15 Scuba Diving Courses in the Philippines to Build a Day Around

1.WaterColors – Discover Scuba Diving in Boracay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · from $75Our pick

Meet PADI instructors at WaterColors near Willy’s Rock for a three-hour beginner scuba lesson. You’ll practice in shallow water, then take a boat to an open-water reef off White Beach. Jimmy and Ronald have earned praise for calm, patient instruction. The program is for ages 10 and up, but it does not provide certification.

“Great experience for first time divers! Jimmy was an excellent instructor and made sure we were safe and comfortable before our dive. It was a fun experience and great learning opportunity for those wanting to try scuba diving. Beginner friendly!”

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2.WaterColors – Open Water Diver Certification in Boracay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · from $545

Spend four days at WaterColors Boracay learning scuba skills with a PADI-qualified instructor. You will study theory, practice in shallow and confined water, complete open-water boat sessions, pass a final exam, and receive certification. Instructors such as Jimmy and Darwin are available, with equipment, boat transport, course materials, and certification processing included.

“My dive instructor Darwin is sooo great! I have not been diving for 8 years but Darwin’s clear instructions, patience and attention helped me a lot to enjoy diving again!”

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3.Discover Scuba Diving with Manta Rays in Sibaltan

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 24 reviews · 6 hours · from $126

From Mobula Divers Sibaltan, you’ll learn basic scuba skills, then visit the Manta Cleaning Station for a second session at up to 12 meters. English and Tagalog instructors, including Alex, John, and Simone, guide small groups of no more than 10. Bring swimwear and sunscreen, and arrange your own ride from El Nido.

“It was my first time diving so i was a bit nervous, but john (the diving instructor) explained everything and everything was very clear. A very nice experience. We did not see any manta rays but we saw other cool stuff. John had also a go pro camera and recorded some vids and sent them to us after the trip. Highly recommend!!”

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4.Discover Scuba Diving in Boracay

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Best value

You’ll learn basic scuba skills with an English-speaking instructor, practice in shallow water, then spend about 20 minutes in the sea with close guidance. The $49 session includes equipment, wetsuit, photos and video, local escort, showers, towels, water, and secure storage. Meet near Astoria Boracay on White Beach.

“The trip is pretty much made for people who can‘t even swim or move around alone in the water. If you are comfortable in the water - even with no scuba experience I would choose a different company. It took around 1,5h from the first introduction to actually diving in the ocean. In total I think we dove for maybe 20min. Although it was not really diving. We pretty much got dragged around in the water in a pair of two and then got placed infront of a clownfish. I also did scuba diving with a different company were I could swim around on my own, with the guide next…”

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5.Scuba Diving in Boracay: SSI Basic Diver for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $61

At DiveGurus Boracay, you’ll watch a short video, learn basic scuba skills in shallow water, then take a boat to a nearby site for 10 to 15 minutes underwater. Instructors including Brian, Darwin, Carlo, Aika, Ju Ju, and Gen are praised for calm guidance. Equipment, boat service, refreshments, and a towel are included.

“DiveGurus is such an amazing place to stay, and our instructor Brian was so supportive. I was stressing in the beginning but he helped me calm down and explore the beauty of the underwater world ❤️”

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6.Scuba Diver Course (PADI)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $270

Train for a PADI Scuba Diver certification over two days at Scotty’s inside Shangri-La Mactan. You’ll learn under direct professional supervision and qualify to descend to 12 meters. Equipment, towel, bottled water, taxes, and fees are included. PADI materials and lunch cost extra. Bernie may be your instructor.

“Bernie was my instructor and he was amazing. Knowledgeable and patient. I would recommend Scotty's sports at the Shangri La Resort in Mactan to anyone seeking Scuba lessons.”

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7.Discover Scuba Diving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $149

Start at Shangri-La Resort Mactan with a safety video, equipment fitting, and basic skills in shallow water or the pool. Then spend about 40 minutes underwater with an instructor such as Bernie, Michal, Michael, or Wensky nearby. Gear, towel, and entrance fees are included.

“Great team of professionals organised everything and we had the most amazing time. The photos that Michael shared with us were simply amazing. Thanks for the amazing day.”

