FAQs ABOUT SCUBA DIVING, FUN DIVES AND PADI OPEN WATER COURSES IN PALAWAN

Which Dive Sites will we got to?

 

Wind and waves can affect access of dive sites from June - January. November, December and January Typhoons can cause cancellations for all passenger boats including diving. Our experienced crew will decide the dive sites on short notice. We take factors in conclusion like wind forecast, wave directions, currents, tides, visibility and experience level of all guests on board. Please accept the captains decisions. Safety first.

 

Can we dive at the Shipwrecks?

 

Poorly not, the WW2 shipwrecks sunk near Coron, Busuanga. It's far from El Nido. Here we go for amazing Coral Reefs full of aquatic life.

 

What is the diving like in El Nido?

 

With more than 20 dive sites the Bacuit Archipel offers perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced divers. It's all about great coral diving. With 888 species of fish and 5 species of turtles you can always expect a nice surprise. Highlights are big schools of fish like Yellow Snapper, Tunas, Barracudas or Jacks. We do see Black-Tip sharks and different kind of Rays (Eagle, Devil and sometimes Manta) but we can not promise that. Whale sharks pass by from December to April. On a lucky day there are huge Parrot Bumpheads around as well as tiny Pipe Fish, tons of Nudie Branches and Sea Horse. Don't miss the famous Cabbage Corals in South Miniloc and the Dive-throughs in North Rock and Paglugaban. For experienced divers we organise dives in the Dilumacad Tunnel, a very unique underwater experience. Find more information here.

 

I never dove before, what are my options?

 

For beginners we recommend Discover Scuba Diving. A one day experience with 2 or 3 dives and a dive professional taking care of your fun and safety all the time. You start with practicing breathing underwater and some skills in pool like conditions. If you enjoy it and feel comfortable you can go for an Open Water Dive Experience on the second dive to maximum depth of 10 - 12 meters. You will not get certified – but it's a big step towards it and maybe you get addicted.

 

What is Discover Scuba Diving?

 

With Discover Scuba Diving we show you the safe and easy way to explore the wonderful underwater world of El Nido, Palawan. Meet us the day before diving around 5pm in Tabanka Divers, El Nido, to watch an introduction video, sign a waver and check your equipment. You need to be fit to dive, so there is also a medical questionnaire to fill out. Keep in mind that you can not dive with a cold or congestion. If not done yet, thats also when you pay for your diving. It takes 45 minutes. On the day of diving itself we meet at 8am. We will go on a boat trip until 4pm latest. Don't worry, fresh food and water are on board. A dive professional will take care of you at all time for your safety and fun. He or she will give you an easy to understand and entertaining briefing. A group usually consists of 2 Beginners with 1 Pro. All equipment that you need is included, also a wetsuit to keep you warm. You need to bring only swimwear, towel, sunscreen. A dry bag is quiet useful. Your training starts in shallow water with pool-like conditions surrounded by an amazing landscape. Every diver has to learn some basic skills in the beginning. After maybe 20 minutes of practice we can already swim to the reef and explore the aquatic life. Its your choice if you want to do 2 or 3 dives in 1 day. You do not get a Scuba Certificate for Discover Scuba Diving but it credited towards the Open Water License. If you decide to continue the Open Water Diver Course with us we will give you a discount on the course price. To confirm the booking we need a deposit in advance.

 

How to get my PADI Open Water Diver License?

 

Learn diving with us. It usually takes 3 – 4 days in which you watch videos, read a manual and practice skills with a Open Water Diver Instructor. Or do it in only 2 days with PADI eLearning. Small groups and big fun are guaranteed. You will do four Open Water Dives while your course. After passing the final exam you get certified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 Meters.

 

Why become an Advanced Open Water Diver?

 

Scuba Diving can be so much more than just following your guide. Take pictures and videos. Go new places. Find new species. Gain more experience. In the advanced course you do five Adventure Dives including a Deep Dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters and a Navigation Dive. And for sure you will never forget your first Night Dive.

 

My friends do not dive. Can they join?

 

Of course. Your friends can join us on the boat, enjoy the great landscape and go snorkelling in the shallow reefs. The more people, the more fun!