Exploring the ocean’s depths is a mesmerizing experience that reveals a world of vibrant marine life, captivating coral reefs, and mysterious underwater landscapes. The Philippines is famous for its awe-inspiring diving spots, attracting diving enthusiasts in search of extraordinary underwater experiences. In this blog post, we unveil a comprehensive guide to 65 of the best diving schools scattered across the archipelago. Join us on an extraordinary underwater adventure as we explore the breathtaking depths of the Philippines’ magnificent marine wonders. Find the top diving schools for beginners and experienced divers. Experience the thrill of exploring underwater with these unforgettable journeys.
Tips Choosing the right Dive School
When selecting a dive school, it is essential to ensure that it meets your specific needs, priorities, and safety requirements. Here are ten crucial factors to take into account:
- Certification and Accreditation: Ensure the dive school is recognized by reputable diving organizations like PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), guaranteeing that they adhere to industry standards.
- Experienced Instructors: Look for schools with experienced and certified instructors who prioritize safety, provide thorough training, and can cater to various skill levels.
- Small Class Sizes: Opt for dive schools that maintain small class sizes. This ensures more personalized attention, better communication, and a safer learning environment.
- Safety Record: Investigate the school’s safety record and reputation. Reading reviews and talking to other divers can provide insights into the school’s commitment to safety protocols.
- Quality of Equipment: Check the condition and maintenance of the diving equipment provided by the school. Well-maintained gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
- Diverse Dive Sites: A good dive school should offer access to a variety of dive sites suitable for different skill levels, allowing you to progress and explore new environments as you gain experience.
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose a school with flexible scheduling options that can accommodate your availability. This is particularly important if you have a tight travel itinerary.
- Inclusive Packages: Look for schools that offer comprehensive packages, including gear rental, certification fees, and instructional materials. Clear pricing without hidden costs is essential.
- Environmental Responsibility: Consider dive schools that prioritize environmental conservation and responsible diving practices. A commitment to protecting marine ecosystems is a positive sign.
- Post-Certification Support: Evaluate whether the school provides additional resources or support after certification, such as dive trips, advanced courses, or a community of divers to connect with.
By giving thorough consideration to these factors, you can select a dive school that not only caters to your immediate training requirements but also establishes the groundwork for a secure and gratifying lifelong diving adventure.
65 Best Dive Schools in the Philippines
Turtle Divers | Serena St, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, 5313 Palawan | http://www.turtle-divers.com/ | +639096540829 | |
Tabanka Divers | Lugadia Beach Beachfront, next to Outpost Hostel, Barangay Corong Corong, El Nido, 5313 Palawan | https://www.tabanka-divers.com/ | +639052253464 | |
Submariner Diving Center | C. Hama, Zone 3, El Nido, 5313 Palawan | http://www.submarinerdiving.com/ | +639451849072 | |
Sierra Madre Divers | Alona Beach Tawala Panglao Island, 6339 Bohol | https://www.smdiversbohol.com/ | +639683316129 | |
Siltless Deep Sea Dive Center – Scuba Recreational and Technical Diving | 149 Scout Fuentebella Ext, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila | http://www.siltless.com/ | +639159397938 | |
Shark Diving Palawan | Carpe Diem, F. Ponce de Leon Rd, Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan | http://www.sharkdivingpalawan.com/ | +639771167256 | |
Sea Explorers Malapascua | Malapascua Island, Bounty Beach, Daanbantayan, Cebu | http://www.sea-explorers.com/ | +639173204158 | |
Sea Explorers Philippines | Room #206, Corner of Escario &, CRM Building, Molave St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu | https://www.sea-explorers.com/ | +63322340248 | |
SCUBA Studio | Corner P. Guevarra St, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila | http://www.scubastudio.ph/ | +63272392934 | |
Kasai Village Dive Academy | X969+QRC Kasai Village Dive Resort, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu | http://www.scubadivingphilippines.com/ | +639176220257 | |
