The Sulu Sea’s hidden Gems: Arena and Cavili Islands in the Philippines
We have long been aware of the Sulu Sea’s reputation as one of the world’s most visited diving destinations, boasting the renowned Tubbataha Reef. However, it is a well-kept secret that this magnificent ocean holds so much more in its depths than we could ever imagine.
Recently, Infiniti Liveaboard took an excursion to the two hidden gems, Arena and Cavili Islands, which form part of Cagayancillo, nestled along the underwater straight that extends southwestward, leading to the Tubbataha Reef.
After concluding a successful season at Tubbataha Reefs, we embarked on a transition trip to Cebu stopping by both islands. We were fortunate to have both the owners of Infiniti Liveaboard to join us on the adventure.
Arena and Cavili, remain unexploited and largely uncharted by mainstream tourism, making them pristine havens for high-spirited adventurers and lovers of unspoiled natural beauty. Their location in the southwestern reaches of the Sulu Sea positions them as gateways to the wonders of the Tubbataha Reef, but these islands themselves are treasures waiting to be discovered.
Our expedition to these islands is not just an adventure but a testament to the unexplored wonders that still exist in our world today. It is a reminder that beyond the well-known dive sites, there are places waiting to be embraced by those who seek to connect with nature’s secrets and marvels.
Arena Island
On the first day of our journey, we visited Arena Island, which is approximately 50nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs. The travel time to Arena Island from Tubbataha Reefs took us about 7 hours navigating at a speed of 7knots. Though the island is barren of vegetation, it serves as a distinctive seamount within the Sulu Sea’s vast expanse. Its defining feature is a guiding beacon in the form of a lighthouse, positioned strategically at the heart of the islet. This beacon stands as a steadfast sentinel, aiding mariners in navigating the intricate waters of this remote maritime region.
While the island’s surface may seem desolate, its importance to the local community is undeniable. Resourceful locals have constructed makeshift houses, dedicated to the propagation of seaweed and the pursuit of fisheries. In this seemingly harsh environment, these islanders have found a way to harness the sea’s bounty, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of those who call this unique seamount home.
During our exploration of the area, we organized ourselves into two groups, allowing us to cover a wide range of underwater terrain through three exhilarating dives. What we encountered beneath the waves was nothing short of captivating, reminiscent of the mesmerizing Ko-ok site in the southern atoll of Tubbataha Reef. Here, the top reef was surprisingly shallow, yet the coral was remarkably intact and bursting with vibrancy. The underwater wall was like a stunning work of art, outshone even Ko-ok in terms of sheer color and life. It was covered in huge, brightly colored sea fans and soft corals, creating a mesmerizing scene that seemed almost otherworldly.
Despite the strong currents that challenged us on all three dives, we were rewarded with a spectacular underwater show. Like eagle rays graced us with their presence, whether gliding gracefully in solo, in pairs, or even in trios. Very curious and unbothered.
The depth of the wall was a mystery in itself, as it could descend anywhere from 40 to an awe-inspiring 80 meters, at times concealing its bottom contours from our eager eyes.
In the open blue, we were treated to a magical sight – just like at Jessie Beazley in Tubbataha Reef, we saw an array of schools of unicorn surgeonfish. And there was more. As we came up to the shallow reef during all three dives, we found a delightful surprise – hidden under colorful soft corals were blue-spotted stingrays. They were like little treasures, adding an extra touch of wonder to our adventure. Each dive was an unforgettable journey into the vibrant, mysterious, and enchanting world.
Cavili Island
On the second day, we set our course for Cavili Island, just 4nautical miles from Arena Island. We also did three dives, split into two groups of divers.
Unlike Arena Island, a small part is inhabited and covered with lush greenery, boasting a thriving community. The island is encompassed by an extensive shallow reef, known only to local fishermen who possess the skills to navigate the waters without colliding with jagged rocks or harming the delicate coral reefs.
During all three dives, we were left in awe, our jaws dropping in amazement at the incredible sights before us. It appeared that this area had been exceptionally well-preserved, and as a result, the richness of marine life, we can undoubtedly say that, it surpassed even that of Tubbataha Reef. Schools of barracudas, fusiliers, jacks, emperors, surgeonfish, damsels, angel fish, name it all, graced us with their presence. It was a true underwater symphony of life.
Moreover, it became evident that eagle rays were a common sight in this area, much like in Arena Island. In each of the three dives, these magnificent creatures made appearances, delighting both groups of divers, even as we explored two different dive sites at the same time.
This place is indeed remarkable, for here, we witnessed an abundance of barramundi, an exceedingly rare sight in the Philippines. Additionally, giant napoleons congregated in larger groups than we had ever seen in Tubbataha, whether engaging in mating rituals or simply enjoying social interactions. The sheer spectacle of these magnificent creatures in such numbers left an indelible mark, making this destination an exceptional and unparalleled marine wonder.
The coral reef’s pristine condition also left us in awe. There were no traces of destructive practices like dynamite fishing to be found. From the shallower portions of the reef to depths of 30 meters, the marine environment remained intact and untouched. Our three dives were just a glimpse of what this area has to offer, and we couldn’t help but wonder what more we might discover if we continued to explore this remarkable place. It’s a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting such pristine marine habitats, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy its underwater beauty.
Cavili Island seems to have it all, but with two notable absence – sharks and Manta Rays. However, considering the limited exploration of this site, there’s a tantalizing possibility that these majestic creatures may indeed make appearances in the future. If that were to happen, there’s no denying that Cavili’s dive site could potentially surpass even the renowned Tubbataha Reefs in terms of underwater splendor and diversity. The ocean has a way of surprising us with its secrets, and Cavili Island holds the promise of unveiling even more of its underwater treasures as it continues to be explored and protected.
Arena and Cavili Islands boast tremendous tourism potential, and we aspire to further explore these areas in the future. Moreover, we are immensely grateful to the local communities and government in both regions for their unwavering commitment to protecting and conserving their precious marine habitats, even as fishing remains their primary source of sustenance. We envision a future where tourism can contribute to boosting their local economies, as companies like ours collaborate to promote the area in a sustainable manner.
We count ourselves among the fortunate few who have had the privilege to uncover the splendor of these two hidden gems in the Sulu Sea, and our hearts are filled with gratitude.
Talk to us more about the exploration.
Ask Questions.
Email us at sales@infinitiliveaboard.com or connect with us in Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/InfinitiLiveaboard