Candaping B Sanctuary

Candaping B Sanctuary protects a thriving section of reef off Siquijor's eastern coast where marine conservation has created an intermediate-level diving environment rich in biodiversity and underwater scenic beauty. The sanctuary sits along the less-developed eastern shore of the island, offering divers a quieter alternative to the popular western and southern sites while delivering marine encounters that rival or surpass them. The dive begins over a reef flat that reveals the sanctuary's healthy status from the first moment. Dense hard coral coverage extends across the substrate with barely a gap between colonies, the overlapping formations creating a three-dimensional habitat of remarkable structural complexity. The quality of this coral growth reflects years of effective protection, with colonies of substantial size indicating long periods of undisturbed development. The reef slopes to thirty meters over a gradient that provides comfortable navigation for intermediate divers. The slope is punctuated by coral bommies and rocky outcrops that create focal points for marine activity. Each prominent feature attracts its own community of fish, creating a series of natural gathering points that make the dive feel like a guided tour through distinct underwater neighborhoods. Fish biomass within Candaping B Sanctuary is noticeably higher than on unprotected sections of the same coastline. Large schools of surgeonfish and parrotfish move across the reef in organized formations, their collective feeding maintaining the balance between coral growth and algal encroachment. Groupers of impressive size patrol their territories with confident authority, their presence a clear indicator of a mature and well-protected ecosystem. The mid-depth zone between fifteen and twenty-five meters offers the dive's richest variety. Anemone gardens host clownfish families whose territorial displays provide constant entertainment. Cleaning stations attract queues of fish patiently waiting their turn as tiny cleaner wrasses methodically remove parasites from gills, mouths, and skin. These behavioral observation opportunities are among the most fascinating aspects of reef diving, and Candaping B's healthy ecosystem provides multiple active stations on every dive. Turtle encounters within the sanctuary are reliably common. Green sea turtles rest on coral formations and graze across the reef flat, their tranquil presence reflecting both the protection of the sanctuary and their comfort around respectful human visitors. Hawksbill turtles occasionally appear as well, their pointed beaks specially adapted for feeding on the sponges that grow throughout the reef framework. The deeper sections of the sanctuary slope support healthy soft coral and gorgonian growth. Sea fans extend their branches into the current, while colonies of soft coral add splashes of purple and red to the deeper reef landscape. These organisms provide habitat for specialized species including pygmy seahorses, whose discovery clinging to a matching gorgonian branch is one of diving's most celebrated micro-encounters. Candaping B Sanctuary benefits from generally favorable conditions, with mild currents and visibility that typically ranges from fifteen to twenty meters. The eastern exposure means the site catches the morning light beautifully, making early dives particularly photogenic. Community guardians manage the sanctuary with dedication, ensuring that visiting divers contribute to the ongoing protection that makes this site such a rewarding destination on Siquijor's quieter eastern coast.