Reggae Dive Center | National Highway, corner, Governor’s Dr, Barangay 5, Coron, 5316 Palawan | http://www.reggaedivecenter.com.ph/ | +639286506179 | |
Pro-Tech Philippines | G2XF+5VG Ponce (No Shop, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila | http://www.protech-ph.com/ | +639154516686 | |
Pirates Diving Center | Banquang Main highway, Barrangay 5, Coron, 5316 Palawan | https://www.piratescoron.com/ | +639959537887 | |
Philippine Technical Divers | Unit 203 Buma Bldg, 1012 Metropolitan Ave, Makati, 1203 Metro Manila | http://www.philtech.net/ | +63276228111 | |
Philippine Dive Master | Chino Roces Ave, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1230 Metro Manila | http://www.philippinedivemaster.com/ | +639172565505 | |
Palawan Divers | C. Hama, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan | https://www.palawan-divers.org/ | +639177743210 | |
Padi 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center | 4402 B. Valdez, Poblacion, Makati, 1211 Kalakhang Maynila | http://www.padi.com/ | Not found. | |
Dive Buddies Philippines | 4402 B. Valdez, Poblacion, Makati, 1210 Kalakhang Maynila | http://www.padi.com/ | +63288902782 | |
Pacifica Dive | 2226 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila | http://www.pacificadive.net/ | +63288464220 | |
Neptune Dive Center | National Highway, Coron, 5316 Palawan | http://www.neptunedivecenter.com/ | +639217607492 | |
Nautilus Dive and Sports Center | Catleya Condominium Building, 235 Salcedo, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila | http://www.nautilus-dive.net/ | +63288177293 | |
Metro Divers | 308 P. Guevarra St, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila | http://www.metrodivers.ph/ | +639175417004 | |
Marco Vincent Dive Resort | SIMEON DIMAYACYAC ST, Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro | http://www.marcovincent.com/ | +639189574459 | |
ManuMano Freedive – Blue House | National Rd, Mabini, Batangas | http://www.manumano-diving.com/ | +639178832775 | |
Manila Dive Academy | 20 Malipajo Street, Valle Verde 3, Pasig, 1604 Metro Manila | http://www.maniladiveacademy.com/ | +639266776374 | |
Mango’s Dive Center | 116A National Highway, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales | http://www.mangosdivecenter.com/ | +639296486051 | |
Octopus Divers | Im At-Cans Beach Resort, Sabang Beach Walk, Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro | http://www.mac-octopusdivers.com/ | +639193790811 | |
IDC Philippines | Not found. | https://www.idcphilippines.org/ | +639276263346 | |
Nelson’s Dive Center | X928+2C7, Panagsama Rd, Moalboal, Cebu | https://www.ibara.ne.jp/~bitoon/ | +639952239771 | |
Haka Dive Center | Danao beach, Daorong Blvd, Panglao, Bohol | http://www.hakadivecenter.com/ | +639686121973 | |
Fisheye Divers | Boracay Island Station 1 Beach Front, Malay, 5608 Aklan | http://www.fisheyedivers.com/ | +639178845003 | |
El Dive | Rizal St, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan | https://www.el-dive.com/ | +639991712915 | |
Coron Easy Diving Corporation | Zuri Resort, Governor’s Dr, Coron, 5316 Palawan | http://www.easydiving.ph/ | +639613621842 | |
Dumaguete Divers | Bonifacio, poblacion 1, Dauin, 6217 Negros Oriental | http://www.dumaguetedivers.com/ | +639291388117 | |
Dive Union | Kahuna Beach Resort & Spa National Highway Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Fernando, 2514 La Union | http://www.diveunion.com.ph/ | +639177201859 | |
DiveThruInc | 55 Laguna Bay, Sucat, Parañaque, 1700 Metro Manila | http://www.divethruinc.com/ | +639175273271 | |
Ocean Dive Supply Philippines Inc- Mactan Island | Unit A103-A104, Ground floor, Maribago Coast Center, M.L. Quezon National Highway, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu | https://www.divesupply.com.ph/ | +639171787277 | |
Dive Republic | Lot 23 Block 6 Holy Spirit Drive, Don Antonio Heights, 1121 | http://www.diverep.com/ | +639173957723 | |
Dive Buddies Philippines | 877 Dr Jose P. Rizal Ave, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila | http://www.divephil.com/ | +63288997388 | |
Divenet Philippines | Barangay, 32 Rajah Matanda, Project 4, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila | http://www.divenetphil.com/ | +639178983483 | |
DiveGurus Boracay | Sitio Ambulong Rd, Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan | http://www.divegurus.com/ | +63362885486 | |
Dive Funatics | Inside Kontiki Marina Resort, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu | https://www.divefunatics.com/ | +639478936560 | |
Deep Blue Dive Seafari | Serena St, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan | http://www.deepbluediveseafari.com/ | +639682973433 | |
