El Nido: Manta Ray Diving Experience in Sibaltan

El Nido: Manta Ray Diving Experience in Sibaltan
Location: Cavite, Philippines
Country: Philippines
Rating: 4.3/5 (7 reviews)
Price: $122 per person
Supplier: Mobula Divers Sibaltan
Similar Experiences: El Nido Island Hopping Tours, Hidden Beaches & Lagoons, and more via GetYourGuide.

Quick Overview

This tour takes you about one hour from El Nido town to Sibaltan—where the crystal-clear waters and serene environment make for a truly peaceful diving experience. For $122, certified divers get two guided dives, exploring the famous Manta Cleaning Station and a vibrant, untouched coral reef. A great option if you’re craving a break from the busy tourist scene and want to see some of Palawan’s most beautiful underwater spots.

What we like most:

• The chance to see manta rays up close—a special highlight for marine life lovers.
• The quiet, pristine environment—far from crowds, with excellent visibility and untouched reefs.

A possible consideration:

• The price excludes transportation from El Nido or Puerto Princesa, so you’ll need to arrange that separately, which can add to your overall cost.

This experience suits certified divers who appreciate calm waters, vibrant reefs, and the thrill of spotting manta rays. If you’re seeking a peaceful but adventure-filled day under the sea, this tour could be perfect.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Remote location: A peaceful alternative to crowded dive sites.
• Marine encounters: Close views of manta rays at the cleaning station.
• Pristine reefs: Healthy, colorful coral ecosystems teeming with marine life.
• All equipment included: Full dive gear, boat, towels, snacks—convenience at its best.
• Small group atmosphere: Limited to 10 participants for personalized attention.
• Flexible cancellation: Full refunds if you cancel 24 hours before the tour.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Travel Logistics

Mobula Divers Sibaltan is roughly an hour’s drive from El Nido, offering a much-needed escape from the busier tourist spots. The trip begins at their diving center, where you’ll meet your guide—likely speaking English, Spanish, or Tagalog—and then hop onto a speedboat for the 30-minute ride to the dive sites.

While the tour doesn’t include transportation from El Nido or Puerto Princesa, the provider offers flexible options, starting from as low as 500 PHP for two people, whether shared or private. This makes it accessible for those staying in El Nido, though it’s worth planning ahead to ensure smooth logistics.

The Itinerary Break-Down

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, split between engaging activities and relaxing moments. It begins with a warm welcome at the diving center, followed by a 30-minute boat ride to the first dive site: the Binulbulan Island reef. Here, you’ll spend around 50 minutes exploring the coral gardens, which are described as healthy and teeming with colorful marine life.

After the first dive, there’s a one-hour break for brunch, giving you time to refuel, chat, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Then, it’s back on the boat for the second dive, again lasting about 50 minutes, where you’ll likely visit the Manta Cleaning Station—a special spot where majestic manta rays are cleaned by smaller fish, providing incredible opportunities for photographs and close-up views.

The trip wraps up with another 30-minute boat ride back to the diving center, leaving you with a sense of having experienced something truly special without the crowds or noise.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• Serene Environment: The area is described as “far from the busy tourist areas,” offering a sense of exclusivity and tranquility. Visibility in the water is excellent, making for clear shots of marine life.
• Close Encounters with Manta Rays: While not guaranteed, the chance to see manta rays at the cleaning station is a highlight for many divers. One reviewer even comments, “It was just awesome. The best diving experience ever,” emphasizing how memorable these sightings can be.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

All necessary diving equipment—wetsuits, tanks, masks, fins—is provided, removing the hassle of bringing your gear or renting locally. The boat rental, towels, and snacks are also covered, making the day straightforward and comfortable.

However, travelers need to arrange their own transportation to the starting point unless they book through the provider’s options. Also, those requiring a refresher course if it’s been over a year since your last dive will need to pay an additional 500 PHP for a quick review with an instructor.

What the Reviews Say

Of the seven reviews, the overall rating is 4.3. Many are delighted with the experience, with one traveler calling it “just awesome,” highlighting how the peaceful environment and pristine reefs stood out.

However, not everyone was lucky with manta sightings; one reviewer quipped, “You will not see many mantas,” reminding us that wildlife encounters depend on luck and timing. It’s worth keeping expectations realistic but hopeful.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re a certified diver craving a quiet, scenic experience that prioritizes natural beauty and marine encounters, this tour offers excellent value. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of all gear and snacks makes it hassle-free.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who value untouched reefs and want a chance to see manta rays without the crowds. The peaceful aquatic environment makes it ideal for photographers or anyone wanting a more relaxed, intimate dive experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Certified divers who enjoy healthy coral reefs and marine life.
• Travelers seeking a peaceful escape from busier tourist sites.
• Those comfortable with arranging transportation and aware of the potential for wildlife sightings but understanding they’re not guaranteed.
• Divers looking for a small group setting with personalized attention and high-quality equipment.

Final Thoughts

This Manta Ray Diving Experience in Sibaltan offers a rare chance to connect with some of the most graceful creatures in the ocean, all while floating over stunning, untouched reefs. It’s a perfect choice if you’re after a tranquil, authentic underwater adventure that combines the thrill of manta encounters with the beauty of pristine coral ecosystems.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value lies in the peaceful setting, quality gear, and the chance for memorable marine life sightings. Keep in mind the logistics of transportation and the possibility that manta rays might not always be visible. But if you’re a certified diver eager to explore less crowded, healthy dive sites, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified to join?
Yes, this tour is for certified divers. If it’s been over a year since your last dive, you’ll need a quick refresh with an instructor, costing +500 PHP.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers two guided dives, full diving equipment, boat rental, towels, snacks, and drinks, plus the expertise of an experienced dive master.

How long is the trip?
It lasts around 6 hours, including boat rides, dives, and a brunch break. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Can I arrange transportation from El Nido?
Transportation isn’t included in the price, but the provider offers options starting from 500 PHP for two people. You can also organize this separately.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Marine life should not be touched, so keep a respectful distance.

Is this tour suitable for non-divers?
No, this experience is specifically for certified divers. Non-divers might want to look into other activities like island-hopping or snorkeling.

To sum it up, this tour offers a quiet, immersive peek into Palawan’s underwater world, perfect for those seeking serenity, healthy reefs, and the chance to spot manta rays. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or looking to explore new waters with an expert, the Sibaltan Manta Ray Experience provides an authentic, beautifully peaceful day beneath the waves.

You can check availability for your dates here: