Bantayan Island: Discover Scuba Diving

Quick Overview

Looking to try scuba diving during your stay in the Philippines? At just $74 per person, this 3-hour experience on Bantayan Island offers a fantastic way to get your feet wet—literally—under the careful guidance of certified instructors. The tour begins at The Hungry Beach Co., with a scenic boat ride to some of Bantayan’s best coral reefs, where vibrant marine life awaits.

What we love most about this experience is the thoughtful safety briefing and shallow water practice, which make beginners feel confident before heading into the deeper waters. Plus, the opportunity to capture photos of your underwater adventure is a lovely keepsake. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the experience is relatively short—so if you’re craving more extensive diving, you’d need to look into certification courses elsewhere.

This tour will appeal most to travelers who are curious about the underwater world but hesitant to commit to a full certification. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a safe, guided introduction with beautiful scenery and marine encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: Perfect for first-timers with certified guides ensuring safety and ease.
• Short but memorable: A 3-hour window packed with underwater sights and hands-on practice.
• Scenic locations: Bantayan’s coral reefs and marine life create vibrant underwater landscapes.
• Professional guidance: Instructors prioritize safety and personalized support.
• Includes photos: Capture your underwater moments for lasting memories.
• Limited groups: Small groups (up to 4 participants) mean more personalized attention.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: The Hungry Beach Co.

Our adventure begins at The Hungry Beach Co., a beachside shop that sets a relaxed tone. The meeting is smooth, and the staff is friendly, making it easy to get comfortable before heading out. The group size is capped at 4 participants, which means fewer crowds and more tailored guidance—a real plus for nervous first-timers.

Introduction and Safety Briefing

The first 30 minutes are dedicated to an informative briefing led by a certified instructor. We appreciated how clear and approachable the explanations were, especially concerning safety protocols. They covered the basics of using scuba gear, signals, and what to expect underwater. It’s this step that builds confidence, especially for those who’ve never tried anything like it.

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Shallow Water Practice

Next, we moved into shallow waters for hands-on practice. Here, we learned how to clear masks, regulate breathing, and manage our equipment—all with plenty of patience from our instructor, Mark. The controlled environment makes a huge difference, as you can get comfortable with your gear before entering the deeper, more vibrant reef areas. Several reviewers mention feeling reassured by the detailed guidance, which is crucial for beginners.

The Boat Dive: Exploring Bantayan’s Coral Reefs

The highlight is the boat ride to scenic dive sites, where the crystal-clear waters reveal a tapestry of coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. The guided dive lasts around an hour, during which you’ll encounter vibrant coral formations and a variety of marine life. Many guests mention how colorful and peaceful the underwater scenery is—an experience that stays with you long after resurfacing.

Post-Dive Debrief and Photos

Afterward, we regroup at the boat, sharing impressions and photos taken during the dive. The tour includes a photo package, allowing you to take home visual memories of your underwater adventure. Those interested in advancing their diving skills can discuss certification options, which the instructor will happily explain.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Stunning Underwater Views: Bantayan’s dive sites are known for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. You might see colorful fish, sea stars, and perhaps even turtles. The clarity of the water enhances visibility, making it more likely you’ll have some memorable sights.

Personalized Attention: The small group size means you’ll receive more individualized support. The instructor, Mark, was praised for his patience and clear instructions—great for nervous beginners or anyone who wants a more tailored experience.

Safety First: Every step is carefully explained, with instructors emphasizing safety and comfort, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery. The shallow water training makes the transition into the deeper waters smooth and stress-free.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While many rave about the experience, there are some things to keep in mind. The duration is just 3 hours, so if you’re hoping for an extended dive or multiple dives, you’ll need to look into more comprehensive courses. Also, the experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with certain medical issues, or people feeling under the weather. Be sure to follow the guidelines and arrive prepared with sunscreen, a towel, and a reusable water bottle.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This experience is ideal for first-time divers, travelers with limited time, and those curious about the underwater world without long-term commitments. It’s a great way to dip your toes into scuba diving and see if you enjoy it enough to pursue certification later.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking an authentic and accessible introduction to scuba diving in the Philippines, Bantayan Island’s Discover Scuba tour offers a blend of professional guidance, scenic beauty, and a memorable underwater encounter. The small group size and emphasis on safety make it particularly appealing for those new to diving or looking for a gentle, guided adventure.

The stunning views of coral reefs and marine life, combined with the friendly support from certified instructors, make this a worthwhile addition to any Bantayan itinerary. Whether you’re photographing your first fish or simply soaking up the tranquility beneath the waves, this experience leaves you with a genuine sense of wonder—and perhaps a new hobby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The tour is designed specifically for first-time divers, with a comprehensive briefing and shallow water practice to ensure everyone feels comfortable before exploring the reefs.

How long does the dive last?
The guided boat dive itself lasts about 2.67 hours, within the total 3 hours of the experience, including training, briefing, and post-dive discussions.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers certified instructor guidance, full scuba equipment rental, shallow water training, a guided boat dive, a briefing, a debriefing session, and photos of your experience.

Can I get certified after this experience?
Yes. There is an option to pursue certification after the dive if you’re interested in continuing your diving journey.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a waterproof bag to keep your valuables safe. Avoid bringing alcohol or drugs, and follow safety guidelines.

Is transportation provided?
The tour starts and ends at The Hungry Beach Co., and while specific transportation details aren’t provided, the meeting point is accessible from nearby accommodations.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes. The experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, or those feeling unwell. It’s important to follow all health guidelines for safety.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to try scuba diving but unsure where to start, Bantayan Island offers a well-organized, beginner-friendly experience that balances safety, scenery, and fun. The small group size and professional guidance make it a reliable choice for nervous first-timers or travelers seeking a gentle introduction to the underwater world.

While it’s not a full certification course, it opens the door to more diving adventures and leaves you with lasting memories of the beauty beneath Philippine waters. This tour is best suited for those wanting a short, guided, and scenic introduction, especially if you’re visiting Bantayan for a limited time but want a meaningful experience.

If you’re after an authentic, well-supported first taste of scuba diving, this tour delivers both on safety and spectacle, making it a standout activity during your Philippine trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: