last confirmed Jun 13, 2026 · 64 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Miller'S Nembrotha
Last confirmed Apr 26, 2026 · 32 records
Very likely
Most dives
Blue Ribbon Eel
Last confirmed Jan 22, 2026 · 10 records
Very likely
Most dives
Pegasus Seamoth
Last confirmed Sep 25, 2025 · 3 records
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Gear