How to Get Your Scuba Diving License in the Philippines
Thinking about getting your scuba diving license in the Philippines while checking out tropical spots like Bohol, Cebu, or Puerto Galera? Whether it’s your first dive or you’re leveling up, the Philippines is one of the best and most affordable places to learn. This guide covers everything, from courses and top dive sites to costs, travel tips, and how to make it an epic adventure.
🌊Want to explore the top dive sites, best times to go, and what makes scuba diving in the Philippines truly unforgettable? Check out our full guide to scuba diving in the Philippines.
Why Choose the Philippines for Your Scuba Diving Certification?
With over 7,000 islands, warm tropical waters, and diverse marine life, the Philippines is a dream come true for scuba divers. Here’s why travelers from around the world choose the Philippines for scuba diving:
- World class dive sites like Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Galera, Apo Island, and Balicasag
- Affordable certification courses compared to North America or Europe
- English speaking instructors make learning easier
- Perfect year round diving conditions in places like Dauin, Moalboal, and Malapascua
- Laid back beach towns ideal for relaxing between dives
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Step 1: Choose the Right Scuba Certification
The most common certification agencies in the Philippines are:
- PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
- SSI (Scuba Schools International)
Both are internationally recognized, and the Open Water Diver course from either agency qualifies you to dive to a depth of 18 meters (60 feet).
Beginner Certification: Open Water Diver
This is the most popular course for first time divers and usually takes 3–4 days. It includes:
- Online or classroom theory sessions
- Confined water training (in a pool or shallow water)
- 4 open water dives in the ocean
Advanced Certification: Advanced Open Water Diver
For those who are already certified, the Advanced course allows you to:
- Dive to 30 meters (100 feet)
- Try different specialties like night diving, wreck diving, deep diving, and more!
Step 2: Pick Your Ideal Dive Destination in the Philippines
Here are some of the best destinations for scuba diving certification in the Philippines:
1. Moalboal, Cebu
- Home of the famous sardine run
- Great for beginners and budget travelers
- Plenty of PADI and SSI dive shops
2. Malapascua Island, Cebu
- Known for thresher shark sightings
- Offers both Open Water and Advanced courses
- Quiet island vibes, perfect for focused learning
3. Alona Beach, Bohol
- White sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs
- Excellent nightlife and lots of restaurants
- Bohol scuba diving guides often include packages with accommodation
4. Puerto Galera, Mindoro
- Close to Manila and easy to reach
- Great mix of macro life and coral gardens
- Plenty of dive resorts with accommodation packages
5. Dauin & Apo Island, Negros Oriental
- Best for muck diving and macro photography
- Calm waters and fewer crowds
- Ideal for digital nomads and long stay travelers
| Dive Spot | Best For | Where to Stay | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moalboal, Cebu | Sardine run, budget diving | Quo Vadis Dive Resort | Check Deals |
| Malapascua, Cebu | Thresher sharks | Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort | Book Now |
| Alona Beach, Bohol | Nightlife + Diving | Alona Vida Beach Resort | See Prices |
| Dauin, Negros | Macro photography | Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort or Bongo Bongo Divers | Reserve Here |
Step 3: Understand the Costs of Getting Certified
Scuba diving in the Philippines is generally cheaper than in most Western countries. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Open Water Course: $350 – $450 USD (includes gear rental, instructor, dives, and materials)
- Advanced Open Water Course: $300 – $400 USD
- Accommodation: Budget guesthouses from $15/night; Dive resorts from $30 – $100/night
- Extras: Add on dives, underwater photography, day trips to nearby islands
Tip: Many dive resorts in the Philippines offer combo packages that include accommodation, meals, and diving…check my top affiliate partners like Trip.com or Viator for discounts!
Step 4: What to Expect During Your Course
Day 1: Theory
- Learn diving physics, safety, and equipment use
- Online modules or classroom style sessions
Day 2: Confined Water Dives
- Practice skills like mask clearing, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures in shallow water
Day 3 & 4: Open Water Dives
- Explore real dive sites with your instructor
- Demonstrate your skills to earn your certification
Travel Tips for Scuba Students
- Best Time to Go: December to May (dry season), but diving is possible year round in many areas
- Travel Insurance: Choose a plan that covers scuba diving – I recommend DAN – Divers Alert Network.
- Stay Connected: I used Airalo eSIM for reliable data while island hopping
- Getting Around: 12Go is great for Tricycles, ferries, and domestic flights connect most dive towns
- Cash is King: Some areas may not accept cards bring pesos for local shops
Best Day Trips and Island Adventures for Scuba Divers in the Philippines
While earning your scuba diving license, why not explore some of the best places to visit in Bohol or Cebu?
- Bohol travel tips: Visit the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and waterfalls
- Things to do in Cebu: Canyoneering in Badian, snorkeling with turtles, or whale shark tours in Oslob
I recommend booking day trips with Viator for unique and thrilling experiences.
Eco-Friendly Scuba Diving in the Philippines: What You Should Know
When diving in the Philippines, always:
- Choose eco conscious dive shops
- Don’t touch marine life or corals
- Say no to single use plastics
- Follow the guidance of your dive instructor
- Bring reef safe sunscreen – get it here
This helps preserve these beautiful underwater ecosystems for future travelers and divers.
Is Getting Your Scuba License in the Philippines Worth It?
Getting your scuba diving license in the Philippines is definitely worth it. Whether you’re drifting with sardines in Moalboal, spotting thresher sharks in Malapascua, or discovering coral gardens in Bohol, you’ll carry these memories for life.
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