Coral Sea Dive Cebu | Barangay Alegria Rd, Cordova, 6017 Cebu | http://www.coralseadivecenter.com/ | +639956195397 | |
Cebu Fun Divers | Sitio Talisay, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu | http://www.cebufundivers.com/ | +63324743219 | |
Cebu dive guide | Tuble Marine Sanctuary, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu | https://www.cebudiveguide.com/ | +639761033374 | |
Mactan Scuba Dive Centre | Vano Beach, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu | http://www.cebu-scuba.com/ | +639176794999 | |
Philippine Fun Divers, Inc. | Alona Beach Rd, Panglao, Bohol | http://www.boholfundivers.com/ | +639456986068 | |
Bohol Divers Club Dive Center | Alona Beach Rd, Danao, Panglao, Bohol | http://www.boholdivers.com/ | +63385029050 | |
Blueworld Dive Center | 330 El Grande Ave, Subd, Parañaque, 1720 Metro Manila | http://www.blueworld.com.ph/ | +639950214792 | |
Bicol Scuba Diving School Philippines | Donsol – Pio Duran Rd, Donsol, Sorsogon | http://www.bicoldivecenter.com/ | +639958872399 | |
BICOL DIVE CENTER – Donsol office | Purok 7, Bgy, Donsol, 4715 Sorsogon | http://www.bicoldivecenter.com/ | +639958872399 | |
Aquanaut Dive Center | C. Hama, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan | http://www.aquanautelnido.com/ | +639651547804 | |
Aquaventure Reef Club. The original dive resort in the Philippines. | PVGM+H84, Sitio Looc Barangay, Mabini, 4202 Batangas | https://www.aqua-venture.com/ | +639399246488 | |
Action Divers Puerto Galera, Philippines | Small Lalaguna Beach, Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro | https://www.actiondivers.com/ | +639202248665 | |
Wicked Squid Divers | Ambulong Rd, Boracay, Malay, 5608 Aklan | http://wickedsquiddivers.com/ | +639632241593 | |
Tech Asia | Behind Arkipelago Resort Small LaLaguna, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro | https://techasia.ph/ | +639178043890 | |
Sidive | 2 Villa Terrace, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu | http://sidive.com/ | +639062222000 | |
Sidive Diving Centre | Club Kontiki Diving Resort Corp., Pajac-Maribago Rd, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu | http://sidive.com/ | +639062222000 | |
Seaquest Dive Center PADI 5* IDC Dive Resort | Alona Beach Rd, Panglao, Bohol | https://seaquestdivecenter.com/ | +639851333558 | |
Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving: Subic Bay | National Highway, Baloy, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales | https://scubatechphilippines.com/ | Not found. | |
Scuba De Oro | Cabua-an Beach Resort, 7P2F +9C7, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin | https://scubadeoro.com/ | +639173127872 | |
Savedra Dive Center | 6032 Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Cebu | http://savedra.com/ | +639173211475 | |
Reef Haven | Muelle Port, Brgy. Poblacion, Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro | https://reefhaven.ph/ | +639674079966 | |
Oceanplayer Dive | 6015 Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, marigondon | http://oceanplayerdive.com/ | +63324942907 |
In summary, exploring the 65 diving schools in the Philippines reveals a wide range of exciting opportunities for diving enthusiasts. From the azure depths of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to the captivating coral gardens of Apo Island, each dive school offers a gateway to a unique underwater realm, rich in marine biodiversity and teeming with adventure. Upon exploring this comprehensive guide, it becomes clear that the Philippines not only offers exceptional dive sites but also hosts a network of exceptional diving schools dedicated to safety, education, and environmental preservation.
No matter if you’re just starting out and eager to explore the enchanting realm beneath the waves, or if you’re an experienced diver looking for thrilling new adventures, the archipelago has something for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. Choosing the right dive school is essential, as it should cater to your personal preferences and needs. Look for a school that offers experienced instructors, small class sizes, and a strong dedication to environmental conservation.
May the knowledge acquired from this guide be your guiding light, leading you to a remarkable and secure diving adventure as you begin your underwater exploration in the Philippines. Submerged in pristine waters and vibrant marine life, every dive offers not only an adventure but a deep bond with the breathtaking beauty that dwells below the water’s surface. Dive in, explore, and let the Philippines be your canvas for unforgettable aquatic experiences.