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8.DiveGurus – Open Water Diver Course SSI/PADI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $580

Learn scuba skills with DiveGurus Boracay over three days. You will complete classroom study, at least five confined-water sessions, and four open-water boat sessions with an SSI or PADI instructor. Instructors including Brian, Max, Karlo, and Andrew are associated with the course, which ends with a globally recognized entry-level certification.

“If you’re considering getting PADI certified in Boracay, stop looking—Max is the instructor you need! I completed my Open Water PADI certification with him during my vacation, and it was hands-down one of the best decisions I’ve ever mRead more”

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9.Open Water Course (PADI)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $400

Begin at Scotty’s inside Shangri-La Mactan with instructors Michel and Freddie guiding you through the PADI Open Water course. Over about two days, you’ll learn core scuba skills, use supplied equipment, and train at your own limits. The course ends where it begins, with Lapu-Lapu Monument nearby for an easy extra stop.

“Phenomenal experience. Michel and Freddie takes their time and delivers clear and concise instruction. Ensuring everyone trains to standard but well within their limits. Safety was always paramount. The entire experience was surreal. Read more”

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10.WaterColors – PADI Scuba Diver Certification in Boracay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $485

Spend two days earning your PADI Scuba Diver certification at WaterColors in Boracay. You’ll study theory, practice skills in shallow water, complete boat-based open-water sessions, and finish your paperwork with an instructor such as Jimmy or Jenny Jara. Equipment, course materials, certification processing, and coffee, tea, and water are included.

“Jimmy is a good coach. Share a lot of knowledge about scuba diving. More over, all the employees here are nice and kind. What a good place!”

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11.Scuba Diving in Boracay: SSI Basic Diver for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 4 hours · from $63

Spend four hours learning basic scuba skills with a certified instructor, then practice in shallow water and take a boat trip into Boracay waters. The SSI Basic Diver course includes gear, materials, fees, and coffee or tea. It is open to ages 10 and up and can count toward SSI Open Water training.

“The instructors are very personable yet professional. They take their time to ensure you have a wonderful experience safely.”

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12.Boracay PADI Discover Scuba Diving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $60

Spend about two and a half hours learning basic scuba skills, practicing in shallow water, then visiting Boracay’s coral garden by boat. A PADI professional supervises the session, while an underwater photographer takes pictures and video. Guides named in feedback include Peter and Roy, with Justine Marie and Jim also praised for their care.

“The diving experience was amazing; the breathtaking scenery of crystal waters and corals while the fish approached us with curiosity was really enjoyable. Sir Peter continues hand gestures to make sure that we are as relaxed and comfortablRead more”

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13.Discover Scuba Diving – No Experience Needed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 3 hours · from $104

Spend three hours learning basic scuba skills, practicing in shallow water, then taking a guided 30-minute ocean session off Panglao. An English, Korean, or Tagalog-speaking instructor stays beside you, and gear, boat transport, marine fees, and underwater photos are included. Basic swimming skills are recommended.

“This was a very nice experience with guides that really helped us as beginners. They will tell you although you should equalize your nose when going down often. They took photos and videos for us while diving which was also very nice.”

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14.Fisheye Divers: Discover Scuba Diving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 3 hours · from $126

Fisheye Divers’ three-hour PADI 5 Star Discover Scuba Diving session in Boracay takes you from classroom briefing to shallow-water practice and a guided 45-minute reef outing. Instructor Butch is noted for clear, reassuring instruction, while the crew provides equipment, snacks, transport from Stations 1 to 3, and photos and videos.

“The staff were excellent. Good safety briefing and training and the instructor, Butch, was amazing. As a beginner had a great time exploring the reefs”

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15.Panglao Bohol: Try Scuba Diving at Napaling and Sardines

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 45 min · from $105

Meet your English-speaking guide at Napaling Adventure Center for a 30 to 45 minute scuba session at Napaling Reef. Non-swimmers, non-certified guests, and beginners can join. Swim beside large sardine schools, then receive all unedited GoPro photos and videos at no extra cost. Hotel pickup is not included.

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