General Information Romblon

Romblon is an archipelagic province in the Philippines. It sits in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands are Tablas, Sibuyan, and the smaller island of Romblon — the provincial capital. Today, Romblon is one of the Philippines’ most exciting scuba diving destinations. It is especially known for macro diving and underwater photography in its pristine, biodiverse waters.

Romblon has a rich history. Aboriginal Filipinos inhabited the islands before the Spanish arrived in 1569. Archaeological artifacts recovered in 1936 confirm an advanced pre-colonial culture. The Spanish administered Romblon under Arevalo province until 1716. It then transferred to Capiz province. The Americans declared Romblon a province in 1901. It briefly lost provincial status between 1907 and 1945, but regained it in 1946 after World War II.

Romblon’s inhabitants belong to three ethnolinguistic groups: Romblomanon, Onhan, and Asi. Each group occupies specific islands. Furthermore, each has its own language and customs. Romblomanon is spoken in Romblon town, across Sibuyan Island, and in San Agustin on Tablas Island. Onhan is spoken in southern Tablas municipalities. Additionally, the northwestern part of Tablas — including Odiongan, Calatrava, Corcuera, Banton, and Concepcion — speaks Asi.

The province relies on agriculture, fishing, and its famous marble industry. Romblon is known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines.” In recent years, however, it has grown into a premier ecotourism destination. White sand beaches, macro dive sites, and lush rainforests draw visitors annually. As a result, underwater photographers and scuba divers now rank Romblon among the Philippines’ top dive destinations.

Geography

Romblon sits at the centre of the Philippine archipelago. It comprises three major islands — Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon — plus 17 smaller islands. Masbate borders it to the east and Mindoro to the west. Marinduque lies to the north and Panay to the south. Moreover, the islands sit approximately 346 km south of Manila. Most islands are accessible only by sea. However, Tablas Island has a domestic airport in Alcantara municipality.

Climate

Romblon falls under Type III of the Corona climatic classification. This means no pronounced wet or dry season. Generally, the wet season runs from June to November. The dry season runs from January to May. Therefore, diving conditions are good year-round. The annual mean temperature is 27°C. February is the coolest month at 20°C. May is the warmest at 35°C. Habagat monsoon winds pass through from June to October. Amihan northeasterly winds blow from December to February — ideal conditions for macro diving and underwater photography on the sheltered west-facing sites around Alad Island.